A phantom power question

[mbouteneff]

Ok, stupid question -- how do you tell from a microphone's technical specs whether it needs phantom power or not? Will it just say, "phantom power required"? Or is there another term?

Along with that, if you have an interface that has XLR inputs but no phantom power (such as the M-Audio Delta 1010LT), is there something you can add/purchase than can provide the needed phantom power?

Thanks!

 

[Drummer4Life05]

Dynamic vs. Condenser.
Dynamic mic's DO NOT need phantom power.
Condenser mic's DO need phantom power. The box/ad/website will specify if the mic is a condenser or dynamic mic.

If you have a Delta 1010, you need a mic pre-amp to connect to the Delta. Run the mic into a preamp via XLR cable, and give it Phantom Power if it needs it. (Most pre-amps have a switch/button for phantom power. Don't use it if you're using a dynamic mic.) Then run a 1/4" cable from the preamp to your Delta.

 

[mbouteneff]

Thanks!

Ah, cool. Thanks, Drummer4Life05! That clears everything up.

 

[Drummer4Life05]

Glad I could help!
If you have any more questions, just ask!
You're a newbie, and we're here to help!

 

[noisedude]

awww i like happy endings. if you're looking at preamps you could do worse than a behringer mini-mixer for only a few quid. but it wouldn't be of the same quality as your sound card so you might want to keep your signal chain cleaner.