Budget Mic Preamp Recommendation

[pbass2]

I would look at Black Lion Audio for affordable, excellent-sounding pro studio level mic pres. They have a Neve clone, an API one, and then the Auteur which is a more "transparent" all-rounder (but leans more "American" than "British").
Sure, the mic pres in wallet-friendly audio interfaces like Scarlett can be "fine", but are usually just "meh". Getting a quality mic pre in your set up makes a world of difference. Mic Pres – Black Lion Audio

 

[77FenderJazz]

Still using a DI but moved to a Sansamp BDDI. Added an SM57 on center close up and a Voodoo VR1 mid cone backed off about 6”. The DI has some color but the bass tone comes thru. The 57 has some bite and a little grind (from the amp) and the ribbon makes it fat and warm.
No need for the separate preamp…thanks all!

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Killer setup! There are many parts of the signal path from bass to recorded track that add color and you have so many of them that a "color" preamp just isn't needed here.

 

[DirkP]

The mic-preamps on most even budget interfaces today are simply good and clean. As long as you don’t want a specific character sound that only special preamps deliver, you are well served with current interfaces. IMO the worst investment is to buy another clean preamp that has nothing special to offer besides being clean and having a low noisefloor.