Pad: Difference between revisions

m Padding {{PS1}} Inputs: added more detail about sources with mic/line level outputs
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Q: What is a Pad?  
Q: What is a Pad?  


A "pad" is short for an "Attenuation Pad".  
A: "pad" is short for an "Attenuation Pad".  


This is a device used to lower the signal level between two other devices.  
This is a device used to lower the signal level between two devices.  


=== Padding {{PS1}} Inputs  ===
With the L1® family of products, the most likely place you will use this is in front of a [[Model I]] (or [[Classic]]) Power Stand Channel 1 or Channel 2.


We use pads with our {{PS1}}s when running a pro level +4 dBu signal (e.g. output from a mixer) to the XLR inputs on Channels 1 or 2. We want to do this because the input sensitivity for these inputs is set for microphones. To get a better match for levels between the source and our inputs, we can use a pad.
[[File:Pad.jpg|link=http://www.bing.com/search?q=whirlwind+IMPAD20|200px|Find them on the web]]
* Cost: $20-30 on the web


Pads can also help when connecting the PS1 Line Outs to ''semi-pro'' or ''consumer'' recording devices. If the PS1 Line Outs are too ''hot'' for the recorder's inputs, a pad can be used to prevent overdriving those inputs into (clipping) distortion.  
Sources:
* [http://www.bing.com/search?q=whirlwind+IMPAD20 Search results on the web]
*You might find something like this in a local music store if they have a Pro Audio department.
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=== Pad between L1 Pro XLR Inputs and Line Level Source ===
The L1 Pro channel 1 and 2 inputs use Combo Jacks (XLR and 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve or 1/4 inch (6.3mm) Tip-Sleeve. The XLR inputs are MIC level inputs. If you want to connect a Line Level source, you may clip or overload the L1 input, or have trouble controlling the volume. Use a Pad to attenuate (lower) the signal for a better match if using the XLR inputs.
 
Line Level Sources:
* L1 Pro Line Out
* S1 Pro+ Line Out 
 
=== Pad between S1 Pro and S1 Pro+ XLR Inputs and Line Level Source ===
The L1 Pro channel 1 and 2 inputs use Combo Jacks (XLR and 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve or 1/4 inch (6.3mm) Tip-Sleeve. The XLR inputs are MIC level inputs. If you want to connect a Line Level source, you may clip or overload the L1 input, or have trouble controlling the volume. Use a Pad to attenuate (lower) the signal for a better match if using the XLR inputs.
 
Line Level Sources:
* L1 Pro Line Out
* S1 Pro+ Line Out
 
=== Pad between {{Model II}} and {{A1}} ===
If you are using a {{Model II}} with a {{B2}} and an {{A1}}, you may find that the Red LED on the {{A1}} lights up earlier than expected. You can put a 10 dB Pad between the Model II Power Stand Bass Line Out and the {{A1}} input.
 
Unfortunately, most Pads have XLR connectors, so you may need to get some Tip-Ring-Sleeve to XLR adapters to make all the connections.
 
 
 
 
=== Pads for {{PS1}} Inputs  ===
{{Model I icon}} {{Classic icon}}
We use pads with our {{PS1}}'s when running a pro level +4 dBu signal (e.g. output from a mixer) to the XLR inputs on Channels 1 or 2. We want to do this because the input sensitivity for these inputs is set for microphones. To get a better match for levels between the source and our inputs, we can use a pad.
 
Pads can also help when connecting the Power Stand Line Outs to semi-pro or consumer recording devices. If the Power Stand Line Outs are too high for the recorder's inputs, a pad can be used to prevent overdriving those inputs into clipping distortion.  


==== Signal Source that has a Pad ====
==== Signal Source that has a Pad ====
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=== Pad with {{PS1}} Line Outs ===
=== Pad with {{PS1}} Line Outs ===
A -20dB pad is also a good choice when connecting the PS1 Line Outs to a house PA, or other off-stage system. This would ensure that the house mixing console's inputs can handle the signal level without being overdriven into distortion, especially if the house console has insufficient built-in pads, or none at all. (Beware of the potential for Ground Loops here.)
A -20dB pad is also a good choice when connecting the Power Stand Line Outs to a house PA, or other off-stage system. This would ensure that the house mixing console's inputs can handle the signal level without being overdriven into distortion, especially if the house console has insufficient built-in pads, or none at all. (Beware of the potential for Ground Loops here.)


=== {{T1}} No Pads Required  ===
=== {{T1}} No Pads Required  ===
 
{{T1 icon}}
{{:T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine / XLR Inputs Sensitivity}}
{{:T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine / XLR Inputs Sensitivity}}


=== Daisy Chaining {{PS1}}s  ===
=== Daisy Chaining {{PS1}}s  ===


Another application (although relatively rare) is if you want to connect the output of one {{PS1}} to input of another. Sometimes called ''daisy chain''ing, you can connect the Line-Out of one {{PS1}} to Channel 1 or 2 of another. In that case you probably want to have a -20 dB pad inline, between the Line-Out of the first System and the Channel 1 or 2 XLR input of the second. See [[PS1 Powerstand / Daisy Chain]] for more information.  
Another application (although relatively rare) is if you want to connect the output of one {{PS1}} to input of another. Sometimes called ''daisy chain''ing, you can connect the Line-Out of one {{PS1}} to Channel 1 or 2 of another. In that case you probably want to have a -20 dB pad inline, between the Line-Out of the first System and the Channel 1 or 2 XLR input of the second. {{Why Use a -20 dB Pad}}
 
See [[PS1 Powerstand / Daisy Chain]] for more information.  


You can find separate attenuation pads like this:  
You can find separate attenuation pads like this:  


[[Image:Pad.jpg]]  
[[File:Pad.jpg|link=http://www.bing.com/search?q=whirlwind+IMPAD20|200px|Find them on the web]]


Cost: $20-30 on the web  
Cost: $20-30 on the web  


Sources:  
Sources:  
 
* [http://www.bing.com/search?q=whirlwind+IMPAD20 Search results on the web]
*http://www.proaudiosolutions.com/product_p/impad20.htm
*http://www.musiciansbuy.com/WHIRLWIND_IMPAD20_IMPEDANCE_CONVERTERIMPAD20.html
*You might find something like this in a local music store if they have a Pro Audio department.
*You might find something like this in a local music store if they have a Pro Audio department.


This an example, and you will want to look into the details to determine if you need a pad, and the kinds of connections that are appropriate for your input device.  
This is an example, and you will want to look into the details to determine if you need a pad, and the kinds of connections that are appropriate for your input device.


== More Formal Definitions  ==
== More Formal Definitions  ==
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[[Category:Pad]]  
[[Category:Pad]]  
[[Category:XLR]]
[[Category:XLR]]
[[Category:Daisy Chain]]