Inline mic pads--there has to be a better way!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Whoopysnorp
  • Start date Start date
Whoopysnorp

Whoopysnorp

New member
First of all, this is the first I've been back since the site redesign. Whoa.

Anyway, I'm currently in a predicament where I'm in need of four inline mic pads. I am now using the four channel inserts on my mixer as direct outs, and whatever the gain on those channels is set to is the level at which the sound goes into my computer. The trouble is, even with the gain all the way down on these channels, I still get clips when recording drums. I need pads on these channels to tame the signals, but apparently an inline XLR pad costs in the neighborhood of $30. Does anybody know a way in which I can take care of these needs for less?
 
Sounds like a gain stage mismatch between your mixer and your soundcard.... your mixer might be putting out a +4dBu signal but your soundcard is expecting a -10dBV signal (about 12 dB difference in signal level between the two gain structures.)

And a pad is not necessarily the best way to handle it because it can introduce *some* degradation.... if you're soundcard can only handle the -10dBV level, then you'll have to either switch mixers or pick up something like the Ebtech Line Level Shifter - which converts signals from one gain structure to another - although again, this can introduce some potential coloration.

Come to think of it - Radio Design Labs has a pretty transparent 2-channel pad device that you could use (http://www.rdlnet.com/stp-1.htm) - I used to use it on my Masterlink to pad down the outputs occasionally. I didn't notice any degradation of the signal with the pad there.
 
Last edited:
Another option is Tascam and Fostex level matching units. They were usually 8 or 16 channel boxes designed to interface a +4 recording device to a -10 mixer or the other way around. On ebay they pop up at a relatively cheap price but well worth it if your intermixing alot of pro and prosumer gear.


SoMm
 
Blue Bear Sound said:
Sounds like a gain stage mismatch between your mixer and your soundcard.... your mixer might be putting out a +4dBu signal but your soundcard is expecting a -10dBV signal (about 12 dB difference in signal level between the two gain structures.)
Click to expand...

Aaaaah, I see. That answer is pleasing. I'm using a Delta 1010LT synced with a Delta 66, so I will be able to switch the gain on the inputs. Thanks!
 
TexRoadkill said:
Are you clipping at the mic preamp or at the soundcard?
Click to expand...

Both. It didn't used to be a problem because I could control the level being send to the soundcard with the faders, but now that I'm bypassing the faders on those channels, the gain knob is the only control I've got. The analog clipping of the mixer channels wasn't audible, but the digital clipping sure is. I'll play with my soundcard settings and see what happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top