purpose of db pad

[countrylac]

I know this may sound like a silly question, but I've been recording for a while and have never be able to understand the purpose of a -10 db pad/switch on a microphone. I know its useful with feedback on stage mics, but what are the benefits in a studio situation. Why not just turn the gain down?

 

[PhilGood]

The pupose of a pad is for when you are recording a high volume, high SPL source. If the head amplifier in the mic receives too loud a signal, it will clip and distort. It also serves the same purpose for your mic preamp. It keeps the output of the mic from clipping the input on the preamp.