Hopefully the right group for the question.

I bought the Tascam 60D Mk2 as a four track recorder on a tight budget
to replace a stereo track handheld PCM recorder (with mic/line input).

I don't have XLR mic yet to test, but the recorder does have stereo
channel 3.5mm so I thought I could use my stereo microphone to record
"atmosphere" as well as the mic on XLR.

The problem is, even with gain set to its highest setting, the recording
level is still pathetic, at least -25dB. When looking at the audio from
the same mic and my stereo recorder, I could easily drive to 0dB without
maxing out the adjustment on the recorder.

I have since read the 60D does not have a "real" pre-amp for 3.5mm
microphones, they need to output really high. Are there any cheap
battery powered 3.5mm pre-amps that are in-line that I can use for the
microphone?

I've found one device, but it isn't exactly small, but it is cheap.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STEREO-MIC...item418b6f5c5d