SCHOEPS PAD 10/20 C

Product overview

The SCHOEPS PAD 10/20 C is a passive attenuator for the Colette modular system that lowers the signal ahead of the CMC microphone amplifier by about 10 dB or 20 dB and raises the maximum sound pressure level by the same amount.

Under extreme conditions, very high sound pressure levels can overdrive even a SCHOEPS Colette microphone. The limiting factor here is not the capsule but the microphone amplifier: its overload point ranges from 128 to 135 dB-SPL (max. SPL, 0.5 % THD), depending on the capsule and the amplifier type, and is 5 dB lower with the "+5 dB" versions. In these situations the PAD is inserted between the capsule and the microphone amplifier or an active accessory, and attenuates the signal level at the amplifier input.

The PAD is passive and has only two contacts, at the top and bottom. It comes as the PAD 10 C (about 10 dB) and the PAD 20 C (about 20 dB). Because of its capacitive principle of operation, two PAD 10 C on one microphone give about 15 dB, so the PAD 20 C is the choice for a full 20 dB. Until 2025 the product was named DZC.

Key features

• About 10 dB or 20 dB constant attenuation
• Raises the maximum sound pressure level by about 10 dB or 20 dB
• Attenuates the signal ahead of the CMC microphone amplifier
• Fits between a Colette capsule and the amplifier or an active accessory
• Passive, with only two contacts at the top and bottom
• Compact: 18 mm long, 20 mm diameter, 14 g
• Matte grey or custom colour

Made for

• Very loud sources close to a Colette microphone
• Colette microphones with CMC 1 U, CMC 1 L or CMC 6 amplifiers
• Colette setups with active tubes or cables

In the box

• PAD 10 C or PAD 20 C attenuator (a Colette capsule and microphone amplifier are needed)

SCHOEPS PAD 10/20 C: frequently asked questions

When do I need a PAD?

When very high sound pressure levels would overdrive the microphone amplifier, whose overload point is 128 to 135 dB-SPL depending on capsule and amplifier. The PAD lowers the level at the amplifier input and raises the maximum SPL by about 10 or 20 dB.

Where does it go?

Between the capsule and the microphone amplifier, or between the capsule and an active accessory such as an active tube or cable. It matches the CMC 1 U, CMC 1 L and CMC 6.

Can I stack two PAD 10 C for 20 dB?

Two PAD 10 C give about 15 dB because of the capacitive principle; for a full 20 dB, use one PAD 20 C.

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS PAD 10/20 C in India?

The SCHOEPS PAD 10/20 C is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Very loud source close up

Engineers miking loud instruments or effects with Colette microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Unscrew the capsule from the amplifier.
2. Screw the PAD onto the amplifier and the capsule onto the PAD.
3. Check the level: the maximum SPL is now about 10 or 20 dB higher.

Tip: For a full 20 dB, use one PAD 20 C rather than two PAD 10 C.

Workflow 2: With active tubes and cables

Users of Colette active accessories on stage or hung.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the PAD directly between the capsule and the active accessory.
2. Mount the microphone as usual.
3. Set the preamp gain for the attenuated level.

Tip: The PAD is passive, with only two contacts, top and bottom.