Oktava 012A question, should I use the -10db capsule?

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ejdge

Well-known member
This may sound like a stupid question but I can't find an answer on the net but what are some instances that I would use the -10db capsule with this microphone, if any? I have the baby ball gag as well as the wind screen for the mic as well and it is going into an h4n for interior sound.

Thanks!
 
ejdge said:
This may sound like a stupid question but I can't find an answer on the net but what are some instances that I would use the -10db capsule with this microphone, if any? I have the baby ball gag as well as the wind screen for the mic as well and it is going into an h4n for interior sound.

Thanks!
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It all depends on how loud the sound source is. For normal speech you probably don't need it. Loud rock music or recording gunshots, then use it. It's a tool in your arsenal to help prevent overload of either the electronics in the mic itself or of the mic input into your mixer/recorder.
 
Yes, I would doubt you would need the pad for dialog recording. Last month I did a movie with some loud shouting scenes and there were no problems with my 012... at least going into a SD recorder. (The hidden {grey band} B6 did not handle it well though and was replaced.) I believe the 012 even has a lower sensitivity level (10mV/Pa) than the AT4053. I don't recall the max SPL ratings the mics though.
 
Maybe this will explain why not using the -10 capsule, if possible, is best:

Okay, you have the -10dB capsule on, but to get usable levels, you have to up the gain. But when you up the gain, you also up the noise floor the same amount (the best way to describe the noise floor is that background hiss you hear).
 
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