In line attenuators

[Jarvis]

While mic'ing drums with condensers on toms, I have the mic -10 pads in and the Syteks all the way down. It's still too much gain. I want to try these in line pads available in various attenuation amounts, but I'm wondering if the impedance change will effect things. (1K in, 150 Ohms out) Don't completely understand impedance obviously. These are the gizmos:

http://www.amazon.com/Whirlwind-Microph ... _rhf_p_t_3
thanks

[sirhills]

Scroll down & check out the MPD:

http://www.naiant.com/studiostore/microphones.html

12, 18 & 24 db. I have a pair of the 12's & a pair of the 18's (& several of his mics too)...all solid builds & work/sound great.

[Syngriner]

Would definitely echo sirhills endorsement of the Naiant products.

[Jarvis]

What about the part where he says, not recommended for use with condenser microphones.

[Chris_Meck]

I can't speak to the Naiant stuff, but will admit their stuff looks really cool.

I use Shure and Hosa pads all the time ( I have urei/jbl pres that are fixed input and HOT.) So for drums, I have to pad them down. Like way down, like 30db.

They work fine, and it sounds fine. I was a little worried about the impedance issue, but as it was explained to me, it's not much different than a volume knob in a lot of circuit designs-meaning that the circuit is designed wide open and the input gain knob is essentially a variable pad.

I use them with dynamics (57, e602, 520i, sm7)

and with condensors (adk custom shop tc67, joly modded 319's, AT Pro 37's,) all the time. Ribbons never needed 'em.

Chris

[sirhills]

What about the part where he says, not recommended for use with condenser microphones.

He's referring to the 620 ohm load version/option...click on the "Type" button.

[Jarvis]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I went with Naiant, smaller company and better price. Plus I'm originally from NC.
jarvis

[sir hills]

Forgot to mention previously that I used to have a Sytek & used ProCo attenuators with success (pretty much the same as the Naiants...maybe a little more $ & not hand made). They went with the unit when I sold it but I found the 20db version to work well & 30db was almost too much...so if you go with the Naiants maybe try the 18 & 24. Also, try them on the outputs & go ahead & let the pre drive...for distorted blown out drums.

[Jarvis]

Sir Hills thanks for the output tip, hadn't though of that.
jarvis

[Ryan Silva]

Sir Hills thanks for the output tip, hadn't though of that.
jarvis

This reminds me of when I picked up n API 3124+. I was planning on using it for kick and snare the very day it came in, had I not been warned by someone on the page (can't remember who) about how easy it is to overload those pre's, I would have been in trouble. Now even though most pre's have pads built in they never sound as good as even the cheep in-line attenuators. Not sure why this is, but Im happy I ordered them at the same Time. Whirlwind -10(2) -30(2)

Use them all the time.

(just don't forget there in there when using ribbons)

[rty5150]

i use the shure selectable attenuators with my sytek.


rich

[JdJ]

Built some "H-Pads" into a short cable XLR barrel. Cheap and easy - Google H Pad. Works with my condensers too.

[Meriphew]

I have a couple of A Designs ATTYs that work great. There's also the Shure inline barrel attenuators.