1.3 Front Panel
High-Pass Filter (HPF)
Low frequencies are the most difficult to reproduce. Unnecessary low
frequencies can be a problem for speakers to reproduce and a strain on power
amplifiers. Modern microphones and digital interfaces can record frequencies
down to 10Hz, which analog tape can’t do. So a way to eliminate unwanted low
frequencies has become very important. A high-pass filter is literally a filter that
passes frequencies higher than a designated point. The Daking Mic Pre II has a
filter that’s variable from 12Hz to 200Hz as well as an ‘out’ position. You can use
it to filter out rumble from air conditioning on vocal tracks, boominess from
acoustic guitars, or anything that’s muddy from too much low end. For instance
on a female vocal you might filter out everything below 80Hz. Use to taste, you
will hear when you’re starting to change the sound of whatever you’re recording
as you filter higher frequencies. Many of us work in small studios these days
with nearfield monitors that can’t reproduce the very lowest frequencies your
mics can pick up. The HPF protects you from recording low frequencies you
can’t hear and don’t want.
Gain Knob
The Gain knob controls the amount of gain added to the signal. Plug in a
microphone and assess the input level you are getting. Turn up or turn down the
gain until you get a good signal level on the meter with no overload indications.
Instrument Input and Input button
The 1/4” input on the front panel is a direct input for guitar, bass, or
keyboards. Plug in your instrument and press the Input button to switch the
input from the XLR input on the back panel to the 1/4” input on the front.
