C1 functions?

[A1A2]

Just got my C1 and RNC in today thru USP. After unwrapping the box, I jumped back and said, "jesus, this baby is HUGE!!" and on the other hand, the RNC looked like an old-school CD player!

Anyways, nice case, windscreen, and so on. Then I realised the
"-10db" thinggie in the back of the C1. Now, I can kinda figure what that does, but, that switch goes to other places where it doesn't say anything about it (nor did the manual)

What doe sthat switch "switch"?

 

[VotaIdiota]

The straight line setting (middle) is the C1 operating as it was originally in the first version, before they added that switch... the -10 pads the mic by 10 db, so that you can throw sound as loud as ~140 db at it without damaging it. the line that looks like a sideways L is a low cut switch... it drops out frequencies from 85 hz and below (I believe that's where it is, if not... it's somewhere around there). this switch is great for when you're recording things that don't need all that bass and rumble (chick singers, acoustic guitar, etc.)

 

[A1A2]

awsome, i thought only C3 has those functions. Thanks, bud

 

[Gidge]

the original C1 didnt have the bass rolloff or pad, but it was recently added to the newer ones...very useful features so good move by Studio Projects to include them.....

 

[cominginsecond]

the -10 pads the mic by 10 db, so that you can throw sound as loud as ~140 db at it without damaging it.

Pad switches do not keep mics from being damaged by sound sources that exceed the recommended SPLs, they only attenuate the mic's output to make them easier to use when you're mic'ing loud sources. Nothing in the electronics of a microphone could prevent an exceptionally loud sound source from causing physical damage to the diaphragm.

Right? Or am I delusional?

 

[VotaIdiota]

Pad switches do not keep mics from being damaged by sound sources that exceed the recommended SPLs, they only attenuate the mic's output to make them easier to use when you're mic'ing loud sources. Nothing in the electronics of a microphone could prevent an exceptionally loud sound source from causing physical damage to the diaphragm.

Right? Or am I delusional?

well, the specs say that the maximum SPL is 131 db, and with the pad engaged it is 141 db... seeing as how I don't think a company would give people numbers that would encourage them to record louder than possible and blow up the mic, I'm pretty sure that's what the pad is for. Granted, even with the pad on, if you're recording a close range gun blast or something, good luck.

 

[cominginsecond]

That's odd. Does anyone know why engaging a switch would change the maximum spl rating? Harvey? Anyone?

 

[CarmenC]

You are correct, sir!!!

Pad switches do not keep mics from being damaged by sound sources that exceed the recommended SPLs, they only attenuate the mic's output to make them easier to use when you're mic'ing loud sources. Nothing in the electronics of a microphone could prevent an exceptionally loud sound source from causing physical damage to the diaphragm.

Right? Or am I delusional?

Correct!
The pad does not attenuate the INPUT of the mic, it attenuates the output. This allows you to record a louder source before getting distortion at the pre. If a mic is padded enough (you can insert in-line pads as well), it can protect your board or pre-amp from blowing up, but the mic is probably a goner.
C

 

[JM350]

A microphone's pad is between the capsule and the electronics of the mic so it is protecting not only the mixer or micpre the mic is plugged into but the preamp in the mic itself from overload.

This is why the maximum SPL for the mic is higher when the pad is engaged.

 

[cominginsecond]

ah-hah! Thanks guys! I was wondering about that.

 

[VotaIdiota]

A microphone's pad is between the capsule and the electronics of the mic so it is protecting not only the mixer or micpre the mic is plugged into but the preamp in the mic itself from overload.

This is why the maximum SPL for the mic is higher when the pad is engaged.

YES!!!
I'm finally right about something!

 

[cominginsecond]

Oh, yeah, well I was right too!

 

[alanhyatt]

Then I realised the
"-10db" thinggie in the back of the C1. Now, I can kinda figure what that does, but, that switch goes to other places where it doesn't say anything about it (nor did the manual)

What doe sthat switch "switch"?

A1A2,

The new additions to the C1 mic are a 10db pad, and a Hi-Pass roll-off filter. The pad you know about after several of the posts. The Hi-Pass rolls off low frequencies and minimizes potential rumble. We added it because Gidge asked me to.... Only kidding..Hey Gidge...

We did it because many people were asking for it as it is a high gain mic. We listened to the customers and made the change...end of story



Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group