Shure A96F transformer and Sm57

[treetops]

I am going to buy a SM57 for recording guitar to my pc. My soundcard is not up to much (i hope to upgrade in future) so I need a preamp. However I was looking at the Shure website and it directed me to the A96F line matching transformer. - From what I understand this does the same job as the preamp - boosts the mic signal.

I have no recording experience though, so am hopeful that someone could tell me whether this essentially fills the same job as a preamp and would be a good buy instead of one.

Incidentally I have been told second hand SM57s are easy to come by, I live in England could anyone tell me a good source to look for one - ebay? other places on the net? - there arent any music equipment shops in my town.

 

[eeldip]

yes and no.

you could use a mic/line transformer with a line amp. not ideal, but doable. in a pinch it will get you buy till you save up for a pre.

sm57s in england arent quite as easy to get over here in the states. musicgoround.com has a bunch for $49. dunno where you would get them o'er there. but even if shipping is only $20... still only about 35 pounds.

you might want to getting some beyer mics or something continental. just as nice really and easier to get for cheaper o'ver there.