How does a low cut switch on the mic differ from high pass filtering?

[blue4u]

I've always wondered...

Why cut the low end out of the mic with a "low cut" switch or filter? Why not just use a high pass filter after the fact and let the mic capture what it will? What are the benefits to this approach?

Thx,
Rich

 

[Farview]

If you track through a compressor, the compressor will be reacting to things that you will be cutting out further down the line. Sometimes that can sound strange.

It helps wind noise on outdoor gigs.

You can add more gain on the preamp because you won't be eating up headroom with low end you aren't going to use.

There is nothing wrong with using a high pass filter after the fact, but there are some advantages to cutting at the mic. Mostly because of where it is in the signal chain.

 

[tarnationsauce2]

What Farview said.
I'll add that the little bits of THD, or even lots of purposeful THD like if you're really cranking your preamp will react to the subsonic frequencies. Even if you filter out the low frequencies the THD that it created will still be there and create the impression of the low end still being there. That could be a neat effect, but it cannot be undone if tracked that way.

 

[blue4u]

good feedback guys! Thanks