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Description

Phantom power, in the context of professional audio equipment, is DC electric power transmitted through microphone cables to operate microphones that contain active electronic circuitry. It is best known as a convenient power source for condenser microphones, though many active direct boxes also use it.

FAQ

Can voltage fluctuations in the phantom power (PP) cause microphone hiss?

It's very unlikely that voltage fluctuations in the phantom power (PP) could cause hiss.

What are the 3 pins for phantom power?

There are three pins. Phantom power is connected to both pin 2 and pin 3 (but as long as your cable is not broken, simply use it).

X stands for ground (it is connected to the cable shield).

Pin 1 (X) = ground
Pin 2 (L) = + most commonly, or Left
Pin 3 (R) = - most commonly, or Right

Will phantom power damage dynamic microphones?

The risk is higher if it is an unbalanced connection. The Sound Reinforcement Handbook by Yamaha says something like this:

"In a phantom power system, the polarizing supply voltage is placed on both of the signal lines in a balanced connection, with the same polarity on each line. Dynamic microphones connected in a balanced system with a phantom power input are then protected from damage, theoretically, since the system results in a net zero DC potential across the coil. However, a dynamic mic connected unbalanced to a phantom power input may be destroyed."

In other words if you take a sm57 and plug it into a phantom powered mic pre using a normal balanced mic cable then you should be safe.

If you take an unbalanced mic and wire it with a xlr plug so you can connect it to that same input then you could fry the mic. In a balanced connection the 48 volts is running parallel down the 2 signal wires. With an unbalanced connection (2 conductors) you have 1 signal wire and ground and doing this is basically completing a circuit that sends 48volts directly to the mics voice coil.

What are the correct steps connecting a mic to phantom power

So the steps when connecting are:

1. Turn down those master faders.
2. Plug in mic.
3. Turn Phantom Power on.

and when disconnecting:

1. Turn down those master faders.
2. Turn Phantom Power off.
3. Unplug mic.

Phantom Power is a mystery

bahed 5 March 2007

Forums

I was hoping someone could explain why a large diaphragm condsenser mic needing 48v, worked just fine today when I plugged it into an UltraSound AG-50DS4 acoustic amplifier at a music store when the amp is rated as only driving 15v for the XLR input ?

What is going on here ? Is there a problem hidden around the corner ?

Anybody ?

Bret

help needed with phantom power problem please?

anonymous 19 January 2007

Forums

i have a AKG c3000b condensor mic, a roland jx 305 groovesynth keyboard and a drum machine all connected to a Behringer eurodesk all running into Cubase sx, everything works fine and have been able to make some good recordings over the years, i wanted to record a jam the other day with guitar, bass etc but realsied when phantom power is switched on to enable to mic to work as well, the keyboar

Phantom Power DI Problem

JimboJ 12 May 2006

Forums

Recording bass guitar at a concert the other day, the bass player’s amplifier gave off a suspicious whine when the bass was plugged into my Whirlwind IMP-2 passive direct box. The ground lift switch on the DI did not get rid of the noise. I suspect that my DI is not blocking the phantom power that my PreSonus Firepod is sending down the line.

Phantom power on splitter snake . a problem

Barkingdogstudios 28 March 2006

Forums

I reccently rented a splitter snake from a local music store to do some live recording of a band. For some reason, I wasn't getting any phantom power at either end of the snake (split or main trunk). Is there something special required in a splitter snake to get phantom power to the business end ?

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