Will phantom power hurt tube mics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter cominginsecond
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I had the same question once about another mic. I played the safe side even though all similar mics stated that phantom would do no damage to them and did not allow phantom to hit the mike until I verified so with the mics maker. Still not a bad idea here either you never know what kind of circuit or lack of phantom protection anyones product has these days with everyone trying to market a less costly product.
Until you decide for yourself many boards have a line input on a TRS plug use it. I know many also have a built in pad on these but at least you are not safeing yourself out of using your mike.

Just my opinions and you probably know the saying about opinions.
 
I think it is definitely bad practice to throw phantom on a mic that doesn't need it... but I don't see how it could hurt the microphone it self. As previously said, it would only hurt the power supply, if anything, but I am pretty sure there is usually a transformer between the output of the power supply (where the +48 would go) and the mic. Transformers block DC voltage, I.E. , nothing happens. Still wouldn't risk it, though i'm fairly certain phantom will kill just about any dynamic mic, also assuming ced mic doesn't also have a transformer in line.
 
maxk said:
I think it is definitely bad practice to throw phantom on a mic that doesn't need it... but I don't see how it could hurt the microphone it self. As previously said, it would only hurt the power supply, if anything, but I am pretty sure there is usually a transformer between the output of the power supply (where the +48 would go) and the mic. Transformers block DC voltage, I.E. , nothing happens. Still wouldn't risk it, though i'm fairly certain phantom will kill just about any dynamic mic, also assuming ced mic doesn't also have a transformer in line.
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Nope !
 
maxk said:
I think it is definitely bad practice to throw phantom on a mic that doesn't need it... but I don't see how it could hurt the microphone it self. As previously said, it would only hurt the power supply, if anything, but I am pretty sure there is usually a transformer between the output of the power supply (where the +48 would go) and the mic. Transformers block DC voltage, I.E. , nothing happens. Still wouldn't risk it, though i'm fairly certain phantom will kill just about any dynamic mic, also assuming ced mic doesn't also have a transformer in line.
Click to expand...

So your trying to answer a question from 8 years ago - you think they haven't figured it out yet?
 
Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything ........... 42

But that took 7½ million years to compute and check the answer.
 
maxk said:
I think it is definitely bad practice to throw phantom on a mic that doesn't need it... but I don't see how it could hurt the microphone it self. As previously said, it would only hurt the power supply, if anything, but I am pretty sure there is usually a transformer between the output of the power supply (where the +48 would go) and the mic. Transformers block DC voltage, I.E. , nothing happens. Still wouldn't risk it, though i'm fairly certain phantom will kill just about any dynamic mic, also assuming ced mic doesn't also have a transformer in line.
Click to expand...

Answers an 8 year old question and gives the wrong answer. :rolleyes:

The original question was about a tube mic with it's own power supply, Rode NTK, the NTK has it's own supply and does not need phantom, i.e The mic plugs into the power supply and the output of the power supply plugs into the console / pre amp, I don't know if turning the Phantom on will hurt the mic power supply.

Phantom does not hurt dynamic mics as long as they are balanced (XLR) type. Do not use phantom with ribbon mics.

Alan.
 
XLII ..... for tea two .....


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witzendoz said:
Answers an 8 year old question and gives the wrong answer. :rolleyes:

The original question was about a tube mic with it's own power supply, Rode NTK, the NTK has it's own supply and does not need phantom, i.e The mic plugs into the power supply and the output of the power supply plugs into the console / pre amp, I don't know if turning the Phantom on will hurt the mic power supply.

Phantom does not hurt dynamic mics as long as they are balanced (XLR) type. Do not use phantom with ribbon mics.

Alan.
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You are so right Alan.




And never put bananas in the refrigerator!! ;)
 
48v phantom power can damage some tube mic power supplies. It depends on the design of the power supply.
 
I prefer to run my dynamic mics with 2 in line phantom power supplies! (Even 8 years ago) Gives 'em a little extra zing! Just kidding guys!

Read my lips: Phantom power will not damage dynamic mics!
 
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