Very true Joe. All you need to do is tap your fingers on the input terminal to the mic (usually pin #2 if XLR) and the hum you make will tell if the amp is at least working.
Edited to add: Use caution if the amplifier is old or of questionable condition. Be sure you're not grounded in case there is a chassis leakage problem!!
Ohmmeters on any microphone are a bad idea. The "voice coils" on a dynamic mic like the Sure SM series are of very fine wire, and it is possible to burn them open if the meter provides too much current. (Not too likely with a digital meter, but....)
And some audio wizards claim that the magnetizing effect of an ohmmeter run thru the coil can change the sound quality of the mic...
Finally, if the mic works, but sounds "thin" or "tinny" and is run with the balanced XLR input, check for an open in either pin 2 or 3 of the cable.
Last edited by mxslick; 03/26/07 01:48 PM. Reason: To add caution
