Ok, I am not sure where to post this... so...
I have a question that follows details:
I have two dynamic microphones and three condenser microphones
I want to focus on the dynamic type
The two dynamic mics are a Labtec AM 222 and an Shure SM57LC

Mic Impedance Specs
AM 222 Rated Impedance: 2 kOhm.

SM57 Rated impedance is 150Ω (310Ω actual)

Tests
Amp instrument input
I can plug the SM57 into my BDRI and it works
I can plug the SM57 into my Frontman 25R and it works

The AM 222 does not work at all on either amp.

Computer soundcard mic input
I can plug the AM 222 into my computer's soundcard and signal is good in normal and with 20 dB gain selected

I can plug the SM57 into my computer's soundcard but signal is woefully weak and I am seeking to correct this issue.


NOTES:
The AM 222 has a mid-range impedance whereas the SM57 has a low impedance.

I've read about Impedance Transformers and High Z v. Low Z.

I've been planning on purchasing a Yamaha MG series live mixerboard that provides options but will it correct this low signal
(vol) issue with this Dynamic Mic?
Would I be wasting my money on an inline Impedance Transformer if I am planning on a mixer board anyway?

the am 222 is a computer mic & will not work well plugged into an amp or mixer (not sure why you would want to use this anyway). the 57 will work fine with a mixer, yamaha or anything else. if you are using it for a computer, you might need to take the rca outputs from the board to the inputs of your sound card. hope this helps

Hi Twinhit!

Focusing on the essence of your question: The SM57 will work very well with any mixer desk, like cjg said. So don't buy a transformer.

Now, taking an additional look at your desire to record with your computer: What kind of comp do you have? Which MG-series are you considering? Are you aware of possible quality loss and latency when recording with a "consumer" soundcard?
If I were you I would look for a mixer with a digital output, USB or firewire. The Yamaha MG USB do the trick but if you're on a budget I could recommend others with the same features. Take a look at the Helix boards by Phonic for instance.
What you should always consider is how many channels you need to record simultaneously. If you go with your onboard input you will be (usually) limited to 2 channels (left & right of the stereo input) of simultaneous recording. That is not to say the recordings you make will be bad, it just means more work beforehand and less options.

Let us know if we can do anything more for you. Take care and have fun recording with your SM57! It is a good sturdy mic.

regards

-Nutter

(Just for the heck of typing it really) I have a Yamaha MG 16/6FX mixer which I use for mixing down ten condenser and dynamic mics from my drumkit to a stereo feed to the recorder. Or computer or whatever.

It's a natty little mixer. Very well designed (like everything Yamaha do), good user-friendly bussing for studio or live, with a particularly nice manual that is virtually a course in sound engineering in miniature - very fine at the stupidly reasonable price.

Highly recommended.

Erm - what was the question?

Cheers - C

The Shure SM57 has a much lower output (-56.0 dBV/Pa*) than the
Labtec AM-222 (-47.0 dBV/Pa). That 9 dB difference means 8x more
signal with the Labtec. The Labtec is quantity; not quality.

I suspect you may be plugging into the line input (versus a microphone
input) of your computer. This would not be adequate for the SM57.
The Shure SM57 should work fine with the mixer or any decent preamp.

By the way, you're comparing a $3 microphone to a $100 microphone.
Don't spend too much time on that Labtec mic. Get the Shure working
for what you need.