Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: Attenuator cable  (Read 13945 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jbell

  • TDS
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4567
  • Gender: Male
  • Spreadicated
Attenuator cable
« on: March 08, 2012, 09:37:43 AM »
Anyone use one of these??  I'm thinking of buying one to use with my DR 2d mic in.  TIA

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ATEN-1
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

-20        -12         -6        TDS   (32/48)     
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][}   
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][} 
__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline ScoobieKW

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1664
    • ScoobieSnax Audio Archive
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2012, 11:17:56 AM »
Anyone use one of these??  I'm thinking of buying one to use with my DR 2d mic in.  TIA

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ATEN-1

I'd rather go with a straight pad.

I'm considering this for my DR-2D

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-MAudio-MicroTrack-10dB-Pad/dp/B000O1J9BQ
Busman BSC1, AT853 (O,C),KAM i2 Chuck Mod (C), Nak 300 (C),
M10, UA-5, US-1800, Presonus Firepod

http://kennedy-williams.net/scoobiesnax/

Offline mattmiller

  • Trade Count: (20)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1454
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2012, 11:35:56 AM »
When I was shopping for one a couple of years ago, I didn't read very many positive reviews about the SP ones.  I bought this one based on the reviews, and it's served me well:

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html
Mics: Neumann KM100 (x4), AK40 (x2), AK50 (x2)
Pre: Lunatec V3
Recorders: Tascam DR-680, Tascam HD-P2 (x2), Sony PCM-M10

Offline willndmb

  • Trade Count: (17)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 6792
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2012, 11:53:44 AM »
When I was shopping for one a couple of years ago, I didn't read very many positive reviews about the SP ones.  I bought this one based on the reviews, and it's served me well:

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html
thats the one i have (i think, i didn't click the link) and it works great
Mics - AKG ck61/ck63 (c480b & Naiant actives), SP-BMC-2
XLR Cables - Silver Path w/Darktrain stubbies
Interconnect Cables - Dogstar (XLR), Darktrain (RCA > 1/8) (1/8 > 1/8), and Kind Kables (1/8f > 1/4)
Preamps - Naiant Littlebox & Tinybox
Recorders - PCM-M10 & DR-60D

Offline jbell

  • TDS
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4567
  • Gender: Male
  • Spreadicated
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2012, 01:34:12 PM »
I'd rather have something that can do more then -10db since I'm going to use it with the mic input. 

Anyone use one of these??  I'm thinking of buying one to use with my DR 2d mic in.  TIA

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ATEN-1

I'd rather go with a straight pad.

I'm considering this for my DR-2D

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-MAudio-MicroTrack-10dB-Pad/dp/B000O1J9BQ
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

-20        -12         -6        TDS   (32/48)     
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][}   
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][} 
__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline hi and lo

  • Trade Count: (38)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2294
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2012, 01:43:00 PM »
The variable attenuator sold by SP (and radio shack) is the biggest POS ever created. It has absolutely no business being in any signal path and SP should be ashamed they even carry that piece of garbage.

Go with a fixed attenuation cable made from quality components. I don't have personal experience with any MM products, but their product, as pictured, is exactly how it should be done with all resistors stuffed into the stereo mini connectors. I've made a few of these before; it's a tight fit and not easily done DIY, so well worth the $30 they are asking.

Offline ttrego2003

  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 345
  • Gender: Male
  • nobody puts baby in the corner!
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2012, 03:16:21 PM »
So if I go DPA>VMS5U>XRL to mini(ted cable)>attenuator cable (feamle socket to male)>DR2d for line in that will help for a hot signal.

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html

Todd

Offline ScoobieKW

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1664
    • ScoobieSnax Audio Archive
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2012, 03:33:49 PM »
It will help.

If you find that 10db isn't enough. You can also get quality pads in XLR form. The shure unit is the one in all of my company's workboxes.
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-A15AS-Balanced-line-Attenuator/dp/B0002J1JKY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1331238719&sr=1-1-fkmr0

HOSA makes a cheaper one, but I don't have experience with them
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-ATT-448-Female-Input-Attenuator/dp/B000K67U52/ref=pd_cp_MI_0



So if I go DPA>VMS5U>XRL to mini(ted cable)>attenuator cable (feamle socket to male)>DR2d for line in that will help for a hot signal.

