Radial Engineering
McBoost
intermediate
$199
Used market: $165*
Specifications
2 of 7 values have a recorded source- Type
- inline_booster·
- Added Gain dB
- 26✓
- Input Connector
- 3-Pin XLR Female·
- Output Connector
- 3-Pin XLR Male·
- Expert Description
- Booster with a switchable load: 600 Ω / 2.7 kΩ / 30 kΩ. Gain is +26 dB full, +20 dB half, or +4 to +25 dB variable; output impedance 220 Ω, clip level +16 dBu, response <7 Hz to >30 kHz.·
- Requires Phantom Power
- yes✓
- Updated At
- 2026-08-05T12:54:56.832Z·
Expert Audio Engineering Commentary
Gain Staging Advice
The load switch matters more than the gain switch. A ribbon into 600 Ω sounds dull and loses level; the same ribbon into 30 kΩ opens up. Set the load first, then the gain.
Production Warning
Powered from 48 V phantom, built for dynamic and ribbon microphones. Radial's specification sheet does not state whether phantom passes through, so assume it does not: do not put a condenser behind it.
Setups using this gear
* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~83% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026