Topic: dynamic or condenser?

[mtl801]

I'm just getting set up with my first taping rig, a PCM-M1 + SMB-1. I'm looking into microphones now, but I'm a little confused. I understand the technical difference between a condenser mic and a dynamic one, but I can't figure out which is better for DAT machines.  My apologies if this is covered in a FAQ somewhere around here. Looked and can't find anything.

Can I use a dynamic mic like a beyer m58 or electrovoice 635 or RE050 without any battery box or would the levels be too low for the DAT? Am I better off going with a dynamic mic? I'm looking for an omni mic for now, to use for interviews, and don't need to record stereo yet. Later I'll be looking for a single-stick stereo. I don't need to stealth, and I'll mainly be recording acoustic intruments and street noises, not from PAs.

A little off-topic, I know, but thanks for any advice that might come my way.

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Update: For those that come after me, found a comparison of output levels from a few of the more common dynamic mics:
http://talk.transom.org/WebX?14@213.Q9b5a9HjoPR.0@.ee80c6d/330

Here's an interesting article relating mic output to pre amp input, and how to avoid overloading the pre amp:
http://www.rane.com/note148.html

[F.O.Bean]

you'll find that prolly 99%of people here have condenser mics, i own the akg c40b bodies w/ card and hypercapsules, they are small diaphram condenser microphones

[mtl801]

Yeah, I've noticed that. I've also noticed that those with dynamic mics tend to have amps... I'm curious to know if that's because you need them in high-volume situations, like PA recording, or if you just always need them anyway.

[F.O.Bean]

well, even w/ condenser mics, its best to have a preamp too, the mic body acts as a preamp, but doesnt have enuf gain usually, if ya got a decent preamp w/ your other stuff, it would be a pretty nice setup, get decent mics>decentpre>your sbm1>d-100 and your set

[mtl801]

OK -- thanks for the advice. I'll look into the pre-amp situation... any good articles on gain and pre-amps to be found?

[Ray76]

look in the look here first thread, or the archives, but I assure you that your answers are already here, my friend. just gotta dig em up.

Ray