when to use oktava -10db pad??

J

Joe Kocsis

Well-known member
I've done some reading and this is what I've come to understand. Please let me know if this is correct.

That use of the -10db pad is to keep the mic's electronics from clipping. So even if you have a mixer or camera with attenuation you'll want to use the pad when recording in high volume levels.

So how loud do things need to get before the pad should be used?
At what level will the oktava clip without the pad?

Just checked the Specs on oktava site say it can handle 130db MAX SPL, which I assume to mean use the pad if your getting anywhere near 130db which I think is about what a rock concert is at...

Anyhow let me know if I'm on the right track here..

thanks..

Joe
 
Hi Joe,
The -10db pad does not change the mic's maximum SPL. In the signal chain, it sits between the mic and whatever it's connected to (camera, mixer, recorder, etc) and reduces the signal from the mic by 10db so that the preamp on the input jack is not overloaded.

The DVX100, for example, is pretty easy to overload in a high SPL environment like live music. With a relatively high-output mic, you need to use -10db or more to prevent the DVX preamps from clipping.

-Dan
 
Are you sure about this?? The oktava -10db pad goes between the diphram and the mics electronics..

If what you're saying is correct, then if your running into anything with adjustment pots then you should never need a pad??

Tx..

Joe
 
I'm currently using the Oktava and DVX combo and recording normal dialogue etc, should I be using the -10db pad or not. When do you guys use it?
 
Normally the -10dB pad is not needed. Only if the mic puts out too strong a signal.

If it raises the highest operating loudness level I can not say for sure. It depends on what happens first, mic electronics clipping first (electronic) or mic diaphram assembly failing first (mechanical). If the mechanical system fails at 130 dB loudness level no padding is going to save the sound. If the electric signal starts to clip there but the capsule is still happy, then the pad would push the highest use level to 140 dB. Anybody care to test this?
 
keep the the pads in a freez if you dont recording rock conserts
no ned for dialog in 99% if you have normal preamp with preattunuation in the front
the extar attunuation is usially comes to bring the preamp ( outside the mic preamp )working in its best range and not push it to the borders
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top