All about Phantom Power and when to use it. Phantom power supplies are often built into mixing desks, microphone pre-amplifiers and similar equipment.
Phantom Power Explained
Phantom power, in the context of professional audio equipment, is a method for transmitting DC electric power through microphone cables to operate microphones that contain active electronic circuitry.
It is best known as a convenient power source for condenser microphones, though many active direct boxes also use it.
The technique is also used in other applications where power supply and signal communication takes place over the same wires.
Yo can see Phantom power supplies built into mixing desks, microphone preamplifiers and similar equipment. In addition to powering a microphone, traditional condenser microphones also use phantom power for polarizing the microphone’s transducer element.
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Phantom power involves a clever scheme to provide voltage only to mics that need it (without affecting those that do not need it). For instance, you can plug any type of mic into a mixer that provides phantom power, but only the condenser mic will detect and use the power, while the dynamic mic will ignore it. That is why its known as phantom-mics that need it will use it, but others will ignore it!
Read: Best Condenser Microphones, Reviews
Important Concepts Related to Phantom Power
There are many who’re not sure about what exactly phantom power means, so here are some more points to make it clearer:
- Phantom power is usually 48 volts of DC power
- These are intended for use with condenser mics which require power to operate (Dynamic mics such as Shure SM-57 and 58 don’t need to be powered)
- Phantom power is not a preamp, its a method of powering microphones (ideally so that you don’t have to use
batteries to power them up) - A preamp may provide phantom power, though it’s not a requirement. Even mixers and other devices can provide phantom power.
- Phantom power is intended for “balanced” lines, such as XLR’s that have three pins (power applied to pins 2 and 3 with earth being pin 1)
- Phantom power is normally supplied only to the XLR Inputs (on Mic/amp/mixer)
Phantom Power: Videos
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, phantom power supplies are often built into mixing desks, microphone pres and similar equipment. You can also buy stand alone power units; these can power one mic or you may have them built into a recording console (typical studio setup) so that every mic input can receive phantom power. There is usually a switch on the back of the console to turn it on and off.
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