Does an attenuator need a transformer? at DVinfo.net

Marco Leavitt · May 8th, 2008, 06:39 PM

I use an ME64 on my XL2, and as is well known, it can be too hot in some situations (although not as often as people think). The camera's attenuator compensates too much, and I'm not sure it would save me from overloading the inputs even though the levels look right. What I'd really like to find is a barrel attenuator that can switch from off to -10dB or so, so that I can just leave it on all the time. Failing that, I'm thinking about just carrying one of these around in my pocket:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Line_Pad.html

I like that it's small, but it doesn't seem to have a transformer. Is that a problem? Also, does anyone know of a barrel attenuator with a switch that can be set to offer no attenuation?

Ty Ford · May 8th, 2008, 06:56 PM

Hey Marco,

Maybe it's finally time for you to consider a Sound Devices 302. It can feed mic level to your XL2 (which I also have) regardless of how hot the mic is.

You know it'll help you. :)

Regards,

Ty

Marco Leavitt · May 8th, 2008, 07:01 PM

Hey Ty, I already have a 302. Heck, I've had one for years. I'm actually scheming to find a way to afford a 442. :) This attenuator is for use with the ME-64 as an on-camera mic.

Ty Ford · May 8th, 2008, 07:22 PM

OK,

What if you got one of these and rewired one of the pads to 0dB?

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Produc..._A15AS_content

Regatrds,

Ty

Marco Leavitt · May 8th, 2008, 07:29 PM

I do own that attenuator. I own two actually. Sadly, I lack the know-how to rewire it. How hard would it be?

Ty Ford · May 8th, 2008, 07:35 PM

Marco,

Dunno. Is there an amature radio organization where you are?

One of those guys would know what to do.

Maybe even Shure would. They are pretty neat guys. Why not try calling them?

Regards,

Ty

May 8th, 2008, 06:39 PM	#1
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Does an attenuator need a transformer? I use an ME64 on my XL2, and as is well known, it can be too hot in some situations (although not as often as people think). The camera's attenuator compensates too much, and I'm not sure it would save me from overloading the inputs even though the levels look right. What I'd really like to find is a barrel attenuator that can switch from off to -10dB or so, so that I can just leave it on all the time. Failing that, I'm thinking about just carrying one of these around in my pocket: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Line_Pad.html I like that it's small, but it doesn't seem to have a transformer. Is that a problem? Also, does anyone know of a barrel attenuator with a switch that can be set to offer no attenuation?

May 8th, 2008, 06:56 PM	#2
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Hey Marco, Maybe it's finally time for you to consider a Sound Devices 302. It can feed mic level to your XL2 (which I also have) regardless of how hot the mic is. You know it'll help you. :) Regards, Ty __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

May 8th, 2008, 07:22 PM	#4
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	OK, What if you got one of these and rewired one of the pads to 0dB? http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Produc..._A15AS_content Regatrds, Ty __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

May 8th, 2008, 07:35 PM	#6
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Marco, Dunno. Is there an amature radio organization where you are? One of those guys would know what to do. Maybe even Shure would. They are pretty neat guys. Why not try calling them? Regards, Ty __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

May 8th, 2008, 07:01 PM	#3
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Hey Ty, I already have a 302. Heck, I've had one for years. I'm actually scheming to find a way to afford a 442. :) This attenuator is for use with the ME-64 as an on-camera mic.

May 8th, 2008, 07:29 PM	#5
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	I do own that attenuator. I own two actually. Sadly, I lack the know-how to rewire it. How hard would it be?