Mic Preamp?

Ok here's a potentially VERY stupid question. What exactly does a mic preamp DO? :confused: From what I've read, they're supposed to boost the volume to line level, right? Do they CHANGE the sound at all? Because I have an SM57 and it doesn't sound as real as recordings I've heard from an SM57. Would a mic pre help?

they bring mic signal (LoZ) level up to line level.

They will also color the sound and effect single transparency.

SM57s are dynamic mics (don't require phantom power) and not very responsive. They will sound very different to a small or large diaphragm condenser, which do require phantom power.

However that said, even a really cheap mic pre / channel strip will sound better that the average mic socket on a sound card.

Don't plug a mic into a guitar (HiZ) or a line level input as it will sound horrible.

thanks man. so what might the sound differences be between small and large diaphragm condensers?

It will depend on the make and how they are used. As a rule of thumb LDCs are more sensitive and will have a different frequency response to SDCs.
Consequently they find them selves doing different jobs.

SDC are great to drum overheads and for string instruments.

LDCs are also great for overheads and ambient mics however they are also great for vocals and stuff that requires lots of detail !

So if I wanted to mic my guitar cab, I would probably want to use an LDC, because of the detail? I was reading somewhere and they said an LDC and a dynamic mic used together usually sound pretty good for distorted guitars. I know this is all opinion, so what's yours? If I used an LDC and my sm57 together, do you think that'd sound better than just the sm57?