phatom power

  • Thread starter Thread starter mark24
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mark24

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Thanks to all the guys that responded to 'vocal recordings', I really appreciate the help. As it turned out I got myself the Behringer mx602a mixer and I'm currently dabbling with it to get the right sound. I think I'm on the right track, but there is something that some of you may be able to clear up for me. And that is 'phantom power'.
What exactly is it and how do I use it? (to my advantage)
I'm using an ecm-717 Sony condenser mic, it's a very small mic which I use for my Minidisc, but I seem to get better results with it, as opposed to a Shure sm58 used in the same cicumstances. I haven't hit the phantom power button whilst using either of them 'cos I don't know what its for or what the results will be. The reason being, is that there was some warnings in the Behringer Manual regarding phantom power and microphones.
Once again thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your help.
 
Umm Phantom power is what most condenser mics need to work. The advantage of using this is like the advantage of having a battery in your car. How ever there is one thing you should know before using phantom power with a condenser. You NEVER want to plugin or unplug the mic while phantom power is on, do this too much and you will damage the condenser mic. Always plugin the mic before switching on the Phantom power.
 
yeah-phantom power is the current that supplies your condensor mics. its the same thing as if you put in a few batteries in the mic to make it work.
Dynamic mics dont need phantom power. Dont worry though because phantom power wont hurt your mics if you are running it and they dont need it.
Listen to what Shakes said. unplugging and pluggins a condensor while phantom is running is a big no no.
 
I would wait at least 30 seconds before unpluging a condenser after I shut phantom power off. I wait almost a minute but thats only because I am very anal about it.
 
I have heard that running phantom power on dynamic mics will damage your pa system over time. is this true? if so, does the pa know which mics to power when you are running both condenser and dynamic mics?
 
Running phantom power won't hurt dynamic mics or PAs (as long as there's no existing problem with either when the power is turned on). Dynamic mics don't draw power so the PA doesn't "see" them. Only the condensers will draw power. Some ribbon mics can be damaged by phantom power though.
 
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