Should I use phantom power?
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Posted on Oct 16, 2004 11:37 am
shortdrummer666
*sticado: short and LOUD*
Member Since: Oct 16, 2004
My band is using a 14 channel RQ2314 mixer. i need phantom power on my 2 condensor mics for my drums but, i dont know if it will harm the other mics that are plugged in here... were seeing if we can record but my drums sound dead without these condensors.
if anyone has any tips, i'd be glad to here them!
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flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Oct 16, 2004 12:25 pm phantom power will up the voltage to the condensors by 48v. there ends my knowledge.
sorry i cant be more help, but id not try it yet, until someone who knows tells ya. i just tried my shure sm57 with the phantom power on, with my little behringer desk, and that was fine, but definately dont do anything til ya know for sure...
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Oct 16, 2004 12:25 pm oh yeah, and welcome!
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Oct 16, 2004 12:48 pm You should be fine as long as you are using true three conductor microphone cables. There are a few "cheepie" XLR cables made that are only two conductor. Test your cables hooked to the dynamic microphones, and as long as they are truely three conductor the dynamic microphones will be fine with phantom power applied and effectively "ignore" the phantom power.
EdvoMember
Since: Feb 18, 2004
Oct 16, 2004 01:23 pm I was told in one studio that if I plug dynamic and condensors into console, which switches phantom power on all inputs, I wont damage dynamic mics if I switch in sequence: mixer power, plug all mics, phantom power. And I do this way, still did not damaged
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Oct 16, 2004 01:45 pm Yes Edvo,
Never plug or unplug a mic while phantom power is applied. The act of making or breaking a connection can create devistating surges. I have done it in error and not damaged mics, luck of the draw, but the potential is there.
Oct 16, 2004 02:59 pm sry, i dont exactly know what a dynamic mic is (or maybe i do but i never called it one). is it just and unpowered mic?
Oct 16, 2004 03:04 pm so far i have these going in to the mixer:
bass: 1/4"
guitar1: 1/4"
guitar2: 1/4"
vocals (SM58S): XLR
2 snare/tom: XLR
1 kick: XLR
and i need those condensor mics
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Oct 16, 2004 07:59 pm Yup, the microphones that do not need phantom power are dynamics. Now, just do not use a conversion plug on the quarter inch plugs and plug them into the XLR inputs on the mixer. With phantom power applied that would be a desaster. But yes you can mix dymanic and condenser mics on phantom powered channels as long as all XLR cords are three conductor not two.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 17, 2004 07:27 pm I personally never plug or unplug anyting with the mixer powered up. Just habbit I guess, but then I have never had one problem with any of my desks either. so maybe it is not a bad idea. I am just cautious that way.
EdvoMember
Since: Feb 18, 2004
Oct 18, 2004 02:59 am Yes, it is probably the best - plug mics, switch mixer power, switch phantom power. Usually when I switch mixer in the begining of the session, I do not switch it off till the end. I am happy that I have developed instinct to switch off phantom power and push faders down while pluging mics :)
