Continuing in the tradition of creating unique and useful tools for the proaudio engineer, Little Labs introduces the Redcloud 8810U8ERS balanced attenuator pack. Born out of necessity for recording engineer Don Smith, aka Redcloud (Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks), who liked lots of gain onhis mic pre amps but needed a simple flexible way to attenuate the post micpre signal.
 
The REDCLOUD is eight mono or four stereo (button selectable) balanced attenuators in a quarter rack width, 1U high box with the standard dB25 pinout used with modular patch bays. These can be rack mounted to create 32 mono attenuators in a 1U rack space.
 
Circuit Topology
It is completely passive and utilizes 5k ohm logarithmic attenuators (so they will work as volume controls) with 30 indented positions to easily reset. 5k ohm was chosen because it's easy to drive and can still run a decent distance without signal loss. The potentiometers used are 4-gang, so when stereo is selected, both balanced signals are on the same pot to track left to right properly.
 
The special attenuators used are a 5kΩ impedance, allowing devices to easily drive the attenuator but also able to drive relatively long cables without highfrequency loss. The Redcloud 8810U8ERS can also be rack mounted, making it possible to have up to 32 channels of attenuation in a 1U rack space.
 
Uses Include
Simple analog faders pre or post Pro Tools, volume controls for multiplespeaker systems, or any job that needs a stereo or mono rotary attenuator. Post mic pre-line level attenuation, pre-converters. Many mic pres sound better athigher gains and are not equipped with output-level trims. Any place you needattenuation or a simple volume control. Easy access input trims for converters arehugely useful in a modern studio without a mixing console.
 
The Redcloud 8810U8ERS will be a must have accessory in any engineers toolbox!