Silly phantom power question

TascamJimi

TascamJimi

New member
Hi folks, I'm new here so forgive my silly question. I'm getting back into home recording as my 20 year old Son is keen on the idea. I recorded on a Tascam 488MKII for quite a few years until life got in the way. Man I sold off a lot gear that i know have to go back and re-purchase !! I recently picked up a Tascam DP-02 and we're having a blast with it !! ( I MISSED recording something awful ) Anyway, enough babble and onto my question. I recently bought a Mackie EM-91C condenser and was wondering if this can work with only 15 volts ? The reason I ask is I have an offer to buy a DBX-286A preamp in nice condition for $125, but it only provides 15V. I'm also not entirely set on this pre in case folks can recommend a better one in the $100-200 price range.
THANK YOU !!! I think i'm going to like it here... been reading for 3 days and picked up a lot of tips already..... Father / Son time is priceless to me and music is something we've shared since day one.

Jim
 
Mackie specifies 48v. There's a possibility that it might partially work with15v, but likely you will run into distortion, as the phantom power actually powers amplifying circuit which changes the impedance and boost the signal from the capsule. It also provides the polarization voltage that is needed to make a condenser (a capacitor) mic capsule work in the first place.

15V is much below the normal spec, which is usually in the 24 to 52v range. Some mics will work as low at 10v. It depends on the design of the circuitry. You can try it, but listen closely to see if things aren't working up to par.

BTW, I just looked at the DBX-286A and 286S and the cut sheet says 48V phantom power. Where did you see 15V? Only the original Project 1 286 spec'd 15V.
 
If it doesn't work, you can get an inline phantom power supply. But I'd just get something with 48v. I saw a 286s on Reverb for $100.
 
THANK YOU very much for the replies !!
@TalismanRich , you are correct, I was reading this reviews which is indeed for a Project 1 286 ! Doh..... Need to pay more attention.
$100 seems like a good deal !!! Going to head on over to ebay and see what I come up with !
Thanks Again !!!
Jim
 
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