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html

Todd
Busman BSC1, AT853 (O,C),KAM i2 Chuck Mod (C), Nak 300 (C),
M10, UA-5, US-1800, Presonus Firepod

http://kennedy-williams.net/scoobiesnax/

Offline StuStu

  • Trade Count: (40)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2860
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2012, 05:17:26 PM »
Anyone use one of these??  I'm thinking of buying one to use with my DR 2d mic in.  TIA

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ATEN-1


I have one of those......somewhere. If I can dig it up, you're welcome to use it. I also have a pair of the Shures you can borrow.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68600-REG/Shure_A15AS_A15AS_In_Line_Attenuator.html
MK5, MK8, MK41, KM184D, CK77, B3 ---CMD 2U XT, KC5, KCY, AKI---KCY Tinybox, Ugly BB---AETA 4MinX, PMD661 MKII, R-26, M-10, MR-1

Offline macdaddy

  • Trade Count: (10)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 7657
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2012, 05:36:43 PM »
Code: [Select]
ditto on wanting more than -10db. the shure attenuators i use for sbd feeds offer -15, -20, -25. i usually find -20db is just about right. they arent cables, though, you just plug em inline (same ones linked in the post above this one).
-macdaddy ++

akg c422 > s42 > lunatec v2 > ad2k+ > roland r-44

Offline fmaderjr

  • Trade Count: (16)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1966
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2012, 05:39:18 PM »
The variable attenuator sold by SP (and radio shack) is the biggest POS ever created. It has absolutely no business being in any signal path and SP should be ashamed they even carry that piece of garbage.

Go with a fixed attenuation cable made from quality components. I don't have personal experience with any MM products, but their product, as pictured, is exactly how it should be done with all resistors stuffed into the stereo mini connectors. I've made a few of these before; it's a tight fit and not easily done DIY, so well worth the $30 they are asking.

Besides quality issues, I believe that a variable attenuator cable like the SP one will reduce PIP voltage as well. Go with a fixed one as recommended here.
AT853's (all caps)/CM-300 Franken Naks (CP-1,2,3)/JBMod Nak 700's (CP-701,702) > Tascam DR-680
Or Sonic Studios DSM-6 > M10

Offline hi and lo

  • Trade Count: (38)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2294
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2012, 05:43:37 PM »

Besides quality issues, I believe that a variable attenuator cable like the SP one will reduce PIP voltage as well. Go with a fixed one as recommended here.

Just to clarify, a fixed, unbalanced attenuator would also reduce PIP. Only when signal and power supply are carried on separate pins (i.e. xlrs) can you insert an inline attenuation device without affecting phantom powering.

Offline jbell

  • TDS
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4567
  • Gender: Male
  • Spreadicated
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #12 on: March 08, 2012, 08:55:02 PM »
Grabbed one of these!!  Look like a bomber cable and -20db should work great on the mic in.

When I was shopping for one a couple of years ago, I didn't read very many positive reviews about the SP ones.  I bought this one based on the reviews, and it's served me well:

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html
Mics: DPA ST4011ER & 4018ER
Preamps: DPA MMA 6000 | Audioroot Femto
Recorders: Sound Devices Mixpre-10 II | Sony PCM A10

-20        -12         -6        TDS   (32/48)     
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][}   
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]][} 
__________________________
|Record|  Runtime: 4:19.99  {|||] 75%

Offline yousef

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1447
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2012, 05:20:36 AM »
I picked one of these up a few years ago but never used it as it looks like something that might come free with a cheap set of earphones.

My introduction to Taperssection came via someone who pointed me to his (very easy to follow) plans for a variable attenuator. I made two and, when I needed them, they worked perfectly. I think the link to the plans died long ago but I wonder if someone might have them archived somewhere?

To my shame, I can't remember who put the plans together but I do recall that a carpet featured prominently in many of the photos and the author had offered to sell portions of it to aid construction/attenuation.

Mine seemed to work ok without the carpet.
music>other stuff>ears
my recordings: http://db.etree.org/yousef
http://www.manchestertaper.co.uk
twitter: @manchestertaper

Offline Teen Age Riot

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 895
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #14 on: March 09, 2012, 12:22:01 PM »
I'd rather go with a straight pad.

