What Is Phantom Power And Why Do You Need It? - RecordingRevolution.com
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
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Have you ever seen that little button on your audio interface or microphone preamp labeled 48V and wondered to yourself:
What is a "V" and why do I need 48 of them?!
That little button (also labeled at times "phantom power") is a critical thing to understand depending on what type of microphone you are using in your home studio.
Today I'm going to clearly explain what it is, and why/when you would need it.
The history of 48V is weird. It comes from Norway radio relay stations that had to be able to be run from backup battery. They used 4 x 12V lead-acid batteries (or 2 x 24v) because of availability. There had to be equipment designed to use that power and that solution started to spread elsewhere. So when it came time to actually implement "phantom" power, 48V was logical choice as there were already gear that used it.
If we had to design it today, we would never use 48V as that is stupidly high. We would probable choose 12V or 9V (but not 5V, that is problematic when it comes to circuit design, it is doable but i would not like it, also voltage loss over long wires would be a huge problem.. when things are >7V it is sooo much easier to do everything.. ).
Thanks for sharing, very interesting background.
That's really interesting, but it makes me curious as to why we still use 48v instead of a smaller voltage. 🤔
@@SaintCrownMusic Too late to change, everything is in 48V. We would have to change everything and start to use a butt load of converters. The new voltage also can't be used with XLR, it would have to be a new connector or hilarity will ensue every single day..
In reality, it only poses a slight problem for circuit designers. Current limiting has to be applied to make it safe, while keeping common mode noise low. It is not really that bad, adds another step... that not all manufacturers will do which can lead to damaged equipment but it is kind of rare anymore.
@@squidcaps4308 Thanks for the explanation! I learned me some shit today! 👌💯
@@squidcaps4308 do they call it phantom power because it doesn't
Shock humans? 🤔 I use to switch mics while phantom power is on and I never got shocked.
"I am your angel of music recording"
-Phantom Power
Surprised to see you here
:'D
What is a V why do I need 48 of em 😂
Oh... My...😅
Bro 💀
I love the way you make things easy for young music producers. Your videos are really helping me and i look forward to join the recording revolution pretty soon. Thank you Sir
you are a genius Engineer and Music Producer
So phantom power is a power source needed only for condenser mics? Thanks Graham this was a great video!
He took 7 minutes to say that........CZcams
Hey Jack James. Help me buddy please. I bought a wright professional studio microphone and i don't know if it's condenser or not (not written on box but according to my memory from the missplaced manual i think it ) and the box clearly mentions "power requirement: 48V phantom". I bought this mic an year ago and still hasn't been able to set it up!!! I've changed voice splitter and XLR cable . Still won't work. It takes in the headphone but the audio just doesn't goes in. I'm very very worried. Do I need to buy a phantom power? What should I do ?
Starts at 3:24. You are welcome
Finally; someone who can explain phantom power and mic selection so that it can be easily understood. Many thanks!👊🏿💯
Whoo. Now i know what phantom power is. Thank you so much!
sana all
Hi Sam 🥰🥰🥰
People aren't here for mic selection. You can tell them what phantom power is in a minute rather than wasting their time
This is one of the best recording videos I've ever watched. Thank you for the upload
thanks for making this concept digestible!
This is probably the most informative, easy-to-understand audio-related video I have ever seen. Thank you!!!
thank you for making this super simplified, i am a pure beginner
Thankyou - now I know why my dynamic microphone does not create a strong enough signal through the pre amp.
Thank you for making this short and to the point without wasting our time with plugs and ads haha
Thank you for clearly describing what phantom power is. Good wishes
Thank you so much for this video. It is very easy to understand and very practical for begginners.
I gave up on finding band members like 4-5 years ago so I….
Got garage band, bought a cheap mic from Amazon. Bought a cheap e drum kit and learned basics, just upgraded to alesis mesh kit this past December and used garage band on my iPad. Made my first recording which is on my channel. It’s raw black metal so thankfully it doesn’t have to be “perfect” but def am trying to hone my recording craft. My dad got me a condenser mic which I used to mic my bass guitar and guitar. I thought I used it for vocals, but being new I think I forgot to turn on the phantom on the mic and my vocals just picked up through the iPad mic 😆🤣 but came out ok (ya know for being raw black metal) I’m getting a tascam dp 24 so I got a whole new world to explore soon
I have a shure sm94 which is a long range microphone and it needs phantom power because it is a condenser microphone, the other "brother" SM57 does now want it but for its shape, it is also good for long distances, for example, I use them in a theater when we have some shows, of course we cannot provide a microphone for each actor (like 5-6 in the scene) so we use them, of course the sm94 is a beast in long range compared to sm57 but they also do pretty well
A dynamic mic is basically a little electric generator (motion between a coil and a magnetic field produces electricity). Since no power is needed, many dynamic mics come with a 1/4 inch jack and a cable with only 2 wires for the audio signal. An optional third wire can be added for a cable ground to help fight hum, a good idea if the mic cable goes more than a few feet. On the other hand a condenser mic is basically a capacitor, a device that has two separated surfaces that can hold a charge. It takes a voltage to put a charge on the plates and this is where the phantom power is required. Rather than add more wires to the XLR cable, the power is "magically" added to the same wires as the audio signal, which I suppose is why it's called "phantom" because flip the switch and it's there, yet it doesn't interfere with the audio signal. At the preamp the circuit blocks the 48V and only looks at the audio signal. You could say that the preamp has a high pass filter up front that blocks low frequencies (48VDC has 0 frequency) and passes higher frequencies, namely the audio band of frequencies.
