Not easily convinced are ya.
There's a decent little article at Shure's website:
"Typical dynamic microphones will not supply the signal level required by the input of these sound cards. A microphone pre-amplifier (often called a booster) will be necessary. A pre-amp with 40 to 50dB of gain is recommended. Note that too much gain will result in overloading of the input of the sound card. For this reason we recommend pre-amps with adjustable gain control. "
That's at
http://www.shure.com/support/technotes/apps-shurecomputer.html and also includes specs for standard soundcards.
Unfortunately they kind of skip over the fact that when using a preamp, you should really be going to the LINE IN port on the soundcard. Why?
- The preamplification on the mic in port is dirty, and can't be turned off. Why would you use it if you're already using a preamp anyway?
- It's not stereo. "Yes it is!" No it's not. It really isn't and I suggest you play around a bit to prove it to yourself.
- The sole purpose of the mic port on the soundcard is to cater to small, crappy, high output computer microphones. It supplies 5V DC Bias on the ring connector, and has an input sensitivity of -20dBV typically.
You might also try THIS site for more information:
https://homerecording.com/sound_card_basics.html
If you are recording with your mic input, and can't tell the difference between it and the line in, then fine, trust your ears. If you've never tried a preamp to line in, then you're probably sacrificing quality and you aught to give it a shot. Regardless, the stereo issue alone should be convincing enough as it allows you to record two mics or two instruments or any sort of stereo signal (the output of your POD or keyboard).
The ONLY time I use the mic input on my soundcard is when I'm using voice chat software, or something that requires the mic input be active.
Slackmaster 2000