Phantom power?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MonkeyShock
  • Start date Start date
M

MonkeyShock

New member
Can someone explain what Phantom power is and when it should be used. Thanks!
 
MonkeyShock said:
Can someone explain what Phantom power is and when it should be used. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Phantom power is a 48V supply to a microphone that needs it. Most mixers and preamps can supply it, or there are also external phantom power supplies but they are pricy. Basically, you hit the phantom power switch and the power goes up one of the wires in the mic cable to the mic.

Condenser mics require phantom power and dynamics do not. So unless you have a mic that needs it, it's just a fun button on your mixer that won't do much for you.
 
Some microphones need a bit of electricity to work. Phantom power will provide that power to the microphone.

This is an excellent website. I've pretty much absorbed all I can from it.
http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/index.html

the Condensor microphone has two plates, one fixed and one moveable, that are each charged with a polarising voltage that creates a capacitor. The vibration of the plates creates a change in the distance between them which changes the capacitance and thus the sound wave is converted into an electrical current. In this case external power is required as there is an electrical circuit required to produce the polarising voltage. Because the current obtained is so small an amplifier circuit is also included.

Thus when using Condensor mikes an external power supply is required. This can be either a stand alone power supply for one or more mikes or it can be fed to the microphone from the console down the microphone cable and is commonly referred to as Phantom Power and is now standard at 48 Volts and all new consoles have that facility and usually consists of an on and off switch on the rear of the console or is an on/off option on each module. Incidentally, don't worry about sending phantom power to a dynamic microphone, it won't blow it up as the circuit is inactive in a dynamic mic situation.
Click to expand...
 
Very good!

Thanks very much...the manual for my Eurorack doesn't explain.
Guess I can just leave that button alone for now. :o
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top