Leaf Audio Field Amp

Leaf Audio Field Amp

Are you looking for a compact preamp designed specifically for contact microphones that provides clean signal amplification for field recording, sound design, and studio work? The Leaf Audio Field Amp is Leaf Audio’s solution for the world of structure-borne sound transmission. It was designed to optimally amplify contact microphones, reliably adjust the signal, and deliver the clearest possible sound quality.

Contact microphones open up a unique way of listening. While traditional microphones pick up airborne sound, contact microphones capture vibrations directly from materials. This allows you to hear not only the surface of an object, but also, in a sense, from within it. The Leaf Audio Field Amp supports precisely this approach, making it a versatile tool for experimental recordings, creative sound design, sound installations, and field recording.

Following the release of the Microphonic Soundbox, LeafAudio noticed that its clean, noise-free amplification in particular garnered a lot of attention. This led to the development of the Leaf Audio Field Amp as a standalone solution: the Soundbox Amp without the box. So if you want to use the Soundbox’s amplification but don’t need a complete Soundbox, the Field Amp is the right solution.

Low-Noise Amplification for Contact Microphones

The Leaf Audio Field Amp is designed as a low-noise preamp for contact microphones. It offers high-quality amplification and a well-engineered power supply circuit. According to the description, neither noise nor beeping is audible or visible in the spectrum, not even above the audible range. This is particularly important when recordings are later heavily processed, transposed, or recorded at high sampling rates.

The gain is adjustable up to approximately 50 times. This allows for flexible adjustment of the signal from a contact microphone. At the same time, the Leaf Audio Field Amp functions as an impedance converter. It is optimized for high-impedance (Hi-Z) signals from contact microphones and delivers a strong output signal. If the cable between the microphone and the input is kept short, signal quality is preserved, while several meters of cable can be used at the output without any issues.

For Travel, Studio Use, and Creative Sound Exploration

The Leaf Audio Field Amp is optimized for mobile use. The device is small, lightweight, and offers various mounting options. A professional case is included and can also hold contact microphones, batteries, and cables. This makes the Field Amp particularly well-suited for use on the go when you want to record unusual sound sources outside the studio.

The Leaf Audio Field Amp is also a useful tool in the studio. It can be used with contact microphones, hydrophones, or guitar pickups. LeafAudio recommends its own shielded contact microphones. Separate adapters are available for the input and output to ensure compatibility with a variety of devices.

Connections and Power Supply

The Leaf Audio Field Amp features one mono input and two mono outputs. One of the two outputs is rated at -12 dB. All connectors are specified as 3.5 mm or 1/8" mono jacks. The input impedance is 3.3 MOhm, and the output impedance is 1 kOhm.

Power can be supplied via 9 V DC or battery. Supported options include 9 V DC / Battery (6LR61) and 9 V DC / Barrel with a 5.5/2.1 mm connector. A USB-C-to-barrel adapter cable is included. This allows the Leaf Audio Field Amp to be used flexibly in both mobile and stationary setups.

Recommendation for the Leaf Audio Field Amp

The Leaf Audio Field Amp is a highly recommended choice if you want to amplify contact microphones professionally, cleanly, and flexibly. It is suitable for field recording, studio work, sound installations, and experimental sound design. In particular, the combination of low-noise amplification, impedance matching, adjustable gain, and a strong output signal makes it a practical tool for creative sound recording.

With compact dimensions of 12 x 12 x 3.4 cm, weighing 410 g including the case and USB-C-to-barrel cable, and featuring 1/4"-UNC mounting points on the top and bottom, the Leaf Audio Field Amp is well-suited for mobile workflows. For anyone looking to explore the world of structure-borne sound transmission with contact microphones, this offers a specialized and well-designed solution.

Features:

• Low-noise preamp for contact microphones
• optimized for Hi-Z signals from contact microphones
• Functions as an impedance converter
• High-quality amplification and power supply circuitry
• No audible or visible noise or beeping in the spectrum as described
• Suitable for studio work, field recording, sound installations, and creative sound design
• Designed for structure-borne sound transmission with contact microphones
• Gain adjustable up to approximately 50 times
• 1 mono input
• 2 mono outputs
• One output with -12 dB
• All connections: 3.5 mm / 1/8" mono jack
• Input impedance: 3.3 MΩ
• Output impedance: 1 kOhm
• 9 V DC power supply or battery
• Primary power input type: 9 Vdc / Battery (6LR61)
• Secondary power input type: 9 Vdc / Barrel (5.5/2.1)
• USB-C to barrel connector adapter cable included
• Case included
• Case provides space for contact microphones, batteries, and cables
• 1/4"-UNC mounts on top and bottom for camera tripods and similar equipment
• Can also be tested with hydrophones or guitar pickups
• Separate adapters for input and output available
• Color / Material: Black FR4
• DIY Level: NOT DIY
• Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 3.4 cm
• Weight: 410 g, including case and USB-C to barrel cable

Specs:

• Color: Black
• Rack Mountable: no
• Line Inputs: 1
• Mic Inputs: 1
• Headphone Out: yes
• Instrument Inputs: 0
• Line Outputs: 1
• Compressor: no
• Equalizer: no
• Type: Microphone Preamp
• Theme: Recording and Studio

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