that's a much better explanation for me, thanks very much.
@@bashful228 If you want to understand a little more, you might also like to read the comment I added a few comments below (original comment by videditor1076). Hopefully it is understandable
what about balanced line, why do so many "video" microphones not have XLR connectors?
Great information and INCREDIBLY comprehensive. Now I know it's the phantom of the opera enabling the phantom power sorcery!
Thank you for your informative and easy to understand video. I am setting up a professional studio and am studying as much as I can so it will be done right. I know what to do and now have a very nice studio with a recording booth to do it in. I am stepping up from a home studio so I'm looking for top of the line equipment and think I have found a good resource to get what I need. Looking forward to watching more videos. Keep up the great work!
Fantastic video for reference and refreshers on microphone types. I used a condenser microphone years ago and want to get one again to combine with my SM57 dynamic.
Thanks for the video! I have a question: if I have dynamic microphones and active DI boxes connected to the same mixer, does the phantom power to feed the DI boxes damage the microphones?
I love my AKG C1000S microphone, 20 years old. It has a 9V battery inside so I can use it with my Bose S1 Pro speaker which does not provide phantom power.
I cannot thank you enough for your articulate and detailed explanation. I too am moving from live music to studio and this was a life saver thank you 🙏
Great info, thanks from Poland !
I am told that "Phantom" comes from no voltage coming down pins 2 & 3 when It's on. Even though there is power to each pin when connected to pin 1. Thus 1&2=48v, 1&3=48v, but it disappears when 2&3 are connected, which are you audio carrying pairs.
Voltage is always measured between 2 points. You need to be thoughtful in how you measure voltage to understand what is going on. Often the best way is to measure from a point to ground. In the case of an XLR cable, pin 1 is ground. When phantom power is turned on there most certainly IS a DC voltage coming down pins 2 & 3 along with the audio signal. If you measure the voltage from pin 2 (signal) to pin 1 (ground) you will see that the audio signal is present along with the phantom DC voltage, and the same is true measuring from pin 3 to pin 1. Now if you can put both measurements on a scope you will see that the signal on pin 2 is exactly the opposite of that on pin 3. That is, if the voltage on pin 2 is going up, then the voltage on pin 3 is going down exactly the same amount, sort of like mirror images of each other. If you look on a scope you will also see that pins 2 and 3 have the phantom voltage present. So what's going on? Here's the trick -- the preamp is designed to only amplify the difference between pin 2 and pin 3. Since the phantom voltage is the same for both pins, it creates no difference for the preamp to amplify and thus is ignored by the audio amplifying circuit. But remember that the audio signal on pins 2 and 3 are mirror images of each other. Since they are different and the difference is the audio signal, then it gets amplified. Got that? The audio signal gets amplified and the phantom power does not. So why in the world did they design it like this? It's quite clever actually. If your cable picks up noise, that noise will most likely be identical voltage wiggles on both pins 2 and 3. This noise will not be amplified since it appears as identical voltages on pins 2 and 3 and is ignored by the amplifier circuit since it only amplify differences. Very clever way to cancel out some noise. This method of connecting a microphone is called "balanced" where the audio signals on pins 2 and 3 have identical but mirrored images, and is great for minimizing noise (you can never eliminate noise completely). But also be aware that a mic can be connected with an XLR cable and send out an "unbalanced" signal, such as a dynamic mic where you want phantom power turned OFF. The unbalanced connection does not minimize noise much at all compared to a balanced connection.
@@dennismiller9681 ah I thought one wire was signal and the other was a neutral reference line (no audio) to be subtracted from the signal line 9i.e. subtract noise). but mirrored makes sense, i forgot that I (learned audio decades ago!), if you subtract the negative or mirror signal from the positive you end up with 2x the positive, or double the signal strength.
