Topic: AD20 configuration on louder stadium shows

[redbook]

Hi all,

I have the following configuration:
AT853 (hypers) > PS2 > AD20 > JB3

I am going to do a few stadium shows this summer, loud sound in all of them, and I think I could suffer brickwalling..
What's the recommended configuration for the AD20? Minimum gain to avoid distorsion?
 Is recommended to get any kind of roll off? I have a SP batt box that could drop here, but in that case I should need an attenuator right? Or I should get the attenuator in all circumstances?

Any help is appreciated

[Zaphod]

I run that rig. I would say don't turn the gain up on the AD-20 at all and you should be fine. I've had the gain up a little for loud shows and experienced brickwalling.

If you ran the batt. box you wouldn't use the PS2, but I bet if you just don't use any gain on the AD-20 you should come out fine. Remember the AD-20 has minimum 17dB of gain which should be sufficient to get good levels at a loud show.

[Diamond_D]

i've been fine with that setup in some surprisingly loud situations, even up very close, you should be OK. If you're really concerned, you can always get some attenuators to knock down the minimum gain, but if you're stealthing that's another piece of gear to bring in and set up.

[peterbilt]

I've never used them, but you may want to look into some line level attenuator cables. When I purchased my MBHO's I had to get attenuators (the switchable Shure ones) and it has definitely allowed for more room with my Ad20>D8.

I used to run the Sound Pro's version of the 853's, without the phantom power mod and on several occasions I had issues with the Ad20 pushing too much, even with the gain knobs all the way down.

And it seems to me that stealthing two cables could be more comfy than a couple 4 1/2" attenuators, and less of a chance of accidental level switching.

[Steelcorner27]

I mainly record loud shows with my AD20 I use a M1 so It may not be the same but I find when going digital in I can run my levels up near and at 0 all night long and not have any ditortion, allthough your AT's are alot mor sensitve than my DPA's or Audix's.

Brad

[spyder9]

I run the following: AT853RX > PS2 > AD20 > JB3.  I have my AD20 preset for 4 o'clock and have each knob taped down so they won't move. I've had no problems w/ distortion at any loud concert, such as the Black Crowes.

[audBall]

I run the following: AT853RX > PS2 > AD20 > JB3.  I have my AD20 preset for 4 o'clock and have each knob taped down so they won't move. I've had no problems w/ distortion at any loud concert, such as the Black Crowes.

4 o clock?   I ran the AT943s > ART Phantom II > AD20 > JB3 last night with the levels ALL the way down (8 `o clock I guess) at a reggae show (not too too loud) and couldn't imagine what would've happened if my levels were that high.  Now, upon listening to the show I could have had them a little higher (maybe 10 `o clock).  Maybe I'm confused here...

[nic]

when I ran the AD20, I always ran the knobs at their lowest and always got peaks between 6 and 0 on my dats

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

I run the following: AT853RX > PS2 > AD20 > JB3.  I have my AD20 preset for 4 o'clock and have each knob taped down so they won't move. I've had no problems w/ distortion at any loud concert, such as the Black Crowes.

Worked good for the Dylan show. 

Thanks for sharing. +t

[Unitmonster]

I tend to run the ad-20 all the way down, or just a bit higher and have never had brickwalling.

and damn,  we could start a team AT853rx>PS-2>AD-20  around here there are so many of us using the rig!

[redbook]

hehe we should, welcome unitmonster founder member lol

[Brendan]

my rig is At853C's> Ps-2> Jb3... ive yet to record a concert but what i have no idea what cables to buy or anything if i buy an Ad-20.. any help deeply appreciated... am i good with this rig for the mean time.. i want to get out and tape!
PS what do i do for the mean time about gain without the Ad-20.. THANKS

[cgrooves]

I've noticed that many of us who run the AT853 line have something in common.  Very common to see the AD-20 paired up with the jb3.  I'm real happy with the A/D in my m1 (in the same league a the SBM-1), so I eliminate that piece of gear from the chain. The result is that I have to add transformers in the chain, but it works out perfect where my m1 recording level dial can be set to max at 99% of the shows I attend. That allows the A/D to function at it's best potential.

Anyone know of any head to head comparisons between the AD-20 and the m1's a/d?
edit: I guess you couldn't really do a good comparison unless you can disable the pre in the AD-20

DudeCountry:
I add gain with line transformers. You will probably need them too if your running line-in to your jb3 (like you should be).

[willndmb]

I run the following: AT853RX > PS2 > AD20 > JB3.  I have my AD20 preset for 4 o'clock and have each knob taped down so they won't move. I've had no problems w/ distortion at any loud concert, such as the Black Crowes.

4, holy shit i think the highest i have ever gone is 10

does your SP box have level adjust too?? you can set the ad20 all the way down and the SP all the way down then adjust the SP box up if need be

[Brendan]

I've noticed that many of us who run the AT853 line have something in common.  Very common to see the AD-20 paired up with the jb3.  I'm real happy with the A/D in my m1 (in the same league a the SBM-1), so I eliminate that piece of gear from the chain. The result is that I have to add transformers in the chain, but it works out perfect where my m1 recording level dial can be set to max at 99% of the shows I attend. That allows the A/D to function at it's best potential.

Anyone know of any head to head comparisons between the AD-20 and the m1's a/d?
edit: I guess you couldn't really do a good comparison unless you can disable the pre in the AD-20

DudeCountry:
I add gain with line transformers. You will probably need them too if your running line-in to your jb3 (like you should be).

hey, thanks for the help.. i think i have line transformers... ill try to post me rig tmw, thanks again