Many people asks Does A Condenser Microphone Need Phantom Power. Phantom Power is the term used to describe the process of supplying DC (Direct Current) to microphones that have active circuitry that require electricity to function.
All condenser microphones, including the Shure KSM family, feature active electronics and demand phantom power.
How Does Phantom Power Work?
Phantom power is the name given to the technique when a pre-amp/mixer will supply the DC power and the condenser microphone will receive it via the mic connection.
The recommended range for phantom power is 11 to 52 volts of direct current (typical studio mics run on 48v).
You can normally toggle this on and off by pressing the 48v button on your amp. However, phantom power might not be present in some older mixers and less expensive audio interfaces.
Does A Condenser Microphone Need Phantom Power?
Here we are adding a YouTube video that might help you to understand this in simple way.
Do My Dynamic Mics Risk Damage from Phantom Power?
The SM58 is an example of a dynamic microphone that does not require phantom power because it has no active circuitry. However, using phantom power generally won’t cause any harm to other microphones.
For this reason, especially if you have a ribbon microphone, we advise reviewing your handbook or speaking with the manufacturer before connecting.
Modern dynamic microphones are also made to receive phantom power without any problems.
In order to avoid any potential power surges, general pops, and loud noises that can eventually harm your speakers or headphones, it’s also a good idea to turn off phantom power while plugging and unplugging microphones.
Why Is It Called Phantom Power?
In order to function, condenser microphones produced in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s needed a unique power source.
This power supply was often big, heavy, and awkward, and it was frequently placed close to the microphone. Work on a novel powering idea that would do away with the requirement for a separate power source started in the 1960s.
Conclusion
In this article we have answered a popular question which comes in the mind while buying or setting up condenser microphone. Many people asks Does A Condenser Microphone Need Phantom Power.
We’ve also answered many relevant answers to this topic and hope this helped you. If you have any questions related to this, feel free to ask us in the comments section.
