preamp question

[guenther]

I have a Behringer Eurorack MX 2642 and am trying to record a guitar (yes, I know everyone here hates Behringer mixers, but it was the most channels I could get for the money and, hell, I'm in the newbie forum anyway). Do I still need a preamp between the guitar and the mixer, or does the mixer do that for me? I can get decent volume out of the guitar through the mixer, but only when I crank the gains up.
I'm guessing this is bad, though, and I should go get a POD or something.
Maybe someone can clarify when a preamp is needed and when not? Is it the case that all powered instruments do not require a preamp (like synthesizers)? Also, how can I tell what instruments output +4 dBu and which output -10 dBV?
Thanks for your help.

 

[frank_1]

I don't know that exact mixer, but I can guess that it does have preamp. Is there something called "trim" meter? If so, that's you preamp. Every mic needs a preamp, but mikes only need one.

Actually the POD an't a bad idea. It may be cheaper if you get a used POD, instead of all those dynamic and condensor mikes.

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[AlChuck]

A guitar plugged straight into a mixer usually sounds pretty bad. Much of the character of a good guitar tone is imparted by what happens to the signal in the guitar amp and speakers. Beyond that, a preamp in a mixer is usually very hi-fidelity. A guitar amp usually has a preamplification stage that is not very hi-fi.

Did you ever listen to a guitar plugged into a stereo system? That's kind of like what plugging one straight into the board sounds like to me.

So while you can do this, you might be very unhappy with the results.

Properly micing a fantastic amp is the best way to get a good sound. Using something like a POD gets you in the ballpark (though some would call that statement heresy) and offers many advantages (very wide variety of sonic possibilities, low price compared to buying one of each of the amps they model, and you don't have to disturb your neighbors and loved ones to get a decent guitar track down).

 

[guenther]

Yeah, I realize plugging the guitar in direct sounds crummy, but I actually just wanted to route it through to my Virus to be processed by its effects.
It seems to be working fine, so thanks.