Matched Mics: What about the rest of the signal chain?

[Cheeky Monkey]

A newbie question. I've read threads about matched mics and I believe I understand the reasons why one would want a pair. In fact, I'll be considering that when I purchase some to X/Y record my acoustic guitar. This may be a stupid question (or one that has already been beat to death but I can't find info on it), but if one has a matched pair, are there variations/imbalances among preamp(s) (either in a mixer or dedicated) and soundcard inputs that can undermine the reason for getting matched mics in the first place? (although I s'pose the matched mics may still improve the recording somewhat). In other words, is there such a thing as matched preamps? Are the preamps in a given mixer exactly the same? I doubt it. If there are imbalances in the preamps and soundcard inputs, is there anything one can do about it? Does it really even matter?

Thanks (and excuse me if this is a dumb question).

 

[slobbermonster]

ears man, it's all about the ears.

 

[sdelsolray]

MAtching mics involves trying to have the same "volume" at each and every frequency in a large range (e.g., 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz). Most of the variation between (otherwise) identical mics is due to capsule construction, which is in essence a mechanical device.

Matching frequency response specs in other gear (preamps, converters, etc.) is much easier because there is not that mechanical component. Nonetheless, certain preamp manufacturers do offer "matching" to extremely high tolerances (with tenths of a dB).