Dynamic microphones are best suited for live vocals in Lutefish jam sessions. Dynamic microphones are not as sensitive as the condenser and ribbon microphones used for studio recording and consequently don't pick up as much sound bleed from other instruments in a live setting, such as a guitar you might be playing while singing. Additionally, dynamic microphones do not require phantom power. The Stream is not equipped with phantom power; you'll need a dedicated phantom power supply or preamp equipped with phantom power to use phantom power mics with the Stream.
Here's how to connect and set levels for a dynamic vocal mic with the Stream:
Warning: If at any point during this process, you experience dangerously loud volumes, immediately remove your headphones and turn down the Stream's large volume knob. This shouldn't result from any of the Stream's functions when used properly, but with the wide range of possible signal chains and audio setups out there, there's always a chance of unexpected results.
Step 1: Turn the Stream's input gain (smaller knobs) and volume knob (larger knob) all the way down.
Step 2: Connect the microphone to one of the Stream's inputs using an XLR cable. As long as you're using an XLR cable to connect to the Stream, you don't have to set the input channel line/instrument setting, as the Stream automatically sets an input to mic level gain and impedance when it detects an XLR connector.
Step 3: Turn the volume knob up to about 50% or 12 O'Clock.
Step 4: Positioned approximately 3-5 inches (optimal distance may vary significantly across different mic models) from the mic, talk or sing through the mic at what you estimate to be your average singing volume, and slowly turn up the mic channel's input gain (smaller knobs) on the Stream. Continue to turn up the input gain until you can clearly hear your vocal audio.
Step 5: Sing at what you estimate to be the maximum singing volume for your session and listen for signal distortion. If your singing sounds distorted during the loud parts, turn down the volume slightly and sing loudly again to test for distortion. Continue this process until you have a clear and undistorted vocal signal.
If you're having trouble finding the sweet spot, consider "working the mic" to allow for enough dynamic range in your performance without experiencing clipping distortion. Working the mic references the technique of controlling your singing volume by changing your distance and positioning relative to the microphone: if your louder parts are distorting, back off from the mic a bit during those segments and pull back in during the quieter bits, etc.
Step 6: Adjust the large volume knob to your preferred monitoring level.