@@bashful228 ...yep, or you could think of it that each pin carries half the signal and the difference is the whole. Either way...
thanks for going over this. 👍🏽
Awesome. Super helpful for a newbie in music production. Thank you.
Awesome video with great info. Building my own mic and this has been the most helpful video so far. Thanks.
Thanks this is part of our exam
Thanks so much! This video really helped me understand what to get for my home studio.
Thanks Graham for this video tutorial. It was super helpful and here's why. As a drummer, I have always heard my musician pals on stage talking about Phantom Power but was completely baffled. The fact is, I didn't care. However, now that I'm doing a bit of drum set recording at home, a buddy lent me his Shure PG81 overhead and mentioned it needed Phantom Power. Yikes!! What do I do now and what does this even mean? Your video gave me the answers.
Love this video, the sound is perfect. what microphone are you using for this specific video and is it a condenser microphone? And how far away from your mouth was it? Thank you.
Thank u a lot buddy now it all makes sense...I was starting to think that I made a wrong choice .now I know what I have to do💯🐼
Very quick, straight to the point, and very informative!! Thank you so much!!
Just got a Rode Nt1 and realized my sound card is as old as I am and doesn't have phantom power... guess I'm going to guitar center in a bit.. lol
Definitely subscribed I appreciate you breaking the differences between the microphones down and explaining phantom power bc I was so lost about that “ghost” power lol THANK YOU😊 let me ask...because I AM brand new to recording... I currently only use my iphone 11 and I got the blue yeti for singing which I connect to an adapter which plugs into my phone and then I sing directly into my mic and it’s automatically recording from my phone but I think I want a microphone more specific for singing... and maybe even an interface - for the future when I get a computer because I feel like that’s going to be necessary when I start making my own music... I’m not sure if what I have is enough for now though? what microphone would you suggest for me specifically? If anything comes to mind TY
recordingrevolution# AWESOME VIDEO! I finnally understand this phantom power thingy! THANKS!
Will phantom power reduce self noise of condenser microphones?
Superb definition.
Thanks for the video, answered the exact question that I had in a very detailed way.
This is really informative. Thank you.
Thanks for the easy to understand explanation! What's an example of using phantom power with an electric guitar? Would the guitar make any sound without phantom power on?
I love the way you explain stuff. Thanks!!!
Great video, very well suited for vocalists
thank you for this informative video.
You explain this so well even to a nervous female who usually freaks out about sound equipment when occasionally forced to deal with it on a live gig!)
I have drum mics that use 2 condenser over head mics, and 4 "regular" mics. My mixer phantom power button uses 6 channels when turned on. So, my question is, with the phantom power on, if I plug in my "regular mics " into one of the channels that is using the phantom power, will I ruin the microphone? Thanks in advance!
Is the phantom power and the audio interface the same unit? I keep looking on the internet and can't find anything. Is it in a single unit?
What I know is that the phantom power basically just upgrades your mic quality and volume, while the audio interface is like a channel to connect to other devices; basically the phantom power is like an extender for the audio/sound interface. Hope this helps!
Is this Avalon VT-747SP a good option for a studio or would you recommend in a plugging version?
Thanks for this video! Cleared my doubts
There are condenser mics that use batteries inside them so they won’t need phantom power. These are typically inexpensive high impedance unbalanced mics used in consumer systems. Those mics are quieter than dynamic mics as they keep background noise down and their sound is cleaner.
Excellent we get your personal favorite picks, and who the hell are you again?
Very helpful thanks. You said there were 3 types of mic but only talked about dynamic and condenser. Is the third type ribbon mics?
A very concise video, I appreciate the information!
Thank you, that was perfect 👍
Is the NT1 with Focusrite solo an good option? I know solo isn't the best but I'm only recording vocals and already have a solo.
Your content's been super helpful man.
Amazing explanation. Thank you for this great video
Thank you for the awesome information, definitely very informative.
Hi . What is the difference between CONDENSER mic vs. Dynamic Especially if im recording vocals.?
It depends. I have a condenser mic but use no phantom power, just directly plugged into my tower.
I've never used the AC adapter that came with my Behringer UMC404-HD, but the phantom power still works. I keep the interface connected to my computer at all times and at least one light stays on all the time, even when my computer is off. The second light goes on as expected when I turn on the phantom power switch. My question is this: Should I be using the AC adapter that came with this interface? If it is not needed, why was it included with the unit?
I recommend you read the user manual. It is probably explained there.
My educated guess: The device is fully powered through the USB port, when used as an audio interface. The AC adapter is included if you wish to use the device merely as a standalone 4-channel pre-amp/mixer, without having to connect it to a computer. At least that was the case for a similar older interface I've owned.
If we turn on 48v on everything.... Will it hurt any other mic or instrument?
