Re: mic gain and pads

Almost every recorder that has a mic input and a switchable pad, places the=

pad before the first gain stage.  So activating the pad does help protect
that first gain stage from clipping.  Then the variable volume control come=
s
after the first gain stage.  With most recorders I've worked with, if you'r=
e
seeing hot levels with the volume control set less than a third of the way =
up
you're at risk for clipping the first stage, and you're well advised to
switch in the pad.

The only real oddballs in this regard were the Panasonic SV 250 and 255 DAT=

portables.  Their volume control is really a variable pad ahead of the firs=
t
gain stage!


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