A boombox loudspeaker may require a powered microphone



Question:

I purchased a boombox and a standard microphone.  I can connect the mic to the line-in on the front of the boombox, but the volume is so low as to be nearly inaudible.  Through searching, it would appear I need some type of power source for my microphone – a “preamp”?  The box does not have a “Mic” jack, only the “Aux” jack.  My MP3 player works fine through it, but not the mic.  Can you shed some light on a course of action that would allow me to hear (not record – just to be used as a loudspeaker at a wedding) voices from my mic through my line-in on my boombox?

Answer:

You would need a powered microphone. As you say, the MP3 player works with it, but that’s because the audio signal is boosted a little by the MP3 player before it arrives in the boombox’s AUX jack.

If you want to use your boombox as a loudspeaker, then in your case you also need to have a powered microphone. A standard microphone (like what you would use for input into a PC, or what you’d use for a hands-free cellphone conversation) is not enough.

Get more information on more information about the MIC, LIN IN and AUX jacks.

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