Really not sure what this switch is on my mic

[TradeMark]

Audio Technica 4047SV

What does A switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad on my mic do?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

If you have a sound source that is overloading the mic circuitry, you can engage the -10dB pad to reduce the level a bit -- however, it does nothing to help a situation where the overload is occurring because you're exceeding the physical excursion limits of the mic diaphragm itself.

The 80Hz roll-off is a filter useful for removing extreme low-freqs from the signal - such as rumble, foot-tapping, stand vibration, etc...

 

[Track Rat]

The -10 attenuator is just that. If you were mic'ing a VERY loud source and it was clipping the mic, you'd engage the attenuator and get another 10 dB of headroom. The 80hz filter rolls off signal below 80hz to counter proximity effect and things like low frequency rumble that can telegraph up through the mic stand into the mic.

 

[TradeMark]

Ah.. I see. So normally if im not clipping I dont need 2 use the -10 db pad but I should use the High Pass filter when recording anyway right? Just incase there is any low rumble sound. and if there isnt, it wont affect my vocals anyway... I see.. thanks alot..

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

I wouldn't engage either of them unless specifically needed for a given application....

 

[KingstonRock]

if you're recording vocals or guitar, then use the hi-pass switch, but if you're recording a bass drum or bass guitar, something with a lot of sound in the sub 80hz range, you shouldn't use the filter.

 

[KingstonRock]

I got beat by the big blue bear