Phantom Power

[blue]

alright chaps, quick question.

i've got myself an audio interface which has two xlr mic inputs.  there is switchable phantom power, but only across both inputs, you can't have one on and one off.  when using one mic, of course, this is no problem.  however, i have both a condensor mic and a dynamic mic.  now, i think i've read that it's ok to plug a dynamic mic into a socket with phantom power as there is no connection at the mic end so it won't be affected, meaning it would be ok to have both mics plugged in simultaneously, but i'm not sure.  does anyone know if this is correct?

many thanks for any replies

[AndyR]

I hope it's correct - that's what my Yamaha desk does, and nothing/nobody is dead yet! :lol:

I have been known to use my condensor mic and an old sm58 at the same time to record accoustic stuff - so I must have had the phantom power switched on...

[indysmith]

Yeah that'll be fine! The only microphones that might not like the phantom power are fragile old ribbon mics.

[tomjackson]

It will be okay, no problem.

Now I have a phantom power anecdote I'd like to share.

I was in a studio and the engineer told me he had this band in and the singer kept saying something like,
'that phantom power sounds ace, can you put some more on?'
The engineer was surprised but replied,
'you like it, oh yes I'll increase the phantom power for you mate'
'Sounds even better replied the singer'....

That is my only anecdote about phantom power :D

[MDV]

Its called phantom power precisely because dynamic mics totally and utterly ignore it.

[blue]

all good guys, thanks.  i was fairly sure it would be ok, but thanks for confirming.

i'll be sure to turn up the phantom power next time i'm recording vocals! ;)

[Johnny Mac]

I've got that on my interface but I only use a SM57 so not used it yet.

[Denim n Leather]

You will need a 2nd mic pre if you wish to mix n match phantom powered mics with mics that don't use it. Things will break and sound nasty otherwise.

[blue]

so you reckon i should have an outboard pre-amp to provide phantom power to the condensor and leave the power off on the interface?  then presumably you could plug the output of the pre-amp and the dynamic mic into the interface's two inputs?

[Denim n Leather]

Yes, have the external preamp provide Phantom and then go line out into the interface. Have the other mic going directly into the interface.

[indysmith]

Don't listen to Ben, he's chatting complete and utter nonsense!
DYNAMIC MICROPHONES WILL NOT BE HARMED BY PHANTOM POWER AND THE SOUND QUALITY WILL NOT BE DEGRADED IN ANY WAY. (apart from certain ribbon microphones, as I already said)
Sorry to be a dick, but I'm a Sound Engineering student, and I use dynamic and condenser mics together on a completely phantom-powered board on a daily basis. I have 'the Sound Engineer's Handbook' and the 6th edition of 'Modern Recording Techniques" sat here in front of me here both concurring.

I also live with 6 other Sound Engineers who will tell you the same thing. :)

[indysmith]

It will be okay, no problem.

Now I have a phantom power anecdote I'd like to share.

I was in a studio and the engineer told me he had this band in and the singer kept saying something like,
'that phantom power sounds ace, can you put some more on?'
The engineer was surprised but replied,
'you like it, oh yes I'll increase the phantom power for you mate'
'Sounds even better replied the singer'....

That is my only anecdote about phantom power :D

Haha! You're going to love this thread...
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/26430-stupidest-things-you-have-ever-heard-during-session.html

[Denim n Leather]

Don't listen to Ben, he's chatting complete and utter nonsense!

indy, you are incredibly condescending.

It's true that most dynamic mics will not be adversely affected by phantom power, but there's no way anyone can make a blanket statement of do it, nothing will happen. Most authorities will say it something along the lines of it should work, not it will definitely work.

Not knowing blue's interface or microphones, I wouldn't presume to know if it will or won't work. I err on the side of caution, you choose the opposite tac.

Line level sources with phantom power is a definite no-no, however ... right, indy?

Sorry to be a dick

No you're not.

[MDV]

I've tested this with SM57s, 58s, i5 and MD421; it does absolutely nothing to them.

Also, theres no physical reason whatsoever that putting a DC potential difference across both signal lines of a moving coil will make that coil move differently. It wont make it move at all. Its a steady DC down both lines, ergo zero induction, and the AC induced by the coils vibration will add to it normally regardless.

I think the 'should work' of the manufactuers is just arse-covering. In my humblest opinion, it will work. Theres nothing phantom power can do to a dynamic mic.

If anyone can fnd any sound reasoning or evidence otherwise, I will of course recant the above or add suitable caveats for particular mics/designs. Until then, its fine.

[Denim n Leather]

I heard using a dynamic mic with phantom power makes you sterile!