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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.

XLR Y adapter phantom power question

powerval 9 August 2012

Forums

I've recently started a band with a couple friends and we want to record some songs live in studio (I use the word studio loosely).

I use the standard two overhead mics on my drumset and I was wondering: could I use a XLR Y adapter (2 male to 1 female) to plug them into the same input and have both mics still get phantom power and all that? I need to free up an input for the bass.

Phantom Power mixing board for RODE nt1a?

Stew4624 11 July 2012

Forums

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.

Sony PCM-M10 phantom power question .

oreo 19 September 2011

Forums

Hi all, first question here ! Nice to find this place ...
I have a pair of CA-14 mics, 1 card, 1 omni mics to go with my Sony PCM-M10 .
Im wondering if the built in phantom power is enough for either pair of mics for around 2 hours .?
A short test sounded great with the omnis . I plan on recording a guitar player only at a local theater .

Phantom power and a TS cable

anonymous 8 June 2010

Forums

This seems like a very simple question but I haven't found a conclusive answer. I have an audio interface with those Neutrik combination XLR/TRS/TS jacks. I need to have phantom power on and I need to record from an unbalanced line-level source. I will send that unbalanced source into one of those Neutrik jacks with a TS cable.

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