Newbie Mic Question

[the1bullet]

Hi Guys:

I read the listed FAQ and I didn't see this question answered. I'm trying to decide which mixer to buy, and I have it narrowed down to one of the yamaha 12 or 16 series. Is it ever acceptable to run a mic into the mixer without a preamp? I don't understand why the mixers don't have preamps for all of the inputs... unless you don't need a preamp when mic'ing a guitar amp or drums. I understand that you wouldn't need a preamp for keyboards or samples, but I would think you'd want the flexibility to have pres on all of the tracks. So are preamps just used for vocals and other light things like that, or do I need them for everything that gets mic'd?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[crazydoc]

Anything you mic will need the mic input (preamped input) if you go directly to the mixer. Condenser mics will also need the phantom power.
The line level inputs can be used with outboard equipment, including other preamps that you can use if you need more mic'd inputs, (which can be of better quality than those on the board.)

 

[the1bullet]

that makes sense

Thank you for a very clear, understandable reply. It probably sounds like a newbie cliche, but I had no idea there was so much to learn and know about simple home recording and audio in general. Short, concise answers like that are jewels.

 

[Robert D]

I don't understand why the mixers don't have preamps for all of the inputs...

.....The only part of your question that wasn't answered above. The answer, of course, is to save money. Sometime during the eighties, as more and more bands started using synths, samplers, electronic drums, etc., the need to have mic inputs for all channels decreased, and the need to improve margins increased. Thus was born 2 new concepts in mixers rolled into one; the stereo line channel w/o preamps.
Actually, I have a little mackie DX mixer with a couple of channels that have it all, stereo line, mono line, or mic input.....cool! I'd like to see more of that.
RD

 

[the1bullet]

followup question

Hmmm... if I need a preamp for anything I mic, then that would lead me to believe the Yamaha MG 16/6FX mixer I'm considering for our live stuff is a little limited for what I want... and for a fairly common band setup.

This particular mixer comes with 10 preamps. I need four vocal mics, 2 guitar mics, 1 bass mic, and a number of drum mics. That would leave me with only three drum mics, and nothing for extra percussion or other acoustic instruments.

Am I understanding that correctly? Or is there something else people add to their setup to better handle drums or vocals or anything? Are there decent inexpensive standalone preamps out there that work for multiple tracks?

I realize this question might be better suited to a different forum, but I started this thread in the microphone forum so I figure I'll follow up here as well.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[crazydoc]

I only lay down one or two tracks at a time, so I don't have that problem.
But, I think there are several routes you can go. Are you planning on all band members playing and singing at the same time - doing it basically "live?" If so, you can get one ot two cheap (relatively speaking) but clean dual preamps such as M-Audio's Audiobuddy ($80) or DMP3 ($160.) These can also be used as DI (direct injection) inputs for the bass (if it's electric) which is the way many people record bass, thus saving at least a mic.

Otherwise you can lay down the tracks in layers, with only a few band members recording at a time, thus not needing all the mic inputs. That is, the drums and bass are recorded, then the guitars and other instruments while listening to those tracks, then vocals, etc.