preamp vs. dynamic mic

[jungkang]

I use a dynamic mic with a preamp simply because I want to get a warmer sound, but how come the sound gets distorted when I use the preamp??? I try experimenting with the preamp by using different combinations of various level of drive, gain, and -20dbPad, and I even turn all the nobs down to zero, and I still get a distorted sound. I wonder if my recorder is too small to accept all the amplifying power (the output level of my recorder is just 10 db). I have to lower the input level way down and not aim the mic towards the instrument (very far away from it). The preamp still doesn't add warmth, but the opposite, some kind of pointed, bright sound (hard to describe)... I posted a question the other day here about "does it make any difference to use a mic preamp for a dynamic mic." Everybody said that I should use a preamp, but as far as I am experiencing, I don't find that using a preamp is any better off, except making the sound louder.....Do I do something wrong, or my machines have problems....????........ oh, I am so confused.......... Why these machines aren't doing the job as I wanted...............:-(

 

[jungkang]

by the way, the preamp adds much more noise

Another issue is that the preamp adds much more noise (power noise perhaps). The more machines I use, the more noise they create......What can I do????................I am so frustrated about all the problems I have.............along with the condeser mic I just bought which never works.........Poor me.....

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Before anyone can tell you WHY - you need to tell us the WHAT..... What mics and preamp are you using? What sound source are you trying to record? What unit are you recording to?

Bruce

 

[darrin_h2000]

Mic pres are good for condensers, but can add more noise to a dynamic, but Still if you are specific in telling us the model of mic and pre that you are using....

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

I disagree Darrin -- a good pre will bring out the best in a dynamic mic... a bad pre will make a dynamic sound like crap...

Bruce

 

[getuhgrip]

How does source enter the equasion? Are you looking for a humming amp?

 

[tdukex]

Hmmmmm...I have the wonderful Behringer mixer pres, and they don't add noise or distortion unless the gain is maxed.

 

[Henri Devill]

Its just a guess but it sounds like you are Preamping a preamp...
You got to say what kind of recorder you are useing.
Your problem sounds like gain structure....?Without knowing what recorder you are useingThats my guess.If you can try going into the machine itseslf {strait to track}bypass your board completly.What machine,what pre and what mic??

Don