That's tough, because a great mic can work with a fair preamp, and a great preamp can make a fair mic sound like a much better one. You need both in balance.

But, since I got you started on this, I'll vote:

Out of 10 points together, I weigh the mic 6 and the preamp 4.

Each of the better mics I use to track parts at home for other artists is roughly equal in cost to my better preamp. And the spare set I take for outdoor gigs in threatening weather is also pretty well matched.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.