Members augustine Posted March 16, 2007 Members Share Posted March 16, 2007 Hi, I'm not sure I would ever used condenser mics with a powered mixer, but I'm now looking into the yamaha EMX512SC and I have found out it supplies phantom power at 15 vdc. Could anyone explain if this could be a potential problem powering certain mics. or is it really an non-issue. It just seems strange to me they would choose that voltage considering my zoom h4 recorder gets that (phantom power) from two 9 volt batteries. Thanks for any advice in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted March 16, 2007 Members Share Posted March 16, 2007 Almost all condenser microphones likely to be used live where a powered mixer is likely to be used will work just fine on 15 volts. It's primarily the externally biased condensers that need the additional voltage, though the current is no greater. I use the 15 volt standard on virtually all of the performance based products I design and it's rarely a concern (other than the occasional desire for somebody wanting to use a very inappropriate recording type mic in a live application where the basic performance isn't even reasonable for reinforcement). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members augustine Posted March 17, 2007 Author Members Share Posted March 17, 2007 Thanks for the quick response Agedhorse. Would you have any insights on the aforementioned yamaha mixer, as far as good or bad, for a small basement band? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Scodiddly Posted March 17, 2007 Members Share Posted March 17, 2007 Those Baggs "Para-Acoustic DI" boxes are unhappy with lower voltages. In general you'll find that mics will work, but may not produce a very clean sound on loud signals (lack of headroom) with the lower voltage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted March 17, 2007 Members Share Posted March 17, 2007 There are a few preamps like the Baggs that do need the additional VA available from the 48 volt standard. Many are fine with 15 volts. I disagree with the reduced headroom on the mics though, the pre-polarized/biased (electret type) regulate the 48 volts down to around 6 volts to power the impedance translator FET preamp that draws micro-amps and only operates with swings below 1/2 volt. For a practical example, look at all the wireless condenser mics like the Beta 87 that operate on 9 volts or less at concert levels without any headroom problems (otherthan that of the wireless link itself). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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