The M-08 has 4 microphone inputs in total, not 6. The 4 inputs are XLR connectors with switchable phantom power. And yes, they have standard microphone pre-amps built in to accommodate the 4 inputs.
The remainder of the inputs are line level input only from channel 5 and up. Inputs 1 - 4 also have 1/4" line level inputs.
As there are no Mic/Line switches, it can be assumed that plugging in a line input on the first 4 channels will turn off the Mic inputs so be mindful of this functionality when operating the mixer.
The other thing to be mindful of is that this mixer offers no direct outputs from the individual channel strips so, the only outs on this board are the main stereo outs. But, if you are creative, you can also make use of the Aux Send outputs that would normally feed effects units to turn them into additional buss outs to feed to a multitrack recorder.
Another alternative is to use the insert points on the first 4 channels to make use of this jumper point which would give you access to the balanced, phantom power, microphone pre-amps but doing this will disconnect those channel from the main stereo outs.
Overall, there's a lot of possible scenarios that can be accomplished this this compact, inexpensive mixer.
As for choosing microphones; please visit the microphone forum on this site and wear your crash helmet upon entering that danger zone!!
Cheers!
