V67G vs V67GS (Or, do I need a pad?)

[JohnnK]

Need to purchase another affordable condenser, and was looking at these two. From all the research I've done, the only difference is a high pass filter, and a 6db pad. The filter, I assume it would be better to do in my DAW. But what about the pad? Is this something that will come in use? I know not for vocals or acoustic guitar, but what if I decide to mic a drum kit with it, or a guitar cab. Is it then mandatory?

Thanks guys!

 

[rob aylestone]

A pad is certainly a handy thing to have. The high pass filter can also be better to have in the mic, rather than do it in the machine because if the rumble or low frequency noise is very loud, the mic may even overload. I'm not usually happy with any before recording processing, but when you are sure you will not want anything down there, removing that energy before it can cause grief does make sense. Sometimes with bouncy stages, the amount of rubbish down the bottom can be quite severe, and the low frequency roll off rather handy.

 

[JohnnK]

Thanks for the reply! Handy, or necessary? Necessary if I try to record drums or a guitar cab (which I may or may not do in the future I suppose)? Just having severe budget issues at the moment! hah (Speaking of Pads, I mean)

 

[RawDepth]

Save your money. You could always add this accessory later if needed...

XLR pads

But honestly, I've been recording bands for 12 years and have rarely needed a pad. Some of my tube mics do give a hot signal, but I wouldn't use them for drums or guitars. So, most of the time, the problem is solved by choosing the right microphone for each instrument. You can always back the mic away from louder sources as well.

 

[notCardio]

What are you running it into? Most mixers, and some preamps, have an input pad. I think it would be wise to have one one the mic, but if money is an issue now, and you think you'll be able to afford it later, you can always add a pad as was already mentioned. But, as was also already mentioned, you would actually be better served by using a different mic for those applications. I realize, however, that on a limited budget that's not always an option. I've got an older 67G with a pad and filter, and I wouldn't recommend using it for any of the things you'd need the pad for. It would be ok as a room mic for amps, but I wuoldn't close mic with it, and it would be ok as an overhead on drums (but then you'd probably want 2 of them anyway), but again I wouldn't use it on snare or kick (or toms) just because it doesn't sound very good on those applications. I think your budget is going to be the determining factor on your choices here.

 

[RawDepth]

Let me throw something out and someone can correct me if I'm wrong.....

I somewhat thought the purpose of the pad within a mic was to reduce the signal internally so its own internal amplifier/output stage wouldn't overload and clip on very loud sources. The same couldn't be accomplished with an external pad.

Good question. Here are my thoughts...

Most condenser mics have at least two basic stages; the capsule and the preamp. It is my understanding that most capsules can take a lot of sound pressure level before waffling or distorting. The built-in preamp, however, is much more sensitive and will distort long before the capsule does. The published Max SPL rating of the mic should represent the point at which the preamp, (or any component for that matter,) begins to introduce audible distortion into the signal chain. (In the case of the V67, that would be at around 130 dB.)

That said, the most logical place for a built-in pad would be between the capsule and preamp. However, turning it on creates a real concern for some that the pad will reduce the microphone's own signal-to-noise ratio for all signal below the threshold. For best results, this school-of-thought recommends an external inline pad.

Perhaps the pad method used, (built-in or inline,) should be a case-by-case judgement call.

By the way, if used, inline pads should always be placed at the preamp end of the microphone cable. You want to keep the signal in the cable as strong as possible, so that any induced interference will be reduced by the pad along with the desired signal at the preamp's input.

Disclaimer: I am not a microphone engineer or designer. This is just what I've gathered from my readings about mics.

 

[JohnnK]

Thanks guys! Budget won out, and I went with the 67G..

You are correct (I assume, never used one!) that I may not want to use it for close micing applications.. But, as is the usual disclaimer of my posts "Who knows what I may do in the future, due to budget/equipment constraints".

 

[Simman]

Thanks guys! Budget won out, and I went with the 67G..

You are correct (I assume, never used one!) that I may not want to use it for close micing applications.. But, as is the usual disclaimer of my posts "Who knows what I may do in the future, due to budget/equipment constraints".

Recommend saving a little and getting the 67G modified. I had one laying around and sent it to Michael Joly to mod. Didn't know what to expect but when I got it back, I was completely floored by how much better it is. Sounds so much more open. The mic gets used a lot more now.