phantom power question

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I have two mics. An AKG 410 (phantom power) PVM38 (non-ph. pwr.)

I would like to hook them directly into my VS 1680. (balanced inputs) (and just leave them plugged) However the phantom power will damage the Peavey. (as the manual states)

My question is is there a way to disable the ph. pwr. to the Peavey while having it available (from the VS 1680) to the AKG?

I have an outboard phantom power unit but I understand that this will add noise to the system.

Also I understand that a preamp is used to provide phantom power to a mic. and to make the signal hotter and modify the sound somewhat. Is the sound modification worth the price? or can I do the same thing with the effects card in the VS1680?

Basically do I need one? (I ain't lookin for ways to get rid of money)

Cheers Alan
 
Phantom power shouldn't damage a dynamic mic like the Peavey. Which manual stated that phantom power would damage the mic, the Peavey mic manual or the VS 1680 manual? It may be that you don't "need" anything.
 
Seconding what Track Rat said, I have never heard of any dynamic mic, such as your Peavey, being damaged by phantom power. I have done it many times with mixers and multi-channel pres and have yet to fry any of them.

Ribbon mics, being fragile, should probably never be hooked up with phantom power.
-kent
 
Also I understand that a preamp is used to provide phantom power to a mic. and to make the signal hotter and modify the sound somewhat. Is the sound modification worth the price? or can I do the same thing with the effects card in the VS1680?

It's not exactly accurate to say that all preamps "modify the sound" of a mic. "Clean" preamps (like Grace Designs, most of the Presonus, most of the Great River) go to great lengths to exactly capture the sound of a mic, where "colored" preamps attempt to impart some sort of "character" to the sound. "Crap" preamps attempt to leave the sound uncolored, but in most cases do anyway since they suck. The "character" the impart on the sound is one of cheap equipment.

In any case, a preamp is the second most important part of your signal chain, after microphones, so if you're serious about your sound, you should work within your price range to get the best mic pres that you possibly can.
 
The VS 1680 manual clearly states it a few places.

However the link Gigde gave, gives the answer. In other words everything is OK unles you have electrical probs in the wiring such as a short. and some mics can be damaged.

Cominginsecond I will use your info.

Thanks much guys!!!

Cheers Al
 
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