Behringer MIC300 Tube Ultragain — Editorial Review
The Behringer MIC300 Tube Ultragain is an ultra-budget single-channel tube microphone preamp with a built-in limiter. It exists to add tube character and extra gain to a chain for very little money — a cheap way to experiment with valve coloration.
Featured Video Review
Tube warmth on a shoestring
As Gearnews details, the MIC300 offers up to +60dB of gain via a single 12AX7 tube, 48V phantom power, a 20dB pad, phase reverse, an 8-segment LED meter, and an analog limiter — all in a solid metal body for a rock-bottom price. Reviewers note a surprisingly usable, low-noise result with both knobs near 12 o'clock. In Podcastage's review and test — featured above — its tube character and limiter are demonstrated.
Honest cons
- Character, not clean hi-fi. It leans warm and slightly distorted/noisy rather than pristine; it's for flavor, not transparency.
- Budget stock tube. The included 12AX7 is basic; many users upgrade to a better tube.
- No power switch. There's no front-panel on/off.
- No EQ. Gain and output only — no tone shaping.
Where this preamp fits
- Beginners and hobbyists who want to try tube coloration cheaply.
- Streamers and podcasters seeking warmth and extra gain on a tight budget.
- Tinkerers happy to tube-roll for better results.
- Not those needing clean, high-fidelity gain, EQ control, or a reference-grade preamp.
Sources & Citations
- Gearnews, "Behringer MIC300 Tube Ultragain: A portable EUR 49 tube preamp," gearnews.com (accessed 2026-05-26)
Last verified: 2026-05-26
Share this article: Twitter