I'm considering this for my DR-2D

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-MAudio-MicroTrack-10dB-Pad/dp/B000O1J9BQ

I'm using that one with my DR-2d (mic-in), and it's been working out well so far. The loudest show I've taped with it was Mogwai, with peaks around 110db at FOH.
It's worth noting that the 1/8 jack on mine locks in pretty well, too.

Online aaronji

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *
  • Posts: 3861
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #15 on: March 09, 2012, 05:01:46 PM »
Naiant (Jon Stoppable) also sells XLR inline attenuators, I think...

Offline tgakidis

  • Trade Count: (552)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 5749
  • Gender: Male
    • My Recordings on the Archive:
GAKables: Custom XLR, Digi & Batt Cables http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0

Mics: Schoeps CMC6 x 4, Schoeps CMC1K x 2 / Schoeps KC 5G x 2 / Schoeps MK4,MK41,MK21,MK22 x 2 / Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set+ / Telefunken TF-11 x 2 / Telefunken ELA M 260 x 4 / Telefunken M960FS x 2 / TK60,TK61,TK62 x 2 / Telefunken M60,TK60 x 2 / AKG c426b / AKG c34 / nBob AKG Actives>PFA x 4 / CK61,CK63,CK8 x 2 / AT853 4.7k Mod (Card,Sub)
Pres: Sonosax SX-AD8+ / Sonosax SX-M2D2 / Sonosax SX-M2 / Lunatec V3
Recs: Sonosax SX-R4+ / Sound Devices MixPre-6ii / Marantz PMD-661 / Roland R-07 / Zoom F3

My Recordings: https://archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%28Gakidis%29&sort=-da

Offline achalsey

  • Trade Count: (29)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2184
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #17 on: March 14, 2012, 02:53:54 PM »
Interesting.  Would you be making this for retail for under $30?  Maybe the 12db pad on page two as well?   ;D

Found this today, -25dB
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=12985&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=homemade+pinknoise

Offline tgakidis

  • Trade Count: (552)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 5749
  • Gender: Male
    • My Recordings on the Archive:
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #18 on: March 14, 2012, 03:39:07 PM »
Interesting.  Would you be making this for retail for under $30?  Maybe the 12db pad on page two as well?   ;D

Found this today, -25dB
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=12985&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=homemade+pinknoise

I would want to test one out myself first before I start a new product line  ;D
GAKables: Custom XLR, Digi & Batt Cables http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0

Mics: Schoeps CMC6 x 4, Schoeps CMC1K x 2 / Schoeps KC 5G x 2 / Schoeps MK4,MK41,MK21,MK22 x 2 / Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set+ / Telefunken TF-11 x 2 / Telefunken ELA M 260 x 4 / Telefunken M960FS x 2 / TK60,TK61,TK62 x 2 / Telefunken M60,TK60 x 2 / AKG c426b / AKG c34 / nBob AKG Actives>PFA x 4 / CK61,CK63,CK8 x 2 / AT853 4.7k Mod (Card,Sub)
Pres: Sonosax SX-AD8+ / Sonosax SX-M2D2 / Sonosax SX-M2 / Lunatec V3
Recs: Sonosax SX-R4+ / Sound Devices MixPre-6ii / Marantz PMD-661 / Roland R-07 / Zoom F3

My Recordings: https://archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%28Gakidis%29&sort=-da

Offline bryonsos

  • Omni addict
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2061
  • Gender: Male
  • If it's important, tell me to write it down.
    • LMA uploads
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #19 on: March 14, 2012, 03:46:42 PM »
Interesting.  Would you be making this for retail for under $30?  Maybe the 12db pad on page two as well?   ;D

Found this today, -25dB
http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=12985&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=homemade+pinknoise

I would want to test one out myself first before I start a new product line  ;D

It would be great if you start the new line. Hopefully if you do, you'll offer XLR ones too. I'd buy a set tomorrow!
Mics: 3 Zigma Chi HA-FX (COL-251, c, h, o-d, o-f) / Avenson STO-2 / Countryman B3s
Pres: CA-Ugly / Naiant Tinyhead / SD MixPre
Decks: Roland R-44 / Sony PCM-M10
GAKables
Dead Muppets