I have a somewhat related question with regard to phantom power. Can you damage a tube condenser microphone if the phantom power was accidentally turned on? Most home interfaces these days have phantom power applied to banks of inputs rather than individually. I've been in a situation where I've had my tube mic plugged into channel 1 and a non-tube large diaphragm in one of the other 4 channels. Recorded a full session this way, then realized that phantom was hot on channel 1. Everything seemed fine, and I'm reading that the power supply runs blocker for the voltage backfeed, so your mic should be fine. However... did I somehow damage my power supply with this little mishap?
Loving your videos and appreciate the time and effort you put into them. Maybe you can answer a question that I have been getting half answers from. I have a Heath and Allen ZED10 mixer. I know I can us t as my audio interface but would I gain anything by getting something like a focusrite?
Is it all good to mix both and click 48v while the dynamic mic is plugged in with the condenser?
Can plug a dynamic mic straight to a compressor analog or I’ll need a phantom power before you plug in the compressor
Thanks brother I Appreciate this 🎻🎷🎤
great and thorough explanation
You should get a cut, I would happy pay through your affiliate link, its nothing wrong about it, you are a great help and guide, thanks for all you do, god bless you and your family for 100 generations!!!
Does the blast of air pressure move the coils or the magnet? It doesn't matter, I guess, but I always thought it was the magnet that was moving
I take it that a condenser mic is going to have much more sensitivity feedback in a situation where the speakers are located close to where the mic is? It seems that if the condenser mic is typically found in a studio then that is because the output of the microphone pickup is isolated from people wearing headphones. So my question is whether a condenser mic would not work well in a chapel at church for a choir, where the choir's sound is amplified by the chapel's sound system consisting of large speakers fixed inside the wall behind the choir? Is a standard coil-type microphone the best solution in such a scenario or is there other types of mics to look into for that?
The phantom power must travel down one the the four nodes in the xlr cable?
Id like a condenser microphone but Im just recording in my room I don't have the sound absorber things on the wall or anything like that, wondering if that would be a problem
Thank you so much, you really helped me understand some things! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Iv got it on my mixer and my multi track recorder but I don't understand how a 5 volt mixer can power a 47 volt ...
Thanks, really helpful
I need some advice I have started my own studio I’m working on becoming a country singer and I need a really good software that has auto tune and that won’t break my bank account can you give me some advice please I would greatly appreciate it and thank you for all of your videos they have been a big help
is that Good To use USB Powered phantom power supply??
Amazing video super helpful keep up the great work 🙌💯
What happens when I have one dynamic and one condenser mics connected to an interface, Can I turn on the Phantom Power and both work fine? it is usually one button for the whole interface. Also, Will this power ruin any piece of electronic/mic and how? Thank you
Hello would there be a sound on the condenser mic plug into the phantom power. I just need it when I sing and play the piano. Can I use a small computer speaker to connect to the phantom power. Or the mic and phantom power sufficient?
“And it’s called phantom power because … I don’t know!”
i just got a zoomh6 that has a turn on phantom power setting. If my mic has a battery to support the phantom power, would turning on the feature on the zoom h6 damage the mic
what if you have an instrument plugged in but forgot to turn of the Phantom power? Could i damage something ??
Can I run regular mic's along with the Phantom mic on the same pa board ??
Good video, straight to the point
Ok I have a powered speaker and when I turn on the 48v it send it to the speaker even though I have it plugged into the monitor area on the interface how can I just send it to the mic
Thanks for the explanation. 👍🏾
With my interface, a Volt 276, the 48v button is either on or off for BOTH inputs whether they're necessary for both inputs or not. So, since I keep my guitar's 1/4 inch jack connected all the time, and the Condenser mic with an XLR connection in the other input all the time, will this be a problem when I have to use the condenser mic and I press the 48v button? Do I have to unplug the 1/4 inch jack in the other input with the guitar ?
Clear and very helpful, thanks!
Does it mean that when you use multiple lapel microphone in zoom recorder it does not require phantom power .
Does the phantom power eliminate the static that comes from the mic?
GFive Audio interface probably would, Phantom power just power the mic up
i have a samson mtr201 condenser mic plugged into my presonus audio box usb 96 which has a 48v button. for some reason my mic wont pic anything up and i turn on the 48v button after i plug it in. is my mic faulty? should i just use a phantom power supply? i super sure the audio interface is set right because ive used other mics on it (cheaper mics) so i dont know what the problem could be smh
thanx to anyone that tries to help
Wow! so well explained so appreciated!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you sir! It was very helpful! 😊
thanks for the lesson mate
Why do some studios use microphone power supplys?? are they better than hardware
600.000 congrats!
Such an informative vide. Do I still need a phantom power with a Behringer 302USB Mixer and C1 mike? Thanks