Ridiculously basic question

[ander]

...But then, I guess this is the place to ask it.

I'm going to record our jazz band. We'll have six mics. My mixer has eight channels, but only four have actual Mic Ins; the others have line Line Inputs only.

Is there something I can put between the remaining two mics and the Line Inputs to make everything kosher? (DI boxes? Phantom power? Galvanized zucchinis?)

Thanks for your help.

 

[guitarboi89]

this is when you would use a microphone preamp. What it does it take the microphone signal and amplify it to a line level.

 

[Dani Pace]

As mentioned a preamp would be your best way to use the extra chanels. You could also use the line out from an amp (DI the bass or keyboard) through those chanels instead of micing them.

 

[mikemorgan]

There is also the option of getting a couple in-line mic transformers from Radio Shack. They fit on the end of your xlr mic chord, transformince low hz to hi hz. About $15 each

 

[ander]

There is also the option of getting a couple in-line mic transformers from Radio Shack. They fit on the end of your xlr mic chord, transformince low hz to hi hz. About $15 each

Is that the same as going from low to high impedance?

Anyway, thanks for the advice---I'll try it!

 

[RAK]

Is that the same as going from low to high impedance?

Anyway, thanks for the advice---I'll try it!

I think he meant low Z to high Z - Z being the symbol for impedance.
Hz is Hertz, the measurement for frequency.

 

[bennychico11]

assuming you have a standard mixer, you need a microphone preamp...not an impedance transformer.
The microphone needs amplification and perhaps phantom power (for condensers). Impedance transformation would only be needed if your mixer had no Hi-Z inputs on it and you were using a guitar or high impedance microphone.

 

[mikemorgan]

assuming you have a standard mixer, you need a microphone preamp...not an impedance transformer.
The microphone needs amplification and perhaps phantom power (for condensers). Impedance transformation would only be needed if your mixer had no Hi-Z inputs on it and you were using a guitar or high impedance microphone.

Benny is very correct and I apologize for my inaccurate answer. You cannot plug a mic into a line in and expect any results without a preamp on the mic. The lot to hi Z transformer will only work when plugged into a mic channels HI impedence (1/4") input.