Topic: Attenuator Box

[beefstew]

i saw direction on how to build an attenuator box here http://ca.geocities.com/dkleined@rogers.com/audio/PassiveAttenuatorBox.htm

i was wondering if this would be a good thing [to cut down on clipping] to run between the SBD and my Hi-MD?
and i was wondering if i could run my mics to it like this - Mics>BattBox>AttenuatorBox>Hi-MD? or like this Mics>AttenuatorBox>MiniDV[mic in]

[willndmb]

you could run it between the sbd and md sure
i have a cable i use to do it from sbd > camcorder

you are getting clipping with mics > BBox > MD? are you going line in with the battery box?

[beefstew]

you could run it between the sbd and md sure
i have a cable i use to do it from sbd > camcorder

Where did you get this kind of cable at? Cost much?

you are getting clipping with mics > BBox > MD? are you going line in with the battery box?

no i guess i worded that wrong
i meant like this mics>attenuatorbox>mic-in on MiniDV/MD

[Chuck]

It's pretty easy to build a simple resistor pad. You could fit it all into an XLR connector.

http://www.uneeda-audio.com/pads/

Use 1%, or better, metal film resistors and shrink wrap everything.

[cyfan]

I have a nice adjustable attenuator I bought for $25. RCAs in and out. When taping from the soundboard (given it's a mono feed) I tend to leave the left side bumping tight against the clip line and attenuate the right side to assure no change of clipping. In mastering, if the left side doesn't clip it has a full frequency/volume range. If it does clip, I boost the right side volume. Then paste R/L or L/R depending on the best.

For the love of god I'm trying to remember the company I got that nice little box from .... (something) Labs.

If you're a frequent board patcher, some type of attenuation is a MUST.

tim