Klark Teknik Mic Booster CT 1: the cheapest in-line mic preamp yet?
Klark Teknik Mic Booster CT 1 · Source: Klark Teknik
In-line mic booster · Source: Klark Teknik
Klark Teknik has introduced the Mic Booster CT 1 in-line microphone preamp. At just USD 30, this might be the cheapest way yet to boost the level of dynamic and ribbon microphones. Does the CT 1 have what it takes to dethrone the FetHead, Cloudlifter and other established alternatives?
In-line mic activators boost the signal of low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones. Some popular devices like the Triton Audio FetHead and sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite come in the shape of in-line XLR connectors. Others, like the CL-1 Cloudlifter and Royer dBooster R-DB20 have enclosures that resemble small DI boxes. Despite the different looks, they all do the same: They use phantom power to boost the microphone signal by around 20 to 30 dB. This gives the mic preamp more headroom to work with, which is especially useful if you don’t have access to a high-end preamp. Most mic activators are designed to provide a clean boost, with the notable exception of the recently released Soyuz Launcher , which prides itself on colouring the signal.
Klark Teknik Mic Booster CT 1
With the new Mic Booster, Klark Teknik has introduced a new alternative. And given that the company is part of the Behringer Music Tribe, it’s no surprise that it’s the cheapest mic activator yet. At just USD 30, the CT 1 costs less than a third of most competitors. According to Klark Teknik, it boosts the signal by +25 dB. Klark Teknik says that this allows you to dial in a lower gain setting on your preamp, which leads to a cleaner sound.
The Klark Teknik CT 1 is of the in-line XLR connector variant. The company says that it’s “made to withstand the rigors of the road”. They also state that it was designed and engineered in the U.K., but at this price, we can assume that it’s assembled in China like most Music Tribe products.
In-line mic booster · Source: Klark Teknik
Price and availability
According to a Facebook post by Klark Teknik, the Mic Booster CT 1 costs USD 29. As of now, we don’t know yet when it will become available.
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