Microphone SPL Ratings and micing speakers

[midnightsun]

When a mic is rated at a specific SPL is that an indicator that the mic will begin to distort above that level or is the rating an indicator of when the mic starts to sustain damage. For example, my M149 specs say that the dynamic range of the microphone amplifier is 101(121) dB.

Also, what is the SPL level range coming off of a guitar speaker that you are micing?

I am not attempting to start a discussion about the wisdom or insanity of using a high end mic on a guitar cab.

[BLP]

Typically the SPL threshold given specifies a particular amount of THD (total harmonic distortion) at that point. In essence, the manufacturer is saying that a certain level of sound pressure causes their predetermined level of acceptable distortion to be exceeded.

I believe that Neumann uses .5% THD as their barline. On a high quality mic, the SPL's required to actually damage the mic should be well beyond the levels put out by a guitar amp.

[midnightsun]

Thanks for the explaination