I'm Confused and I need some Help

[rockethead]

Ok. I'm just starting to set up some mics I bought to record drums. I'm doing this as a very cheap set up and over time I'll have some fun and hopefully learn some things about recording.

I was recomended to buy an MXL 603 as an Overhead. I was trying to run this mic with an xlr- 1/4" audio cable into my 4 track mixer but it's not working. All the other mics work fine so far doing this.

I checked the manual and it says something about phantom power. I looked at this site and I'm trying to understand it. Basically it seems like in order to send the signal down the wire it needs some power going to the mic its self?

I'm using a tascam portastudio 4 track which does have 2 xlr plugs in the back. How do I find out if these have phantom power assuming thats my problem?

 

[Track Rat]

First, the MXL 603 is a condensor mic and requires phantom power to operate it. The mic preamp is were this power comes from or you can buy a device that will provide the power. Second and most important, you can not use a 1/4' to XLR adaptor as the phantom power will not go through one.

 

[jeff5xo]

You can buy a phantom supply box at any music store. You can get cheap ones for like $30.00