Members rasputin1963 Posted January 2, 2007 Members Share Posted January 2, 2007 In shopping around for mikes (see my parallel thread here called RECOMMEND A MIKE FOR ME), I notice that some mikes require "phantom power" and some do not. Is phantom power electrical current? Or audio amplification? I see that some people like to use tube pre-amps. What are they, and what is so unique about that particular sound? Ever the noob, Ras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members the stranger Posted January 2, 2007 Members Share Posted January 2, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power You can get a start there. (P.S. Somebody here with the requisite knowledge needs to get over to wiki and clean up that article. ) http://www.tangible-technology.com/power/Phantom_Power_connect.html ---- [Paraphrased from the excellent rec.audio.pro FAQ at http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/AudioFAQ/pro-audio-faq/faq.h tml ] Condenser microphones have internal electronics which require power. In phantom power (DIN spec 45596) the positive terminal of a 48V power supply is connected via 6800ohm resistors to both signal leads of a microphone and the negative terminal to the ground connection A dynamic or ribbon mic can be connected to a phantom powered circuit without damage. The only risks are a shorted mic cable, or some old mics with a centre tap - these will be damaged if connected to a phantom powered circuit. http://www.faqs.org/faqs/theatre/stagecraft/faq/section-26.html ---- http://www.presonus.com/faq/index.php?sid=45576?=en&action=artikel&cat=15&id=50&artlang=en What is Phantom Power and why do I need it? Phantom Power or +48V is a method of sending an electrical current through a microphone cable. It is most widely used as a power source for condenser microphones. Condenser microphone capsules require preamplification in very close proximity. This requires a power source so that the signal can be amplified before traveling very far. In addition, true condenser microphones (as opposed to electret) require a voltage for polarizing the microphone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members where02190 Posted January 2, 2007 Members Share Posted January 2, 2007 The short answer is it is DC voltage (48v) that is required by condensor microphones. It is supplied from the mic preamp or mixing console. Tube mics are typcially LDC(large diaphram condensors) with a tube or tubes in their circuitry instead of solid state components. The result is typically a slightly warmer, vintage sound than a SS based condensor mic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rasputin1963 Posted January 2, 2007 Author Members Share Posted January 2, 2007 Originally posted by the stranger http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power You can get a start there. (P.S. Somebody here with the requisite knowledge needs to get over to wiki and clean up that article. ) [ Why do folks like to get other people to do their "googling"? -~ Because I just KNEW someone with your erudition would dazzle us with his brilliant conciseness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.