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An introduction to Triton Audio FetHead, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
FetHead, the original mic booster for ribbon and dynamic mics since 2008. Adds +27dB of clean gain to improve response, extend range, and eliminate preamp noise.
— Triton Audio official site
What is FetHead?
FetHead is a small in-line mic booster from Triton Audio, placed between the microphone and the preamp. The maker calls it the original mic booster for ribbon and dynamic mics, available since 2008.
It lifts the mic's level by about 27 dB so the preamp's own gain need not be raised as far, aiming to reduce preamp noise at high gain settings.
Inside is a low-noise Class A FET amplifier. It runs on phantom power but does not pass it on to the microphone, which the maker says protects older ribbon mics that do not tolerate phantom power.
It is a slim metal tube with XLR input and output. It simply connects to the mic and works with ribbon, dynamic, tube and battery-powered microphones.
Triton Audio describes FetHead as an in-line microphone preamp that boosts the output of dynamic and ribbon microphones. It connects between the microphone and your preamp or mixer via XLR.
A German retailer's page lists four matched JFETs inside, no controls, EQ or phase switch, and a metal housing with a balanced 3-pin XLR socket and plug.
About 27 dB of clean gain
27 dB of gain at a 3000 ohm load, making it easier to reach a good level with low-output mics without pushing the preamp.
Low-noise Class A FET circuit
A Class A FET amplifier is used for low-noise amplification, relevant for quiet recording situations.
Uses phantom power without passing it on
It is powered by phantom power but does not send it to the microphone, which the maker states protects older ribbon mics.
Ribbon, dynamic and tube mics
The maker lists ribbon, dynamic and tube mics, and battery-powered mics, as compatible.
Impedance matching
With a 22 kohm input impedance, the maker says it reduces the load on ribbon mics, improving transient response and usable range on softer sources.
Wide frequency response
10 Hz to 100 kHz (+/-1 dB) is listed by the maker.
Metal body and 24-month warranty
A robust metal housing at 130 x dia. 30 mm. The original purchaser gets a 24-month limited warranty.
Wide frequency response
The stated frequency response is 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±1 dB).
No controls
With no knobs or switches, it works once connected, so it can be added between an existing mic and preamp.
Four matched JFETs
According to a retailer's page there are four matched JFETs inside; the maker describes a Class A FET circuit.
Use with battery-powered and tube mics
Triton Audio says it can also be used with battery-powered and tube microphones.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Gain | 27 dB (at 3000 ohm load) |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+/-1 dB) |
| Input impedance | 22 kohm |
| I/O | Balanced XLR (female input, male output) |
| Power | 24-48 V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 130 x dia. 30 mm |
| Compatible mics | Ribbon, dynamic, tube (battery-powered too) |
| Warranty | 24-month limited (original purchaser) |
| EAN/UPC | 765407296424 |
| Gain adjustment | None (fixed) |
| Channels | 1 |
| Housing | Metal |
| Internal devices | 4 matched JFETs (per retailer) |
What is included and system requirements
- FetHead unit
- 24-month limited warranty (per the maker)
- PDF datasheet available on the official page
- Works with dynamic, ribbon and tube mics
How to use it
- Connect the microphone's XLR cable to FetHead's input (female).
- Connect FetHead's output (male) to the preamp or mixer mic input.
- Turn on 48 V phantom power on the preamp, which powers FetHead.
- Start with low gain and raise it gradually while the source plays.
- Check whether the level of your dynamic or ribbon mic is sufficient and how the noise behaves.
- With older ribbon mics, rely on FetHead not passing phantom power to the mic.
Making up for a quiet dynamic mic
It may help when a dynamic mic like the SM57 or SM7 needs more gain than the preamp can comfortably give.
Recording with ribbon mics
It may suit gaining level with a low-output ribbon mic while keeping noise down.
Recording quiet sources
It may be considered when you want to avoid pushing the preamp for soft sounds.
Connecting older mics
Because it does not pass phantom power, it may suit connecting older ribbon mics safely.
Boosting low-output mics like the SM7B
A retailer's page names low-output mics such as the Shure SM7B as a match, since they need clean amplification ahead of the preamp.
Ribbon mic protection and impedance matching
Since phantom power is not passed to the microphone, it protects ribbon mics that do not tolerate it, and it also provides better impedance matching.
Who it may suit
- Dynamic or ribbon mic users who need more gain
- People wanting less preamp noise
- Owners of older ribbon mics concerned about phantom power
- Users already comfortable with XLR mic setups
Good to know before you buy
- Phantom power (24-48 V) is needed to run it; it will not work with gear lacking phantom power.
- The page notes a separate FetHead Phantom for condenser microphones; this product is for ribbon, dynamic and tube mics.
- The official price is shown in euros (EUR 69.95), with no USD price.
- Results depend on the combination of mic and preamp.
- It needs phantom power to operate and does not pass it to the microphone; for condenser microphones Triton Audio points to a separate product, FetHead Phantom.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
FetHead Phantom
The official page notes that FetHead Phantom is marketed for condenser microphones, while FetHead targets ribbon, dynamic and tube mics with 27 dB of gain. No ranking is implied.
Price
about $78 (converted from €69.95) (Triton Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See FetHead on the product page
Sources: tritonaudio.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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