A question you all might be able to help with

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capnreverb

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If you are using a mic preamp to run a ribbon mic, and in turn have this preamp going into your mixer, which is also running a bunch of condensor mics at 48v, can the phantom power go from the mixers xlr's out to the preamp and ruin the ribbon mic? (This is probably one hell of a run on sentance, but i think it gets the idea across.)

My board only has one phantom power switch that controls all of the xlr inputs.

Also,
Can a trs 1/4 inch cable be phantom powered, or only xlr's.

Thanks.
-wietlispach
 
Trs cables can carry phantom power, but usually the 1/4" trs jacks on a mixer are line inputs and do not have phantom power. Only the XLR jacks on most mixers are wired to the preamps in the mixer and carry the phantom power. So if you are plugging your outboard pre into the 1/4 line input jacks, you should be fine. However this may be different on your mixer, so check the manual.
 
capnreverb said:
can the phantom power go from the mixers xlr's out to the preamp and ruin the ribbon mic?
Click to expand...

You shouldn't be plugging an outboard pre into your mixer's XLR inputs in the first place. These are mic inputs and run the signal through the mixer's own mic pres, which would entirely defeat the purpose of using an outboard pre in the first place. You should always plug outboard pres into the LINE INPUTS on your mixer.

EDIT: I just realized that in your case this may be an exception to the rule. Ribbon mics can use a hell of a lot of gain, and with low quality pres I could see how it may be necessary to run them through two pres linked together to get enough gain. Is this what you are doing? If so, I would say that if your outboard pre has a transformer in the output, you'll probably be fine. If it's a cheapo, tranny free pre, then be careful. I really don't know for sure though.
 
Last edited:
noiseportrait said:
You shouldn't be plugging an outboard pre into your mixer's XLR inputs in the first place. These are mic inputs and run the signal through the mixer's own mic pres, which would entirely defeat the purpose of using an outboard pre in the first place. You should always plug outboard pres into the LINE INPUTS on your mixer.
Click to expand...

Thats a good point. Most likely in a console where phantom power is global, there will be 1/4" line inputs. However, this really is a good question. My console has XLR line inputs:)
 
i run my ribbon through my board with phantom on.
no probs.
but thats MY mic.
i dont know about yours.
Read the manual!
or google the question.
 
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