Sm57

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gavindale

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I own a new SM57, a Yamaha 4 track recorder, a computer that I downloaded N-Track on and now I want to record......so to use this mike do I have to now purchase a mike pre-amp? The instruction book has no mention of it. If I do need one I am looking at the Joemeek MQ3....good choice? Thank you for helping a dumbass...:confused:
 
Depending...

on the yamaha 4 track, it may have built-it pre-amps. Does the manual say anything about that?

Also, I've read good things about the Joe Meek. FMR has a decent one too.
 
You should be fine with just the 57 and no external preamp. But in general, a mic pre will add an amazing dimension to any mic as opposed to going direct without one.

However, depending on the quality of your 4track (cassette or HD?) it may not be worth it. In other words, it's not worth spending $500 on a good mic pre if you're recording onto a 4-track cassette.
 
I've used SM-57s with my Fostex X-55 4-Track without mic pre-amp with a lot of success, but I think the pre-amp does make a noticeable difference in the coloring of sound if you're recording acoustic guitar. I've used one of those little Tube MP Studio Mic Pre-Amps that run about $75-$100 and it has worked well. I totally agree that spending money for a high-end mic pre-amp to use with a 4-track is not a good idea.

One thing I have noticed on every brand of analog 4-track I've ever used is that letting the equipment warm up for about an hour before recording will make a noticeable difference in the quality of sound you get.
 
Thank you for your help and advice....I am looking to start recording on the computer with the N-Track and through reading I found out that the SM57 will not require phantom power but I am still leaning towards a MQ3 to color the sound from the good reviews I have read on this BBS. This is a great intelectual resource and keep the info flowing!
 
you can use the 4-tracks preamps to record to the computer with N-Track, but that Joe Meek will DRASTICALLY improve the sound.....
 
gavindale, the MQ3 IMO is the best overall "deal" for under $200.
You may, however, want to pick up a Joe Meek VC6Q.
Guessing you could pick one up for $300 or less either in the
"for sale" section here, or at e-bay.
The VC6Q is the "big brother" to the MQ3, it has a sweepable
mid frequency EQ (very handy!), and no wall wart.

BTW, the quality of the mic pre does make a big difference on your
sound-even on a cassette multi-track! (I have digital & cassette)

Chris
 
Just in case there is any confusion on this-

Some of you say you can use a mic without a preamp and that is not true.

You can use the internal preamps on a mixer/portastudio but there has to be some type of preamp for you to hear more than a bunch of noise.

You dont always need an external preamp.
 
Good point tex.

Remember, most machines will have some sort of mic pre built in if there exists an XLR input. It may be crappy, but if you'r eonly using the unit for scratch tracks or to sketch out ideas, then it will be fine. Better mic pres are only needed if you're looking to improve the sound quality from what you already have.
 
to use the line in on your card you will need at least to have a mixer or something to plug the mic into and to get it up to line level. If you have a digital in on your card there are even better options. but at the very least you need a pre.
 
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