If you’re using a dynamic microphone (Shure SM7B, RE20, Elgato DX, etc.), you may need more clean gain than the GoXLR or GoXLR mini can give you.
We put this guide together to show you the best tips for setting up an inline preamp (Cloudlifter, Dynamite, Fethead, etc.) with your GoXLR and GoXLR Mini.
Quick Answer: Connect your inline preamp between your GoXLR and dynamic microphone using an XLR cable. In your microphone setup window, select Condenser instead of Dynamic. This will activate the required 48v phantom power to activate your inline preamp/mic activator.
What Is An Inline Preamp
An inline preamp is a piece of equipment that you can use to provide your dynamic (or ribbon) microphone with more clean gain.
This is useful if you’re using a low-output dynamic microphone like the Shure SM7B and you need more volume from your microphone.
There are many popular inline preamps on the market, they work all work in a similar way, and only have small differences in terms of the amount of gain that they produce.
Our favorites for the GoXLR include the following:
- sE Electronics Dynamite DM-1 – https://currentprice.io/dynamite
- Triton Audio FetHead – https://currentprice.io/fethead
- Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 – https://currentprice.io/cloudlifter
Inline preamps are also known as mic-activators or mic-boosters. The Cloudlifter CL-1 is the most popular inline preamp, and the name Cloudlifter is often synonymous with inline preamp.
Related: Best Inline Preamp For Dynamic Microphones
Do I Need an Inline Preamp With GoXLR and GoXLR Mini?
In our testing, we didn’t think it was necessary to use an inline preamp, even for gain-hungry microphones like the Shure SM7B.
The GoXLR uses high-quality Midas preamps that supply dynamic microphones with enough clean gain to work properly.
That being said, everyone’s setup is unique, and you may still want an inline preamp to boost your microphone.
Related: Do you need a Cloudlifter with SM7B & GoXLR?
How To Setup Inline Preamp With GoXLR or GoXLR Mini
Follow the steps below to connect your inline preamp to your GoXLR or GOXLR Mini.
Inline Preamp & GoXLR FAQs
Can I use Shure SM7B without Cloudlifter with GoXLR?
You do not need a Cloudlifter (or another inline preamp) with the GoXLR and Shure SM7B Microphone. The GoXLR can provide enough clean gain for the Shure SM7B if you have good microphone positioning.
Why doesn’t my Fethead work with GoXLR?
The Triton Audio Fethead requires 48v in order to work with your GoXLR. You will need to go into your microphone settings and change it from “dynamic” to “condenser,” which will send 48v to your Fethead to activate it.
Why doesn’t my Cloudlifter work with GoXLR?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 requires 48v to work with your GoXLR. You will need to go into your microphone settings and change it from “dynamic” to “condenser,” which will send 48v to your Cloudlifter to activate it.
