Topic: SBD > DAT...need attenuation?

[Crimson]

so if I'm running a sbd patch into the line-in on my sexyd100, or any dat for that matter, am i going to need an attenuator cable to keep the gain knob over 4?  never done it before, but a bunch of shows coming up where I could

[Steve J]

Depends on how you're getting the feed. IME, if it's coming via XLR from a matrix out, you might need attenuators...unless you've got a friend working the board that can dial the signal in for you. If you're getting RCA's out, you most likely will not need attenuators. In any event, it's always good to keep a couple attenuators in the old kit bag, just in case.

[firmdragon]

yeah depends on the feed. in my experience (10-20 times) i've never needed one.  they've all been small to mid-size venues/boards though.

[Teen Age Riot]

I've never needed attenuators for the D100 or the SBM1, and this includes bigger venues/boards, even a festival.
If the feed does seem too hot, you can always ask the person who's running the board to turn it down a notch.

[dgodwin]

With my D7 I always had to run attenuators.  If I didn't, I always brickwalled.  Not sure why, but it always happened. 

[Crimson]

hmm
thanks thanks thanks for the innnnnput

[dgale]

In my experience, if you are running straight into a Sony portable (i.e. D7, D8, D100, M1) and don't feel comfortable pestering the FOH guy to adjust the feed (not usually the first thing on their mind 10 seconds into a show as you realize your feed is way too hot), then I'd run a pair of -10db XLR attenuators.  If you run into a SBM-1 first then IME you shouldn't need the attenuators - YMMV on the SBM-1 but I've never had a problem, wheras I've seen plenty of brickwalled Sbd tapes run straight into a sony portable.  Again, it's all a matter of your comfort and ability to pester the FOH guy - some are nice and helpful and some want you to go away and leave them alone, especially at the beginning of a show.  As Manny pointed out, I'd definitely advise having a set in your bag of tricks so you can decide on a case by case basis.  I bought mine at Leo's Pro Audio in SF (they also have a store in Oakland) and they work great - I like the XLR inline variety myself, rathen then the RCA type but that may just be personal preference.

As long as we're on the subject of what to have with you for a Sbd patch, in addition to the XLRs (make them between 10-20' long so you can get out of the FOH person's way as needed) and attenuators if needed, have a good quality, long set of RCA cables and also a set of RCA>1/4" TS adapters - IME, RCA feeds are fairly rare from Sbds unless you are running out of the line out of someone's deck, but 1/4" feeds are occasionally the only option and I'd advise being preapred for the possibility.