Low-Z High-Z transformer question

[Andrew123]

Hi,

I'm about to purchase a sm57 for use with the pre-amp features on my V-AMP (can't afford a proper preamp right now). I know I need a Low-Impedance to High-Impedance transformer if I'm going to use the microphone with the guitar input, but the ones I have been reading up on may not have a high enough impedance for my V-AMP. The input jack impedance on V-AMP is 1M Ohms yet all the transformers I have seen output only around half that.

My question is this: Does this matter or do I need to find a transformer which outputs over 1m Ohms? If so, do you guys know of any?

Thanks,
Andrew.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

For one thing -- the use of those inline transformers will degrade your sound somewhat.

For another thing -- while that signal chain might y be great for a vocal effect, you definitely won't find it very good for tracking clean vocals....

mic --> a decent pre --> recorder

THAT'S the signal path you want for well-recorded tracks.

 

[Andrew123]

I wish I had enough for a decent pre-amp

Actually the only reason I'm buying a mic is because an awesome japanese girl sent me $80 as a christmas present (best gift ever, hehe). I barely have enough money for the mic lead

But I still need to find out if a normal low-z to high-z transformer will give my crappy v-amp pre-amp enough juice.

 

[mixsit]

The guitar amps have very high input impedances as to not load down and loose the highs from the pickups.
The general rule is that you feed lower impedance outs to higher impedance inputs, so you should be ok on that end. (not sure on the voltage matching though. Does the V-amp have an input gain control?)
Wayne

 

[mixsit]

For one thing -- the use of those inline transformers will degrade your sound somewhat.

For another thing -- while that signal chain might y be great for a vocal effect, you definitely won't find it very good for tracking clean vocals....

mic --> a decent pre --> recorder

THAT'S the signal path you want for well-recorded tracks.

So, you never had to run-your-mics- through-the-guitar-amps-'cause-you-didn't-have-a-PA when you were just starting out?

Hey. You do what you got to do, yea?

 

[Andrew123]

The guitar amps have very high input impedances as to not load down and loose the highs from the pickups.
The general rule is that you feed lower impedance outs to higher impedance inputs, so you should be ok on that end. (not sure on the voltage matching though. Does the V-amp have an input gain control?)
Wayne

Thanks for the reply. Not sure about input gain but it does have a "gain" control for patches along with a master volume control and a patch volume control. I actually had some limited success running a five dollar mic though the V-amp without any impedance transformation or gain and after a little EQ, so I imagine a sm57 and transformer is going to help substantially

Also, the V-amp has an AUX IN (and the sound does not get coloured) which runs at 50k Ohm which will be great if I can't get the guitar input to work.

Ok thanks for everyones help