What is the "LOW CUT" and "PAD" used for on a mic?

The low cut switch filters out the low end that the mic sends to the preamp. It helps remove rumble, etc. from vocal takes if necessary and generally cleans up the low end if the instrument you are recording doesn't extend into the low frequencies (like a voice). Think of it as an EQ. The straight line is flat - the bent line means the filter is engaged. You'll have to read the specs to see exactly what frequency the filter starts working at - remember, too, it isn't a on/off situation, but the filter will slope. So, if the filter works at 60 Hz, it effects the frequencies below that point gradually - it might squeeze out off the noise below 30 Hz and less than half at 50.

The PAD - well, pads the the output of the mic down. Engaging it lowers the volume sent out of the mic. You don't want it engaged for most singers, usually. However, if you are putting your mic on a guitar cab or next to a kick drum, you engage the pad to keep the loud sounds from overdriving your chain - mic, preamp, convertors. Think of it as a volume lowering switch.

That reply is so Mike. A noob asks a simple question, so of course you supply a schematic diagram!

I love it. Had no idea a mic would have so many transistors; I've never taken a mic apart and always imagined a very simple circuit in there.

yeah, but that's the schematic for the C414 - the OP has an AT4033!!!

Ah, my first mic was an electret condenser, curtesy of SOny. It was a long time ago (c. 1978)- I can't remember what it sounded like. My old tascam 4 track reel to reel recordings aren't, well that good. I lost the mic, but found the little-rubber like case.

Yea, one of the AT mics, as I recall, are an electret.

@

I love it. Had no idea a mic would have so many transistors; I've never taken a mic apart and always imagined a very simple circuit in there.

I had no idea a mic would have that many transistors either, and I HAVE taken all my mics apart to examine them.


A low cut is sometimes a good idea for voice recording, though on some mics a low cut filter may actually cut the fundamental on a lower male voice (RE-27).

Since a pad lowers the output, it effectively lowers the sensitivity of the microphones circuitry and can raise the overall dB level handling. This can be useful on drums, guitar cabs, close piano, and brass instruments. Without it the mic itself can clip and distort.

Hi, another newbie im afraid but if i was going to be miking a 120w guitar amp at around quarter-volume, would this damage the mic? its a Rode NT1-a (and therefore doesnt have a pad switch)

I very seriously doubt that could do any damage to the mic (unless you use a 7000watt amp at full volume). You may clip the output before the pre, but no you will not break anything.

Most mics can handle the physical abuse from a high db guitar cab..... the problem comes from the signal generated by the mic element.... once the signal reaches a certain level (the maximum db level posted for the mic), it can't go any higher.... but it tries to...resulting in distortion...so the pad switch reduces that level..allowing you to have a clean signal at the louder volume level.

The low cut switch will roll off the low frequency response, this allows the proximity effect to be reduced a bit so a singer can sing close up without the boominess of the proximity effect.

High volume can and will damage a ribbon mic. The ribbon element is an extremely thin and fragile ribbon of film that will be destroyed by the high pressure wave from a loud amp, also blowing air can also damage them...always use a pop filter and windscreen, and dropping them will almost always destroy the mic. Ribbons are fragile and mostly used in studios where the conditions of use are tightly controlled.