The matte gray version of the Schoeps PAD 10G 10 dB Pad is designed to attenuate signal ahead of CMC microphone amplifiers in the Collete modular system. Under extreme conditions, these microphone systems can be overdriven by very high sound-pressure levels. Here the limiting factor is not the capsule but the microphone amplifier.
The overload point ranges from 128 to 135 dB SPL, depending on the capsule and the amplifier type (e.g. 5 dB lower with the +5 dB version). In these situations, the signal level at the amplifier input may be attenuated by inserting a pad between the capsule and the microphone amplifier or the active accessories.
The use of two pads on one microphone will result in an attenuation of 15 dB due to the capacitive principle of operation. If the level must be attenuated by a full 20 dB, the 20 dB pad version should be used.