What is phantom power and how does it work?

What is phantom power and how does it work?

Phantom power is a DC voltage (typically +48 V) that provides power to the active components within certain active microphones. This electric power is transmitted through the same balanced audio cables that carry the audio signal. The term “phantom” comes from the fact that there is no obvious power cable.

Why do condenser microphones need phantom power?

Why Do Condenser Mics Need Phantom Power? Because of the way condenser mics work, their output is very high impedance, and therefore requires a powered circuit to reduce that impedance.

How do you know if a mic needs phantom power?

How do I know if my mic needs phantom power? Well, the simplest way would be to verify whether your microphone is a condenser type or another type such as dynamic or ribbon. If it is a condenser microphone it will need phantom power, if it is a different type of microphone it will not.

Does phantom power only work with XLR?

* Phantom power is typically supplied only by a mixer with an XLR input. If the mic requires phantom to operate and not phantom is present at the mixer input, the microphone will not produce a signal. The mic connects to this device. The output of the phantom supply connects to your mixer.

What happens if you don’t use phantom power on a condenser mic?

Although you may still get a signal from some condenser mics without phantom power, it will be so weak that it will be barely audible. In most cases, you won’t get a signal at all. Condenser mics need power to operate correctly whether that be battery or phantom power.

Can I use BM 800 without phantom power?

Microphone— The Floureon BM-800 condenser microphone only works with device that could provide enough power with 48V phantom power adapter. If the power is not enough while being used with amplifier or mixer, the sound volume might be recorded very low. If better sound prefered, the sound card will be needed.