What is the primary purpose of the Warm Audio Lifter?

The Lifter is designed to provide 26dB of clean gain to low-output microphones, such as ribbons and certain dynamics, ensuring they have sufficient level for recording without added noise.

Does the Warm Audio Lifter require external power?

Yes, it requires 48V phantom power from a mixer or audio interface to operate its active internal circuitry.

Will the Lifter pass phantom power to my microphone?

No, it uses the phantom power for its own operation and does not pass it through, making it safe for ribbon microphones that could be damaged by 48V power.

Can I use the Lifter with a condenser microphone?

Generally, no. Since the Lifter does not pass phantom power through to the microphone, a condenser mic that requires phantom power will not function when connected to it.

What does the 100Hz high-pass filter do?

It rolls off frequencies below 100Hz, which helps eliminate room rumble, handling noise, and excessive low-end buildup caused by the proximity effect.

What is the benefit of the 3kHz high-shelf boost?

This boost adds clarity and detail to the signal. It is particularly useful for brightening up 'darker' sounding microphones or making vocals more prominent in a mix.

Is the gain on the Warm Audio Lifter adjustable?

No, the device provides a fixed amount of 26dB of analog gain. Level adjustments should be made on your subsequent preamp or interface.

How does the Lifter compare to a Cloudlifter or FetHead?

While all provide clean gain, the Warm Audio Lifter is unique for including a selectable high-pass filter and a high-shelf boost for immediate tonal shaping.

Is the Warm Audio Lifter suitable for live use?

Yes, its rugged build and premium components are designed to withstand the rigours of both studio and live performance environments.

Where should the Lifter be placed in the signal chain?

It should be placed between the microphone and the microphone input of your mixer or audio interface, typically using two XLR cables.

What is the typical price for the Warm Audio Lifter?

The device typically retails for approximately £108, positioning it as a mid-range professional tool.

Does the Lifter add colour to the sound?

The Lifter is designed for transparency; however, engaging the 3kHz boost or 100Hz filter will non-destructively alter the frequency response for better clarity.

Gear article

Warm Audio Lifter Inline Active Microphone Preamp

The Warm Audio Lifter is an inline active microphone preamplifier designed to provide 26dB of fixed analog gain for low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones. Primarily used in studio and live sound environments, it ensures high-quality signal transmission into audio interfaces or mixers while offering selectable frequency shaping controls.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Warm Audio Lifter serves as a signal booster intended for use with microphones that lack the output level to drive standard preamps effectively. Built with a rugged chassis for durability in both touring and studio contexts, it utilises premium components to maintain signal integrity. The unit is powered via standard 48V phantom power, which it uses to drive its internal circuitry rather than passing the power through to the microphone, making it safe for delicate vintage ribbon models.

Technical Features

Unlike basic inline boosters, the Lifter includes two distinct tone-shaping switches:

High-Pass Filter (100Hz): Designed to remove low-frequency rumble and proximity effect, enhancing general audio clarity.
High-Shelf Boost (3kHz): Provides a subtle lift to the upper-mids and treble, which is specifically effective for adding presence to darker microphones.
26dB Gain: Provides a consistent, clean gain stage to ensure the signal remains well above the noise floor of subsequent audio equipment.

Performance and Sound Character

The device is engineered for a transparent, clean analog sound. By providing 26dB of gain before the signal reaches the main preamp or interface, it reduces the need to push those devices to their limits, which often results in unwanted electronic hiss. The selectable filters allow it to act as a corrective tool for microphones that may sound too 'muddy' or 'dark' in certain recording environments.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Warm Audio Lifter competes with other inline preamps such as the sE Electronics DM2 TNT and the TritonAudio FetHead series. While basic models like the FetHead focus solely on gain, the Warm Audio Lifter distinguishes itself by offering active frequency shaping (HPF and Shelving EQ). This makes it more versatile than passive boosters or simpler active units that lack user-selectable filters.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Warm Audio Lifter?: The Lifter is designed to provide 26dB of clean gain to low-output microphones, such as ribbons and certain dynamics, ensuring they have sufficient level for recording without added noise.
Does the Warm Audio Lifter require external power?: Yes, it requires 48V phantom power from a mixer or audio interface to operate its active internal circuitry.
Will the Lifter pass phantom power to my microphone?: No, it uses the phantom power for its own operation and does not pass it through, making it safe for ribbon microphones that could be damaged by 48V power.
Can I use the Lifter with a condenser microphone?: Generally, no. Since the Lifter does not pass phantom power through to the microphone, a condenser mic that requires phantom power will not function when connected to it.
What does the 100Hz high-pass filter do?: It rolls off frequencies below 100Hz, which helps eliminate room rumble, handling noise, and excessive low-end buildup caused by the proximity effect.
What is the benefit of the 3kHz high-shelf boost?: This boost adds clarity and detail to the signal. It is particularly useful for brightening up 'darker' sounding microphones or making vocals more prominent in a mix.
Is the gain on the Warm Audio Lifter adjustable?: No, the device provides a fixed amount of 26dB of analog gain. Level adjustments should be made on your subsequent preamp or interface.
How does the Lifter compare to a Cloudlifter or FetHead?: While all provide clean gain, the Warm Audio Lifter is unique for including a selectable high-pass filter and a high-shelf boost for immediate tonal shaping.
Is the Warm Audio Lifter suitable for live use?: Yes, its rugged build and premium components are designed to withstand the rigours of both studio and live performance environments.
Where should the Lifter be placed in the signal chain?: It should be placed between the microphone and the microphone input of your mixer or audio interface, typically using two XLR cables.
What is the typical price for the Warm Audio Lifter?: The device typically retails for approximately £108, positioning it as a mid-range professional tool.
Does the Lifter add colour to the sound?: The Lifter is designed for transparency; however, engaging the 3kHz boost or 100Hz filter will non-destructively alter the frequency response for better clarity.