Bought a Micro-BR Today! Need help with mics!

[Centropolis]

Hi everyone,

I know this question have been asked more than once already but the threads that came up after I used the search function still does not answer my questions completely.

I want to be able to use a dynamic mic, like a SM57 with my Micro BR with either the 1/8 or the 1/4 input....WITHOUT any preamps.

This is a newbie question but can I just get a 1/4 female to 1/8 male converter/cable/adaptor and conect my SM57 directly into my Micro BR?

Also, I've read conflicting information on whether the vocal effects can be applied to any inputs on the Micro BR.

I appreciate anyone's help!  Thanks.

[hewhoiscalledj]

Yes, the adapter will work but the thing to consider is that the SM58 will really sound better with a preamp (any mixer can provide that for you.)  So my point is that it will work, but I honestly feel that you will get better results just using the built in condenser mic (or using the SM58 thru a preamp.)

And yes, any of the effects can be used with any of the inputs. After choosing your input, just press effects, then scroll to left to change (GT, MC, LIN, EX) So if you wanted to see what guitar distortion does to a vocal... well, you could.

[Centropolis]

So if I have a ART StudioV3 preamp, I can plug the SM58 into the ART, and then use a regular guitar cord to connect the output of the ART to the 1/4 input of the Micro BR, and add vocal effects on the 1/4 input?  Does this sound like it'll work?

Really...then what's the use of the 1/8 jack with a mic then?  It has to be some special $80 mic that probably sounds not that well with vocals.

[hewhoiscalledj]

That's exactly what you do except you would apply the vocal effects to the LINE/EXT jack. When you select an input, the effects get applied to that input, regardless of the name or bank of effects.

The 1/8" input is just an input. Since they already had a 1/4", having the 1/8" just adds versatility. You can hook up drum machines, keyboards/synths, samplers, or even iPods. The names of the inputs are just names and shouldnt restrict you in anyway (except the Mic input since that's just for the built-in) To be fair, I'm certain a guitar sounds better thru the 1/4" input so it wouldnt hurt to compare different inputs for different types of gear. I use my EXT/LIN input for an 1/8" stereo condenser mic and occasionaly my drum machine.

The sound of a  Shure SM58 is dependent on the preamp you use. It will sound great with the ART preamp, but it sounds like a whole 'nother mic when plugged into a Grace Design preamp or a Great River ME-1NV. Any of which, can be plugged into the MicroBR with awesome results.

[guitarron]

it has been my experience that it will sound better with a mixer/preamp into the line in if possible

[hewhoiscalledj]

Between an SM57 going directly into the MBR, vs. the onboard mic... I'd go with the onboard. A, because it's a condenser mic and can pick up far more detail than the 57, and B. because the 57 requires a healthy dose of gain to sound right and not sound anemic/thin/quiet. I'd be curious to see how much gain is available directly thru the MBR's guitar and mic/line input.

With that said, the 57 is a seriously good dynamic mic and does many things that a condenser cant (like handle super high sound levels as you might get from screaming/growling vocals.) For that, a mixer or seperate preamp can get the job done for you. As a dynamic mic, it doesnt need 48v phantom power, but it still requires gain which the MBR does not offer in a healthy enough dose. I could be wrong here so please correct me if so... I havent actually tried plugging a 57 in direct but I know it sounds crappy when plugged into a mixer that offers less than 45db of gain on tap.