Hot Microphone source - What db value attenuator should I pickup?

[Hypnocracy]

When I run my old Denecke PS2/AD-20 with AT853's stage lip...at times I find I have to turn the Pre all the way down...a couple of nights ago that was still almost too high a level...I'm going to pick up some pads for this setup...the AD-20 is rated at 41 db gain

SO what range db should I consider for Attenuator pads? 10db 20db 30db?

FTR the reason I still run this ancient 16bt pre is to matrix sources from the FR2LE and AD-20...they have virtually the same clock rate...no stretching time to sync recordings that are 80 plus minutes long...

[bryonsos]

I had the same problem (exactly) with my setup. Essentially no gain from the pre, still a hot signal. The ones you've seen me use are -23db from Naiant, and now I run the pre at comfortable levels.

[mepaca]

Get these and you won't have to worry about it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/68085-REG/Audio_Technica_AT8202_AT8202_In_Line_Attenuator.html

[F.O.Bean]

I would say a switchable Audio Technica attenuator say -10/-20/-30db

EDIT: DOH! I shouldve read the whole thread first Great minds think alike tho

[F.O.Bean]

And I have never heard that the FR2LE and the AD20 had the same clock? Why dont you just get a Busman Modded UA5 in the YS for $15.00 or so, and you could matrix "on-the-fly" and just deal w/ ONE pre/adc, and ONE recorder

Or get a Tascam DR2D and run 2 separate rigs into it like I'm about to attempt next month

[Hypnocracy]

Beaner...it is a happy coincidence that the Fostex FR2LE and Denecke AD20 seem to sync up...I had been fighting the sync by stretching time with another recorder...it was luck that I had to run more than 12 ft apart on stage one night...that required me to pull out the P48 wiring and Denecke equipment to power it...

When I got home I loaded both recordings into Audacity...I went to the middle and lined up on a rim shot...checked the beginning an end an it was close enough for Rock and Roll...

That DR2D is on the list...at $125 I wished it was that cheap two months ago...

[Walstib62]

I tend to like 16-18dB, seems about right for anything.

^^^That is pretty much right on the money! The AT switchables are nice, though I can't imagine ever needing more than 20, and usually that's a tad too much.

[BusDriver]

i've found complete satisfaction using naiant's -18 on my MKH8040>Mixpre that clipped at no gain setting for the big loud stuff.

[Hypnocracy]

i've found complete satisfaction using naiant's -18 on my MKH8040>Mixpre that clipped at no gain setting for the big loud stuff.

That is enough testimony for me...one set of Naiant 18db pads on order...

[Hypnocracy]

Just received the 18db  Attenuator pads in the mail...These will be used for the first time on stage Saturday Night....

Thanks Jon!