Upgrading!!!

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Actually, that's incorrect Mark. You don't want to plug a mic into the (high Z) Guitar input. The BR-600 has two Mic inputs which have an input impedance of 2k ohms (medium impedance). These are balanced 1/4" phone jacks. The adapter included with the BR-600 merely adapts the mic's XLR connector to a 1/4" tip-ring-sleeve connector to go into the BR's mic input jack. It's not an impedance matching transformer. I think the only reason that Boss used 1/4" balanced jacks for the mic inputs is that the BR-600 is too thin to accommodate the usual XLR mic inputs. So they went with the much smaller phone jacks and the adapter cable instead.

Ah, thanks, 64. That's a great feature that I wouldn't have known about (The MBR has a Hi-Z input of 2kohms I think). It is a huge issue not to be taken lightly, though, as the common dynamic mic usually has an impedance of only 250ohms. An SM57 has an impedance of only 150ohms.

This is the reason (I believe) why people are "not happy" with their dynamic mics sometimes. The first thing I tried with my MBR was an SM58 and it sounded like shit, so I started using th onboard mic, which is fantastic.

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Like I said, I'm certainly not the most technical guy here, but I will try to help you with any questions.

Ah, you kid. Your music always sounds excellent!

[Saijinn Maas]

Ah okay...

Thanks Mark, 64G, Vann, and everyone else who replied. Looking forward to getting my 600!


Now... Since 64G mentioned recording vocals and acoustics I would need a preamp. Is a preamp better than a mixer, that has preamps?

It seems to me that the preamp will boost the signal, but the mixer can eq the signal as well as boost it. I know I can get a good preamp for cheaper than a good mixer, but I am more concerned with quality versus cost ratio, and what would be better in the long run.

[Vanncad]

I don't use a pre-amp for vocals.

Pretty much every vocal I have recorded (minus acoustic songs) has been with the SM58 plugged straight in to the 600.
An acoustic guitar would benefit from the boost though.

I believe a pre-amp would be a definite asset, but it's not a show-stopper.

[Saijinn Maas]

Good to know. I'll probably put off getting either then until I see a need for it. My wife will be glad for that! heh 

[64Guitars]

64G mentioned recording vocals and acoustics I would need a preamp.

I didn't mean to imply that you'd need a preamp for recording vocals or acoustic guitar. You can probably get good results with the SM57 plugged directly into the BR. It's just that many people seem to prefer using a preamp in those situations when using a dynamic mic. A mixer with decent preamps should work just as well and is a handy piece of gear to have in the home studio anyway. Many of the separate mic preamps use vacuum tubes and some would argue that they sound better. I guess it depends on how you define "better", which is very subjective.

I'll probably put off getting either then until I see a need for it.

That would be my recommendation. Try the SM57 on its own. If you're happy with it, why spend money on a preamp or mixer?