Correct Microphone routing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vigo
  • Start date Start date
Vigo

Vigo

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So when i use a mic that requires phantom power to be sure i dont harm the mic what should be the steps?

1 - Put phantom power ON, put mic XLR in the interface
or
2 - Put Xlr in the interface and then Phantom Power ON

and what about when i disconnect it?

1 - Phantom power OFF then remove XLR
or
2 - Remove XLR THEN Phantom OFF

is it 1-1 or 1-2 or 2-2 or 2-1 or something im not even thinking about or does it doesnt affect the mics at all?

Thanks peep cya
 
2-1

Put it in, turn power on...
Turn power off, take it out.
 
Don't forget to wipe the spit off it before you put it away... :D
 
I really doesn't matter so long as you keep the monitor/headphone feed turned right down.

The only real "danger" that phantom power can cause is loud bangs through the system. Not nice to hear and could, just could wreck a speaker.

Our very own BBC has spook juice present on XLR mic outlets all the time and mics of all sorts, including the drool inducing Coles ribbon are connected and diss'ed all the time. The practice of pulling faders is however drilled into everyone involved.

Do however keep 48V away from electronics gear's inputs, most are proofed against inputs up to the +V supply rail and that is likely to be only 18V, 24V max. Most at risk are very old guitar pedals especially time based things like chorus that used the old "bucket brigade" chips.

Dave.
 
Yup. It's always best to have the phantom power switched off when you plug or unplug the mic cable.

That said, it's rare that "hot plugging" causes any real trouble beyond a loud pop in your speakers so, if you forget once, don't panic. There's lots of times, particularly in live sound, where you have no choice but to plug with phantom on (picture a cheap mixer with a global phantom switch and a sudden need to connect an extra mic during the performance) and, as long as the fader is down, chances are nobody will ever know. However, switching off the 48v before plugging or unplugging is a good habit to get into.
 
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