phantom power
What is phantom power?
A phantom power is a technique used to provide power to an electrical device, typically a condenser microphone, without the need for additional cables. Phantom power involves supplying the required voltage (usually 48 volts) through the microphone line. This is done via the XLR connection, which carries both audio signals and power through the same cable.
The term “phantom” refers to the fact that the power supply is provided “invisibly” (i.e. without separate cables) to the microphone. This allows for simple and clean wiring. Phantom power is especially important for condenser microphones, which require an external power source to operate the microphone capsule.
Advantages of phantom power:
- No additional power supplies or batteries required
- Compatibility with standard audio connections (XLR)
It is important to note that phantom power is usually harmless for dynamic microphones, but care must be taken with certain microphones, such as ribbon microphones, as they can be damaged by the voltage.
Where is the phantom power connected?
The phantom power is Audio interface, mixer or preamp connected to the microphone. These devices have a special switch or button that turns on the phantom power and supplies the 48 volt voltage via the XLR cable to the microphone. It is important to make sure that your microphone requires phantom power before activating it to avoid damaging microphones that are not designed for it.