My recordings LMA / BT / TTD

Offline DigiGal

  • AES Associate Member
  • Trade Count: (30)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2583
  • Gender: Female
  • Stay healthy and safe!
    • DigiGal Internet Archive Recordings
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #20 on: October 04, 2012, 09:12:37 PM »
Here is a pad circuit that can easily be built inside a XLR connector.
Mics: AKG CK91/CK94/CK98/SE300 D-330BT | DPA 4060 4061 4266 | Neumann TLM 103 | Senn ME66/K6/K6RD MKE2 MD421 MD431 | Shure VP88 SM7B SM63L SM58 Anniversary Cables: Gotham GAC-4/1 Quad w/Neutrik EMC | Gotham GAC-2pair w/AKG MK90/3 connectors | DigiGal AES>S/PDIF cable Preamp: SD MixPre-D Recorders: SD MixPre 6 | Marantz PMD 661 Edit: 2011 27" 3.4GHz Quad i7 iMac High Sierra | 2020 13" MBA Quad i7 Catalina | Wave Editor | xACT | Transmission | FCP X 

Offline ashevillain

  • Trade Count: (25)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3368
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #21 on: January 21, 2013, 11:58:49 AM »
Any suggestions for a 20dB attenuator cable other than the Microphone Madness one? (Their salesman is being an idiot.)

My #1 preference would be XLR on the input side and right angle mini on the output side.

stevetoney

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #22 on: January 22, 2013, 01:48:16 PM »
I bought a pair of Jon's attenuators.  They're very good low cost cables and they do the job.  Highly recommended.

(Not playing favorites here.  I've supported all of our custom cable and gear makers over the years but just wanted to vouch for Jon's attenuators, which have been listed on his website for months, if not years.)

Offline yates7592

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
  • Gender: Male
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #23 on: March 26, 2013, 06:21:24 AM »
When I was shopping for one a couple of years ago, I didn't read very many positive reviews about the SP ones.  I bought this one based on the reviews, and it's served me well:

http://microphonemadness.com/categories/attentuator_cables.html

Stupid question here, if using one of the MM attenunators, would the attenuator go before or after the battery box or pre:

so either:

mics > battery box > attenuator > recorder;

or

mics > attenuator > battery box > recorder ???

Whixh is correct, I am inclined to think the first option but not sure

Offline tgakidis

  • Trade Count: (552)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 5749
  • Gender: Male
    • My Recordings on the Archive:
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #24 on: March 26, 2013, 06:25:43 AM »
First one (mics > batt > att > recorder)
GAKables: Custom XLR, Digi & Batt Cables http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0

Mics: Schoeps CMC6 x 4, Schoeps CMC1K x 2 / Schoeps KC 5G x 2 / Schoeps MK4,MK41,MK21,MK22 x 2 / Austrian Audio OC818 Dual Set+ / Telefunken TF-11 x 2 / Telefunken ELA M 260 x 4 / Telefunken M960FS x 2 / TK60,TK61,TK62 x 2 / Telefunken M60,TK60 x 2 / AKG c426b / AKG c34 / nBob AKG Actives>PFA x 4 / CK61,CK63,CK8 x 2 / AT853 4.7k Mod (Card,Sub)
Pres: Sonosax SX-AD8+ / Sonosax SX-M2D2 / Sonosax SX-M2 / Lunatec V3
Recs: Sonosax SX-R4+ / Sound Devices MixPre-6ii / Marantz PMD-661 / Roland R-07 / Zoom F3

My Recordings: https://archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%28Gakidis%29&sort=-da

Online lpmaskman

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 120
  • Gender: Male
    • Trade list
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #25 on: June 01, 2013, 03:40:35 PM »
Any wiring diagrams available for 3,5" jacks?
Mics: AT853, ATM35
Inbetween: CA-9100, 3-wire battery box (homemade)
Recorders: Olympus LS-12, Zoom H2 (4 channel line input mod)
Video: Panasonic HC-V770 (x2), GoPro Hero4 Silver, Sony RX10mkII

Offline Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection Member
  • *
  • Posts: 381
    • Core Sound
Re: Attenuator cable
« Reply #26 on: June 02, 2013, 01:00:34 PM »
We offer unbalanced attenuator cables in 11, 20 and 32 dB values. Stereo mini jack on one end and a stereo mini plug on the other: $35 each.

http://www.core-sound.com/attenuator-cables/1.php
Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com

 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.11 seconds with 56 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF