Phantom power explanation.......Please

[gap8u]

What is phantom power and what do I need it for...maybe wrong board...if so I apologize.....

[Prism]

Phantom power is usually 48 volts of DC power intended for use with condenser mics which require power. Condenser mics need power so that they generate enough of a signal to register dBs on a line level device. No power, no sound. (did I get all that right? Maybe someone else can explain it better)

Isaiah

[virtual.ray]

It's the stuff that came shooting out of the top of the building in Ghost Busters...

[gap8u]

lol..thanks guys...I ain't sure but see if this is correct...I have a PA mixer/amp(Peavy) that has a phantom power button....why would I need it on an amp?.....maybe if I used the mixer/amp just as a mixer?.....or will stuff fly out of the roof if I mash the button?

[John Sayers]

Yeah Prism is right - it's a method of getting power to the mikes that need power - condensor/electret/PZM. (Dynamic mikes like Shure SM57 and 58s don't need power)- you can get stand alone power units that will power one mike only or you can have it built into a recording console (typical)so that every mike input has it available. There is usually a switch on the back of the console to turn it on and off. If you have a condensor/electret/PZM mike you will need a phantom power supply to make it work

Cheers

[gap8u]

Thanks a bunch fellers....Another question answered by the best board around!

[James HE]

Be sure to read this!

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...threadid=15586

-jhe

[gap8u]

james....that was a killer thread....thanx...must try some sort of pre...just using a pod right now...its cool but i ain't sure how cool since i'm limited in my knowledge of all this antway....sure is fun tho!