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Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp

$200.00 to $349.00 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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4.5 (14)

$349.00

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5.0 (1)

$200.00 2 available Used

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$349.00

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4.5 (53)

$238.00

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Average Price: $284

Budget/Beginner

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Preamps category, Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unlock the full potential of your studio recordings with the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp. Designed to deliver pristine sound quality, this compact yet powerful preamp is a game-changer for any recording setup. At its core is the OPA2 discrete audio op-amp, known for its vibrant and clear output, ensuring every nuance of your performance is captured with precision. The steel-core output transformer adds a layer of smoothness, avoiding any unwanted harshness or "mid-rangey" interference.

Perfect for both desktop use and rack mounting, the V.A.S. Microphone Preamp provides up to 65dB of mic gain, tailored for dynamic performances. The inclusion of a DI input on the front panel makes it an excellent choice for direct recording of instruments like bass and guitar, seamlessly switching from the XLR input at the rear. This preamp also offers an insert point, allowing for the integration of external processors, such as compressors or equalizers, giving you the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection.

Whether you’re tracking vocals or instruments, the V.A.S. MicPre is equipped with features like a 20dB pad, switchable input impedance, and a low-cut filter to remove unwanted low-end rumble. Not to mention, the eight LED peak meter provides precise visual feedback of your signal levels, ensuring a professional and balanced output every time.

Key Features:

Single-channel microphone preamplifier with DI input
OPA2 discrete audio op-amp and steel-core output transformer
Insert point for external processors
Switchable input impedance, 1500 ohm to 300 ohm
48V phantom power for condenser microphones
20dB pad, low-cut filter, and switchable polarity
Eight LED peak meter with a 50dB range
Front-panel headphone output with volume control
Universal power supply: 90VAC–240VAC, 50Hz–60Hz

Product specs

Preamp Type	Solid State
Number of Channels	1
Phantom Power	Yes
EQ	Low-cut filter
Analog Inputs	1 x 1/4" (DI, Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR
Analog Outputs	1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
Channel Inserts	1 x 1/4" TRS
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable
Height	2.0" (with feet)
Depth	6.69"
Width	7.87"
Weight	2.6 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp provide phantom power for condenser microphones?: Yes, the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp includes phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require this feature.
What types of inputs and outputs are available on the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp?: The preamp offers a variety of connections including 1 x 1/4" DI (Hi-Z), 1 x 1/4", and 1 x XLR for inputs, along with 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR, and 1 x 1/4" for headphones as outputs.
Is the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp suitable for home studio use?: Yes, its compact size and versatile connectivity options make the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp ideal for home studio environments, offering high-quality solid-state amplification.
Does the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp include any EQ features?: The preamp features a low-cut filter, which helps to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise, enhancing the clarity of your recordings.
Can I connect instruments directly to the Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp?: Yes, the preamp has a DI (Hi-Z) input, allowing you to connect instruments such as electric guitars or basses directly for recording.

Videos

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Zed Marty

Fredenstein V.A.S Mic-Pre: Unboxing & Test

Zed Marty

Fredenstein VAS Pre Overview

Front End Audio

Reviews

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PROS

Significant improvement in tone depth and smoothness, giving a "bigger" sound
Provides plenty of gain for dynamic and condenser mics like SM7B and AT4040
Well-built and durable construction at an affordable price point
Smooth sound with gentle compression, minimizing the need for additional processing
Open, transparent sound with a nice body, particularly shines on vocals
Versatile connectivity options with XLR and JACK inputs/outputs, plus headphone amp
Excellent bass DI performance with round, full tone
Highly praised for improving home recording setups, surpassing interface preamps

CONS

Gain knob feels flimsy and lacks precision, with non-linear operation
Audible clicking noise when turned off, indicating potential quality issues
Headphone pot can make a scratching noise from new
Some units have shown reliability issues after extended use
Bulging capacitor and erratic behavior reported in older units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fredenstein V.A.S. Microphone Preamp.

Mods and upgrades

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Owners plan to swap Fredenstein's stock op amps with CAPI op amps, like the gar2520 and gar1731, for improved sound quality.
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Features and functionality

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Fredenstein Artistic Mic Pre allows for easy op amp swapping, offering customization potential for different tonal characteristics.
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User experience

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One owner describes the Fredenstein F200 as having a "dark and distant vibe" with stock op amps, indicating potential tonal limitations.
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An owner noted that the Artistic PreAmp might only slightly improve gain over built-in pres, highlighting possible limitations for those seeking substantial gain increases.
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Comparisons

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The GAP Pre73 is recommended for those seeking color and analog warmth, offering more character than Fredenstein's preamps at a similar price point.
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The Warm Audio WA12500 is highlighted as an affordable alternative with notable color, sometimes found at a lower cost than the Fredenstein Artistic series.
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The Fredenstein V.A.S. Mic Pre is favored for its color when compared to the FMR Audio RNP 8380 and Black Lion Audio Auteur MK2/MK3, especially under the $500 mark.
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Use cases and applications

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For those playing rock styles similar to U2 or Tame Impala, the Artistic PreAmp may not provide the distinct analog color sought; alternatives like the 1073 clone are favored.
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The Fredenstein V.A.S. is highlighted for single-channel applications, making it suitable for users recording vocals and guitar cabs with mics like the AT2020 and SM57.
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Value and pricing

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The Artistic series is considered adequate for those transitioning out of the box but may lack the tonal distinctiveness found in higher-end models like the Tonebeast.
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While typically under $500, the Fredenstein V.A.S. competes with higher-end models like the Focusrite ISA One, which is praised for quality but often needs to be bought used to stay within budget.
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