![]() ![]() Some ribbon mics (usually used only in studios) can be damaged by phantom power if a cable or the mic is mis-wired. Some studio microphones, most notably tube mics, require so much power that they use their own dedicated power supply instead of relying on phantom power.Īlthough it is usually safe to plug a dynamic mic into an input that provides phantom power, there are exceptions. Most mics require only a few milliamps of current, which any modern mixer should easily support, but some mics-as well as phantom powered preamps-may have higher current demands. The amount of current provided by the phantom power source is another factor. Baggs ParaDI, for example), and these may not work with lower voltages. ![]() Some DIs or preamps can be powered by phantom power (the popular L.R. Phantom power is a complex subject, but for most of us, it’s a matter of matching the requirements of our mics-or other gear-with the features of the mixer. In any case, a lower voltage won’t damage the mic, so you can always see for yourself if a lower voltage will work. Most mics work fine over the voltage range of 12-48 volts, although many mic manufacturers specify 48 volts for best performance, and some mics may be more problematic than others when encountering lower levels of phantom power-you may notice some loss of output or sensitivity with lower voltages. In most cases, these different levels should not cause concern. One popular acoustic preamp even provides just 15 volts. Several popular acoustic guitar amps provide 24 volts. As a result, you may encounter gear that supports any of these voltages. However, the ANSI standard (IEC 61938) that covers such things allows for 12, 24, and 48 volts. Most modern mixers provide 48 volts, which has become so common that many people assume that phantom power automatically means 48 volts. One complication with phantom power is that there are multiple standards for voltage levels. This trick is why the scheme is referred to as phantom-it’s there for mics that need it, but generally invisible to others! You can usually plug either type of mic into a mixer that provides phantom power, and the condenser mic will detect and use the power, while most dynamic mic will ignore it. Phantom power involves a clever scheme that leverages the multiple wires in a typical balanced-XLR cable to provide voltage to mics that need it without affecting those that do not, in most cases. ![]() On the other hand, dynamic mics-the ubiquitous Shure SM57 and SM58, for example-do not require power. Phantom power is a way to provide power to microphones that require electricity to operate, typically condensers. These pointers will help demystify phantom power. As a guitarist, you may also encounter some less common scenarios related to phantom power. Most of the time, the phantom-power feature just does its job silently, but a bit of knowledge can help when things go wrong or when choosing the gear with which you work. Phantom power provides a source of electricity to some microphones. I f you’ve used microphones for live performances or in the studio, you’ve almost certainly encountered phantom power-that slightly mysterious-sounding button found on many mixers and preamps. From the May 2017 issue of Acoustic Guitar | BY DOUG YOUNG ![]()
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