Connect a Mic to the Spark to use a guitar without a pickup
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I would like to know if I can in the input into the main part of the amp attach a mic to be able to use the amp with a guitar without a pickup. For example using a shure mv88+ or shure sm57, any other interface or adaptor is needed? If yes which one is the best?
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@resgui Experimentation being the best way to find that sort of thing out, I just hooked up a Shure SM57 and found that in order to get any audio output from the amp I needed to turn the Gain, the Master and the Output knobs all the way up. Which gave me output but obviously not controllable output, and very little actual guitar sound. When I spoke into the mic I got better output. So this proves that a pre-amp is necessary. Which one is best? how much money do you have to spend? Got to sweetwater.com and search for pre-amps and read the specs and reviews. You can buy them as cheaply at $29 or you can spend up to $10K. Most likely one in the $50 to $100 would be best. The sales people at Sweetwater are very knowledgeable and helpful, so contact them. Or you might consider getting a sound-hole pickup like the Fishman or Dean Markley or other pickup that doesn't require any modification of the guitar to use. That way you don't need to use a mic stand, so it will require one less piece of equipment, and you won't need a pre-amp.
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If using an active mic, ensure there is a power source put in-line between the mic and amp!
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@dhbailey Thank you very much for your detailed and clear answer. I have two resonators and one acoustic parlor guitar. So probably is better for me to use a pick up like Krivo Humbucking Pickup for Resophonic or similar because that way no need for a pre-amp making easy to jam around with the Spark amp. Thank you again.
PS: Sweetwater has a great YouTube channel, I'm in Germany but I will check out on their website anyway