PHANTOM POWER EXPLAINED IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE
What is phantom power? Why is it needed? Can it be a danger to your equipment? And why is it even called phantom power? We explain in simple terms what you need to know.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is phantom power?
Phantom power is voltage between 12 and 48 volts. It’s DC voltage sent through the microphone cable. In the case of an XLR cable, the power is carried by pins 2 and 3. Pin 1 is used for earthing.
In theory, phantom power can also be generated by other energy sources, such as a battery. In most cases, however, a mixing console, microphone pre-amp or audio interface transmits the phantom power via the XLR cable or stereo jack. This is a significantly more reliable method than the use of a battery.
Phantom power – why is it needed?
Phantom power is needed to operate condenser microphones that contain active electronic circuitry. This external (phantom) power is required in order for the diaphragm to vibrate. Condenser microphones and dynamic microphones work differently in this regard.
In the case of a dynamic microphone, the sound pressure alone is sufficient to make the diaphragm and coil or capsule vibrate. With condenser microphones, however, the backplate needs to be charged to create a capacitance between it and the diaphragm.
A change in sound pressure causes the diaphragm to move, so changing its distance to the backplate. This leads to a proportional change in voltage, which generates a signal.
Phantom power – your benefits
Because the sound pressure only needs to move the diaphragm in condenser microphones, these are able to pick up much subtle sounds than most dynamic microphones.
Featuring a particularly light aluminium membrane, our dynamic M 160 ribbon microphone boasts similarly fine sound qualities. Basically, the diaphragm in a condenser microphone is able to react to sound waves more easily and precisely because it has an extremely small mass.
What’s more, condenser microphones deliver the broadest frequency response and the highest impulse fidelity, which is particularly important for use with percussion instruments or acoustic guitars. In many cases, condenser microphones are also able to offer a higher output level.
Can phantom power destroy equipment?
As a rule, phantom power does not represent a danger to equipment. But, because it’s the exception that proves the rule, it’s better to stay on the safe side and switch off phantom power when you are not using a condenser microphone or an active DI box.
Why is it called phantom power?
Phantom power is not detected by dynamic microphones. It normally has no effect on dynamic microphones or passive DI boxes, remaining “invisible” to them. This means the 48 volt power has only a “phantom-like” existence for these devices.
