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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.

Active DI running on phantom power question.

Guitarfreak 30 April 2010

Forums

I've recently picked up a Countryman Type 85 active DI and I was searching as to whether or not you could run a guitar with active pickups into the front considering it doesn't have a pad, and I found a page saying that you shouldn't leave the instrument plugged into the input while the unit is running on phantom power. Why do you think that is?

Do I need a preamp with phantom powered condensers?

anonymous 8 August 2009

Forums

Just a little confused as to what the phantom power actually does if I still need a preamp.

i'm using the cheapo mxl990/991 set of condensers, with a seperate phantom power supply, plugged in to a line 6 pod xt via XLR -> 1/4" adapter

the pod is plugged in to my macbook via usb

phantom powered mic troubles

anonymous 18 February 2009

Forums

i have been using a pretty simple setup (a boss bcr 900 eight track into a desktop program)

i ran into a snag

when i use a phantom powered microphone with the 8 track, i pick up radio signals into my tracks.
dry mics are fine. but

obviously i don't want this to happen anymore. would anybody know a good way to get rid of that unwanted noise?

phantom mixer

anonymous 13 February 2009

Forums

with the Lexicon alpha soundcard i got for my laptop (dell latitude 600) recording, i have 2 options on powering my microphone, i can use the regular phantom power adapter, or the Behringerxenyx802 mixer with phantom power build in...should i use the adapter seeing as it has no levels to adjust, or should i use the Behringer to power the mic, where i would have to adjust its levels accordingly

Behringer PMP3000 killing phantom powered condensers?

anonymous 16 October 2008

Forums

I'd love any insight or thoughts anyone could drum up here on this subject.

My band just grabbed a Behringer PMP3000 (1200W peak powered mixer - I know most Behringer gear is weak, just needed something to get by) for a little more vocal punch and the ability to play some medium sized venues that don't have a house PA.

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