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Phantom power issues

Profile picture for user marxjohnson
Submitted by marxjohnson on Wed, 02/04/2015 - 11:29

Hi, amateur podcaster here, sorting out a new recording set-up.

I've just purchased a Behringer http://www.Behringe…"]Xenyx 302 USB[/]="http://www.Behringe…"]Xenyx 302 USB[/] mixer to connect my microphone to my laptop for recording. However, I didn't realise that the main mic input is permanently phantom powered (no way to switch it off). When I connect my SM58 mic to it, I get a lot of static. I'm guessing this is because the SM58 isn't designed to be used with phantom power. So, what's the best way around this?

  • Is there a similar mixer without phantom power, so I can send the mixer back and get that instead?
  • Can I somehow stop the phantom power causing noise?
  • Should I just get a cheap condenser mic to replace the SM58?

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Comments

paulears
Cubase
paulears

When you say static, what do you mean? Crackling, hissing, spitting noises? No way to identify the fault by 'static'. Sm58s don't get bothered by phantom.
You mentioned using a quarter inch cable? As in jack at the mixer end and then an XLR mic end??? If so - it isn't phantom causing the problem, because the combo connector does not have phantom on the jack input. If the jack work with a guitar, I wouldn't expect the noise - in fact, connecting the mic via a jack probably won't give enough level anyway. It's for guitar/line level, and a mic won't even tickle it. If it's a crackle, then the cable does seem the likely culprit.

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:37 Permalink
Dave Hawk
dvdhawk

marxjohnson, post: 424695, member: 48854 wrote: I'm guessing this is because the SM58 isn't designed to be used with phantom power. So, what's the best way around this?

  • Should I just get a cheap condenser mic to replace the SM58?

Assuming you don't have a broken wire somewhere, a dynamic mic which does not need the phantom power (like an SM58) will not be affected by the presence of phantom power and the phantom power won't be affect by the dynamic mic. There should be no phantom power present when you connected to the ¼" input.

In my opinion, getting a 'cheap condenser mic to replace the SM58' is paddling this leaky canoe the wrong way.

I suppose it is possible you have a broken wire inside the SM58.

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:38 Permalink
Profile picture for user marxjohnson
marxjohnson

paulears, post: 424703, member: 47782 wrote: When you say static, what do you mean? Crackling, hissing, spitting noises?

Yes, exactly that.

paulears, post: 424703, member: 47782 wrote:
You mentioned using a quarter inch cable? As in jack at the mixer end and then an XLR mic end??? If so - it isn't phantom causing the problem, because the combo connector does not have phantom on the jack input.

Ok. I also noticed that when connected with the 1/4" cable, the noise got louder if I touch the mic or the mic stand, which I thought was odd.

dvdhawk, post: 424704, member: 36047 wrote: Assuming you don't have a broken wire somewhere, a dynamic mic which does not need the phantom power (like an SM58) will not be affected by the presence of phantom power and the phantom power won't be affect by the dynamic mic. There should be no phantom power present when you connected to the ¼" input.

I suppose it is possible you have a broken wire inside the SM58.

I've opened up the SM58 as far as I can and the wires look intact. I'll replace the XLR cable and see how I get on.

Thanks everyone for explaining that SM58s dont have a problem with PP, nice to know I wont need a different mic.

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 23:34 Permalink