Power supply via phantom power ➔ does not let it through to the microphone
Suitable for almost all dynamic microphones
Sturdy metal housing
3-year manufacturer's warranty
Developed in GB
Clip-on microphone preamp
The Mic Booster CT 1 from Klark Teknik is a pocket-sized microphone preamp that can deliver up to 25dB of gain. It is suitable for most types of dynamic microphones (passive ribbons, moving coils) and is characterized by its clean and high-quality sound. Despite its low price, the Klark Teknik Mic Booster CT 1 is equipped with a sturdy metal housing and durable connectors. It is operated via phantom power.
I should start by saying I am not a professional. I am a bloke, mucking about. I have not used anything to measure the noise floor or the signal to noise ratio. I just want a boost going from a cheap dynamic (Behringer XM8500) into my audio interface (Mackie Big Knob Studio).
I own a Fethead Phantom (used with a Rode Broadcaster) and wanted a similar product for dynamics. There is a dude making them on Ebay for £44. Fetheads cost around £60 new, £40 secondhand. Cloudlifters are £100+ and then there are a whole host of other products that fall somewhere between Fethead and Cloudlifter pricing.
Then I saw the CT1 for £17...... or, SEVENTEEN POUNDS. No brainer really. Took a punt and was not disappointed.
Are there any cons? Yes. The £5 postage was not pleasant.... and the unit itself cannot be plugged into the audio interface, it has to go on the back of the microphone or be in the centre of some cables (the male end does not plug directly into your interface),
Other than that.... awesome. I will be picking up another unit and am sad that I did not just buy 2, so that I could have combined postage.
If you are looking at this product thinking that it looks too good to be true..... it is not. Pull the trigger.
Cheap and does the job well. Connected to behringer xm8500 makes it a great sounding combo. Noticeable less self noise from microphone and plenty of gain left to use on my interface.
Got this little beauty to get enough volume out of a brand new Shure SM58 dynamic mike. The CT1 plugs into the mike and is then connected to my Native Instruments decks though a 48V phantom power supply. It does exactly what is says: it increases the volume by about 25 db, more than enough to be able to use it for internet radio streaming. No set up involved, this is the ultimate plug and play device!
You aren't going to find anything better for the money you pay here. It's not professional grade at all but it is well made. The sound quality is perfectly suitable for a bedroom recording outfit! I would recommend and will buy it again if I ever needed another!
