Phantom power - what is it?
Phantom power is essential for many microphones to run. Others even harm phantom power. In this practical tip, we explain to you exactly what phantom power is, when you have to use it and when it is questionable.
This is phantom power
The following facts summarize the facts of phantom power in a nutshell. You can find further useful information on connecting your microphone in the following picture gallery.
- According to DIN 45596, phantom power is a positive voltage of 12, 24 or 48 volts on both NF lines compared to the cable shield.
- So you usually need symmetrical signal transmission, mostly via XLR.
- You need phantom power, for example, to operate condenser microphones.
- Condenser microphones generally have a more natural sound than dynamic microphones, partly because the condenser membrane, which is just a few micrometers thick, is less inert than the membrane of moving coil microphones.
- Because of this property, they are more sensitive and are mainly used for studio recordings and not in the live area. A suspension in the spider helps against impact sound (see picture).
- Although phantom power does not harm many dynamic microphones, if in doubt you should read the instructions for use first, or try it without phantom power if you are unsure. Ribbon microphones can break due to the use of phantom power.
- The most common is a phantom power of 48 volts, which is fed to the microphone via XLR. You can find more information about XLR in another practical tip.
- The phantom power usually comes from a mixer, sound card or microphone amplifier. Some microphones can also get the Phantom Power from a battery.
- You also need phantom power for active DI boxes. These convert an asymmetrical to a symmetrical transmission and, if necessary, adjust the impedance. If the source device does not supply sufficient voltage, the DI box obtains this from a battery or the mixer via phantom power.
- A special type of supply, especially for measurement microphones, is the ICP supply via BNC connections. Here the voltage supply is via the same lines as the signal transmission. The supply therefore works despite asymmetrical signal transmission.
Instructions on how to record electric bass and electric guitar with a microphone, as well as microphone buying advice, can be found in other practical tips.
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You can read whether your microphone needs phantom power at all in the instructions for use.
The phantom power can usually be switched on and off with a button that bears the name "phanom power", "phantom power" or "48 V". A light usually confirms that phantom power is activated.
Several microphones can easily be supplied via a common phantom power.
The structure looks completely connected, for example. Phantom power mostly works via XLR, rarely using a jack. We will explain the exact [[//praxistipps.chip.de/iffere- zwischen-klinke-und-xlr_16794|Difference between jack and XLR]] in an extra practical tip.
For measuring microphones with BNC or SMB connection, the power supply is called ICP. Here the supply works despite asymmetrical signal transmission.
