A question about db mic pad switch

[TBman]

My two WA mics have (and some of my others) have a db switch. Why would you use the microphone's -10db pad switch for instance, instead of just lowering the input gain on the recording device?

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by TBman

My two WA mics have (and some of my others) have a db switch. Why would you use the microphone's -10db pad switch for instance, instead of just lowering the input gain on the recording device?

Probably some engineers could answer better But as I understand it ,,,it is used for very dynamic and high level input sources ( Like close mic'ing Electric guitar amp Cabinets. ,,or If you have a singer that has a really powerful dynamic voice )
Personally I don't use them much and do like you say just lower the input a bit

[Bob Womack]

There are times when a mic's output is high enough to distort the preamp with the preamp set at any gain level. The pad switch prevents that.

Bob

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

There are times when a mic's output is high enough to distort the preamp with the preamp set at any gain level. The pad switch prevents that.

Bob

Thats interesting I may just try it on my next vocal as I do sometimes get some distortion (other than sibilance) on certain expressive words ......

[MarkF_48]

In most all condenser mics there is a preamp section which gives a boost to the minute signal from the element and also buffers and conditions the signal for the XLR output. In most designs the pad is prior to the FET transistor (directly above the word 'Pad') and prevents the FET and the rest of the preamp circuit from clipping if the audio level impressed on the capsule becomes too high. I've seldom if ever used a pad either on the mic or preamp, but I think it might be preferably to use the mic pad if it has one before using one on a preamp if audio levels are really high.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by KevWind

Thats interesting I may just try it on my next vocal as I do sometimes get some distortion (other than sibilance) on certain expressive words ......

I've never seen a video of yours where you were singing so loudly that a mic should be distorting. Are you doing death metal videos and not sharing them with us?

[j3ffr0]

Some folks like to use a pad, either on the mic or preamp, for the purposes of driving the preamp a little bit harder to get a little more color/grit/hair out of it.

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by jim1960

I've never seen a video of yours where you were singing so loudly that a mic should be distorting. Are you doing death metal videos and not sharing them with us?

Ya I get my black leather suit on with Aviator sun glasses and then dye my hair lime green


Actually EQ automation is my friend (but don't tell anyone. )

[DupleMeter]

It reduces the sensitivity of the internal circuit. Useful on loud sources that would otherwise overload the circuit.

Not super useful quiet sources like acoustic guitars, but you’ll be happy you have it there if you need to record drums.