Why might lower sensitivity microphones be used in certain audio scenarios?

Lower sensitivity microphones are typically used to capture high sound pressure level (SPL) sources. These microphones are designed to handle loud sounds without becoming overwhelmed or distorted. In environments with very loud sound sources, such as concert venues or recording studios with loud instruments, using a microphone with lower sensitivity helps prevent distortion that could occur if a more sensitive microphone were used.

High sensitivity microphones would pick up the intense sound signals too strongly, potentially leading to overloaded signals that result in distortion or clipping. Therefore, employing a microphone specifically tailored for higher SPL levels allows for accurate sound capture without compromising audio quality. This makes lower sensitivity microphones an excellent choice for situations where loud sound sources are present.