Phantom power and ribbon mics

[capnreverb]

This may have all ready been discussed a while ago, so, sorry if its a dumb question or a repeat. I have read that phantom power hurts a ribbon mic. I have also read the opposite is true. Both sides seemed pretty impassioned. Whats the scoop?

 

[chessrock]

Uh . . . better to be safe than sorry?

I think you should go plug one in and tell us what happens.

 

[capnreverb]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Innovations]

My understanding is that in theory it will not hurt the ribbon but if there is even a tiny short in the cable the ribbon will be destroyed.

So since there is no need for the phantom power why bother to turn it on at all?

 

[AGCurry]

The issue comes up because many mixers apply phantom power to all inputs or none, not individual inputs.

If your equipment, including cables, is good, then phantom power SHOULDN'T harm ribbons.

However: Always, even with condensor mics, plug the mic in FIRST and THEN switch on phantom power.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Actually -- there is a genuine danger if using older or vintage ribbons with phantom power.... but most modern ones are safe.

The only time there's a danger with either modern dynamics/ribbons is if there's a short in the cable, it's mis-wired/mis-configured, or you've used the wrong type of cable (ie, single conductor instead of 2-conductor)

 

[Marik]

Actually -- there is a genuine danger if using older or vintage ribbons with phantom power.... but most modern ones are safe.

The only time there's a danger with either modern dynamics/ribbons is if there's a short in the cable, it's mis-wired/mis-configured, or you've used the wrong type of cable (ie, single conductor instead of 2-conductor)

Bruce,

For the first time I would disagree with you, as I don't see how older ribbons in construction are different from modern ones. But you are right on with cables.
Another dangerous situation is when center tap of secondary of matching transformer is grounded. Try it with phantom power--you will see how nicely ribbon can work as a fuse.
Another thing--never check ribbon mic with a tester, esp. between pins 2 and 3.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Bruce,

For the first time I would disagree with you, as I don't see how older ribbons in construction are different from modern ones.

I'm no mic designer, so I can't tell you the specifics of what is different, but I know for a fact that there are many warnings with older ribbons and the risks with phantom power. Could be as simple as non-standard wiring configurations.........

 

[boingoman]

You're both right- a lot of older ribbon mics use a center-tapped transformer, which can lead to the mic blowing if it is used with phantom power if that tap is grounded.