Stew4624
11 July 2012
I recently purchased a RODE nt1a studio condensor mic. The interface I planned on using doesn't have phantom power and this was a mistake on my part. I do have a mixing board with phantom power, but it is typically used for live sound. If this would power the mic, I just need a usb adapter but if it doesn't I need a new interface. I would rather not spend money on a new interface, so I was wondering if the mixing board would work.
Comments
Depending on the quality of the live mixer, it's liable to add a
Depending on the quality of the live mixer, it's liable to add a bunch of noise as well. The main output of the mixer is going to put out a MUCH hotter signal than a mic - so your interface will need to handle line level. If your mixer has "Direct Outs" on each channel that should be a more compatible level into the interface. Not knowing what interface and what mixer you have, it's difficult to say with any certainty.
Luckily, there are other solutions to this problem, but you will have to decide which is the best use of your money.
If all you want/need is phantom power, there are boxes dedicated to the job of injecting phantom power into the mic. You plug your mic into one of these boxes, and one more XLR cable from this box to your interface.
Such as:
[="http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=245-8674"]ART Phantom I[/]="http://www.parts-ex…"]ART Phantom I[/]
[[url=http://="http://www.parts-ex…"]ART Phantom II[/]="http://www.parts-ex…"]ART Phantom II[/]
[="http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=245-020"]Rolls PB23[/]="http://www.parts-ex…"]Rolls PB23[/]
[[url=http://="http://www.parts-ex…"]Rolls PB223[/]="http://www.parts-ex…"]Rolls PB223[/]
Or there are dedicated mic-pres to fit just about any budget - many/most of which would have phantom power capabilities.