Microphone - Do I need an amplified one? (NOOB)

[Machine 0]

I just purchased a "Micro D" (AKR-200) Micro-DVR and hooked up video and a normal microphone up to it. By normal, I mean one that is a full-sized mic that an announcer, DJ or singer might use. If I speak loudly, directly into the mic, I get some sound back on the recording but it is very low. Would you typically need a powered mic or something for an application like this? Here are the audio specs from the DVR:

 

Compression Format 16bit PCM, 8KHz

Input Channel 1 Ch. Mono

Input impedance > 4.7Kohm, Unbalanced

Maximum Input 6 mVp-p @600ohm

[scorpion 0]

Yes, you will need some kind of preamplifier.

 

Try using an inexpensive "DJ" mixer from radio shack.

 

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102920