My wife bought an M-AUDIO Fast Track Pro to record her compositions. When using a Shure SM-57 the levels are relly low. Is a preamp necessary? I have a couple of old AKG D 1000 E mics in perfect shape that always seemed a little hotter for output. Would they solve the problem? Thanks.
The Fast Track Pro does have pre-amps, it's just that they don't
The Fast Track Pro does have pre-amps, it's just that they don't have much gain (only 40dB). It must be meant for recording close-miked vocals or guitar cabs, as that's insufficient for much else. Try your D1000s and see if they give you enough output, otherwise it means getting a better audio interface, I'm sorry to say.