Using -10db pads on mics... when, why?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bigus Dickus
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Bigus Dickus

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If I have 60db of gain on my mic preamp, and typically run at 20db to 30db gain for my recording needs before clipping, is there any advantage of using the -10db pads and cranking the mic pre gain up to compensate?

Are they only for extreme cases where avoiding clipping is just really difficult, or is it to actually offer physical protection of the mic under these circumstances? Or, does it just have a "different" sound?

I don't get it. :(
 
Engaging the mic pad and then making it back up at the pre would seem to throw away s/n ratio.
Notice that mics have a higher maximun spl rating with the pad on, so I assume it is reducing the gain to the mic's internal electronics as well as keeping your preamp from clipping.
Wayne
 
Well, I agree with your thoughts, but I'm still not sure that answers my question. Why would you use them then?
 
You use it...

...when the sound source's SPL is overloading the mic's electronics (but isn't exceeding the diaphragm's excursion limit)
 
practical examples of Blue Bear's point:

1) you are recording something and you hear distortion. yet you aren't getting distortion on your preamp meters or your tape/DAW meters.

solution: try the pad on the mic

2) you are getting a signal so hot into your preamp that even with the gain turned almost all the way down, you are still getting some clipping.

solution: try the pad on the mic
 
OK, cool, then it is fairly simple. I thought maybe there was some "use it for this type of sound" kind of thing... you know, recording is like that sometimes. ;)
 
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