OT: Mic pad or attenuator

[IraSeigel]

I'm acquiring some mics for micing a grand piano that have a very hot output. The manufacturer thinks they will overload my RME Octamic preamps.

What can you recommend as an add-on mic pad, before the preamp?

I'm thinking along the lines of an in-line pad, but I don't know if they color the sound.

I don't want to invest in another set of mic pres with a switchable pad, if I can help it.

Thanks,
Ira

[Naturally Digital]

Whirlwind has these: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IMPpad10/

[Dave Labrecque]

I haven't personally used it, but this guy's supposed to have a really great pad:

http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/austin-powers-cocktail-glass-4900072.jpg

Probably quite colorful, however. Sorry.

Who am I, Pedro? :confused:

[Sean McCoy]

I use these to pad the outputs of hot preamps like API's. They're more expensive than the Whirlwind, but are known to be transparent and offer three diffferent levels of attenuation:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68600-REG/Shure_A15AS_A15AS_In_Line_Attenuator.html

Though I have to say I find it unlikely that any mics would be so hot that they need attenuation on a piano—unless you're miking right on the hammers with a Jerry Lee Lewis-type banger, in which case you're probably overloading the mics themselves. What are these ridiculously hot mics?

[Wink0r]

If the mics are phantom powered it gives you something else to think about. The pad would have to pass the power or you would need a separate phantom supply.

[Sean McCoy]

Both of these attenuators will pass phantom power. Keep in mind, though, that the built-in pads found on mics are before their internal preamps, so an in-line attenuator, which is after the internal preamp, won't prevent overloading the capsule.

[IraSeigel]

I use these to pad the outputs of hot preamps like API's. They're more expensive than the Whirlwind, but are known to be transparent and offer three diffferent levels of attenuation:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68600-REG/Shure_A15AS_A15AS_In_Line_Attenuator.html

Though I have to say I find it unlikely that any mics would be so hot that they need attenuation on a piano—unless you're miking right on the hammers with a Jerry Lee Lewis-type banger, in which case you're probably overloading the mics themselves. What are these ridiculously hot mics?

Thanks, Sean. I'll check these out.
Here are the mics you asked about: http://www.hybridmic.com/

The owner is sending me a "sample" package of some hypers and some LOLs for use in the pianos on my tour. Which is coming to Oregon in October, by the way. Several cities along I-5: http://www.nataliemacmaster.com/schedule.htm

[Sean McCoy]

I couldn't find an SPL rating on the site, but if you're going to be putting these into a closed-lid piano for live use, I can certainly see that creating some serious volume.

So are you touring with Natalie McMaster? Keep me posted as to the tour stops. If there's one in Medford, I'll be there.

[IraSeigel]

I couldn't find an SPL rating on the site, but if you're going to be putting these into a closed-lid piano for live use, I can certainly see that creating some serious volume.

So are you touring with Natalie McMaster? Keep me posted as to the tour stops. If there's one in Medford, I'll be there.

They'll be going into open-lid pianos, if I can help it!

Here's a contender. I could probably get these for "artist price" (60% off) or maybe Earthworks will just send me 4!! http://www.fullcompass.com/product/372964.html

I'm hoping a Medford show is added, which would make sense routing-wise. If you can make it, I hope you'll be able to check out my expanded setup, which will be my FOH setup described in my "signature" (2 Octamics, ADI-8 Pro, Digiface and T42 laptop) but with the addition, via ADAT split, of a second Digiface, ADI-8 Pro and T43p laptop to run monitors from FOH. So far my "bench tests" are all excellent. Should be fun!

Ira

[IraSeigel]

I haven't personally used it, but this guy's supposed to have a really great pad:



Probably quite colorful, however. Sorry.

Who am I, Pedro? :confused:

I just saw a chick flick called "Down With Love" with Ewan MacGregor and Renee Zellwegger. I reminded me a lot of Austin Powers. Grrrrrroooovy!

[Mark Stebbeds]

I'd go with a couple of iPads.

Mark

[Sean McCoy]

They'll be going into open-lid pianos, if I can help it!
Good man!


Here's a contender. I could probably get these for "artist price" (60% off) or maybe Earthworks will just send me 4!! http://www.fullcompass.com/product/372964.html
Yikes! Pricey!


I'm hoping a Medford show is added, which would make sense routing-wise. If you can make it, I hope you'll be able to check out my expanded setup, which will be my FOH setup described in my "signature" (2 Octamics, ADI-8 Pro, Digiface and T42 laptop) but with the addition, via ADAT split, of a second Digiface, ADI-8 Pro and T43p laptop to run monitors from FOH. So far my "bench tests" are all excellent. Should be fun!

Ira
You're a braver man than I, Ira! I'm afraid to venture out of my carefully controlled bat-cave. :o

[bcorkery]

Ive used the product DaveV linked to and didn't notice any coloration but that was with my old Tascam half inch 8 track. I haven't had the need since going digital.

(sigh) Maybe I'm no help at all here. :o

[bcorkery]

C'Mon! Dry Heat Pedro just doesn't get it! :D