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hi guys from the forum,
I just bought a couple of m-audio dmp3 preamps and it came to my knowledge that when you flip on the phantom power switch it sends 48 volts to both channels simultaneously. So this is my question: does this mean I can never use the preamp with a condenser microphone and a dynamic one at the same time? will the preamp fry my the dynamic mic if I turn on the phantom power? Could I alternatively use the Hi-z input with the dynamic mic? well that's it. If any of you have come across this piece of equipment and know the answer to my question please post.
Merry Xmas,
JPG

Comments

Boswell Thu, 12/29/2011 - 04:09

No, it's fine to use most quality dynamic mics (other than ribbons) with phantom power enabled. The two signal conductors float at +48V relative to the shield, but moving-coil dynamics are happy with that. Avoid plugging or unplugging the mics and cables with the phantom power switched on.

You need to check that your XLR - XLR cables have no chance of momentary short circuiting due to stray conductor or screen strands in the connectors if they are tugged or twisted.

RemyRAD Thu, 12/29/2011 - 11:10

Most PA consoles regularly feed phantom power to dynamic cardioid microphones. But having cables in good condition are critical to the safety and long life of the microphones. With solid-state recorders you will find a disparity of difference in the level between a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone. And generally with only a single volume control for both inputs, you'll see this huge difference depending on the sound source/sources.

With these solid-state recorders many have the ability to switch between MP3 format & .wav format. There is a critical difference there and you should, whenever possible, only be using the .wav format. You may also have the choice of 16 or 24 bit recording? In this situation, I would definitely suggest you utilize 24-bit and do not run your level too hot i.e. not peaking out regularly. In fact try not to peak it out at all. However if minor transient peaks do occur, they are frequently inaudible. It's when it's happening all the time that things start to sound really bad and amateur hour like. This is where 24-bit recording can make a huge difference in lower volume level recordings such as what the dynamic microphone may offer in comparison to the condenser microphone. Peaking out too often is usually the sound of a highly inexperienced audio engineer. So try and not let that happen.

Upon completing your .wav format recording, you can later downsample to MP3 for posting to the Internet & e-mail with the computer software. Microsoft Media Player offers this capability already in the Windows operating systems over the years. Apple operating systems generally rely upon QuickTime compressed media format which is similar to MP3's are universal to both Apple & Microsoft operating systems along with Linux.

More questions? Just ask.
Mx. Remy Ann David

JoaoSpin Fri, 12/30/2011 - 11:04

yeah thanks for the tips. I was already aware of using 24 bit and minding input levels, I use a delta 6/6 interface which is pci and has no built in preamps which is why I was using a behringer mic200 and now upgraded to the m-audio dmp3s. Thanks for the extra information anyway... happy new year!
JPG

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