dynamic mics AND any DAW

[sanskrit]

Hi,
I'd like to know about the 1/4 inputs in many DAW units.
The one's for example in the ROLAND VS-1824, YAMAHA AW4416,
AKAI DPS16, etc.

Are these balanced 1/4 inch inputs the same as the XLR inputs
(only without phantom power) in a 1/4 in plug ? or is there a difference ?

Can I attach standard dynamic mics to these 1/4 inputs by using
an XLR-1/4 adapter ? (NOT an impedence transformer, just a regular
adapter).

In addition, when would someone use an impedence transformer ?

Thanks.

[DAS]

It really depends on the model, and I don't know how they are treated on these models specifically. Often times the 1/4 input is designed for higher level signals (line level) and may bypass the initial preamp stage. However, you will often find that there is no functional difference between them, the different connectors are just there for convenience. You are certainly not going to hurt a dynamic mic or the recorder by trying what you suggest.

An impedance transformer is usually used when there is a known level (or impedance) incompatibility between two devices.