what is phantom power?

[mikew987]

I just got a midiman audio buddy mic pre and I wanted to know what the phantom power button does and when should I use it?

[frank_1]

Condensor mikes use Phantom power if they can not use a 9v battery. Phantom power is just voltage to power a condensor mic, or other eqip.

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[The Green Hornet]

Hey Frank I and Mike 97:

Phantom power originated on SKULL ISLAND.

Merry Christmas
Green Hornet

[wheelema]

From what I learned Phantom Power came about as a way to keep every condenser mike from having to be plugged into a power supply. With phantom power your mixer, pre, whatever powers the mic.

Also, from what I have read, it does no harm to a mic that does NOT use phantom power to have it turned on, nor does it harm a mic that needs it to not have it. The mic that needs it just won't pickup very good... if at all. However, I do NOT know how a guitar or other input might react to phantom power being on. Best to be careful unless you know otherwise.

Mind you, I am not going to experiment!

[The Green Hornet]

Hey Wheels:

Most recording units with Phantom Power specify to keep the phantom power switch OFF unless it is in use.

Merry Christmas
Green Hornet

[drewvta]

yeah, you can get some jacked up noise sounds with phantom power on, better to leave it off unless you need it.

FYI dynamic mics don't need phantom power on. If you're not sure what kind you have (and it doesn't say on the side of the mic), typically condensor mics are long and thin (eg the slim silver ones or the tiny one you see on lecturns sometime) and the and dynamic mics are a little fatter, often with ball at the end (eg the shure sm78 or sm58).

for what it's worth...
-Drew