Musicians have all sorts of gear, cables, bits, and bobs that are required to turn our ideas into reality. Musicians love their gear…and we spend big bucks on it!
One aspect of audio gear, typically associated with mixers and microphones, is phantom power. We’ve all seen that on/off toggle button for phantom power on a mixer but we might not have always understood what it was for…why does my mixer both require power (plug from the wall outlet) and also provide this mysteriously named “phantom power?”
That got me thinking about some other questions about phantom power…mainly if it can damage various pieces of equipment, but also got me to dig in a bit more about what phantom power is specifically for and why musicians need it.
What Is Phantom Power?
Phantom power is direct current (DC) electrical power that travels to audio gear, usually condenser microphones, via XLR cables. The purpose of phantom power is to amplify variation in signals that occur when the diaphragm of a microphone vibrates (capacitance.)
Phantom power provides a boost in power to condenser microphones to help amplify the variations in the signal that’s caused as the diaphragm vibrates in relation to the backplate.
It’s needed so that the internal amp of “active power” microphones (such as condenser microphones) will receive adequate power to operate WITHOUT the need for another source of external power. Transducer components of condenser microphones need to be polarized in order to work correctly, phantom power also takes care of this power need.
Can Phantom Power Damage A Synth?
If connecting your synth with XLR cables then you run the risk of damaging your synth or having unwanted sounds such as detuning, buzzing, or other sounds. If possible, don’t use XLR cables on your synth or make sure that phantom power is off before connecting your synth with XLR cables.
If your synth uses 1/4 inch cables then you don’t have anything to worry about since phantom power won’t run on 1/4 inch cables. Phantom power is predominantly used on gear that connects with XLR, such as microphones.
A lot of audio gear, synths included, should have some sort of protection from phantom power and energy surges…however, vintage models or inexpensive gear may not have these safety measures built-in, or what they do have may not be as reliable as newer or quality made synths.
Can Phantom Power Damage A Guitar?
You run a very low risk of damaging a guitar with phantom power. This is mainly due to the fact that phantom power is only about 10mA (milli-amps) and most outputs will have adequate input protection. However, less expensive electronics may have cheaper circuitry meaning even 10mA can cause damage.
Depending on the cables you’re using, you may not be drawing phantom power at all. 1/4 inch guitar cables won’t draw phantom power so, if this is what you use in your setup then you don’t need to worry about phantom power.
XLR cables are a different story…at least the ones with three pins. These three pins will be one ground (pin 1) and two positive DC signals (pin 2 and 3.) Phantom power will use one of these signals to provide power…usually to condenser microphones.
Can Phantom Power Damage A Microphone?
Dynamic and condenser microphones usually don’t require phantom power and should not be damaged by it. Dynamic Ribbon and T-Power microphones, however, are prone to damage from phantom power due to the delicate nature of the internal parts of the mic. The exception here is Royer ribbon microphones.
“Line-In” instruments should not be plugged into XLR inputs as long as the phantom power is on and you should always check out the product manual or manufacturer’s website to see how your microphone will handle phantom power.
No matter the microphone, it’s always best practice to plug everything (not just microphones) into your mixer before powering it on and power off before unplugging all your gear.
Can Phantom Power Damage a Mixer?
Phantom power generally will not damage a mixer since most mixers are designed to provide phantom power, usually through XLR cables to condenser microphones. If your mixer experiences problems while phantom power is on, then it’s more likely a faulty wire or grounding issue.
Any gear that is plugged into phantom power is more likely to be damaged by it than the mixer itself. Since some microphones ARE NOT designed to use phantom power they are the most prone to be damaged by it. This is because there are several microphones that DO use phantom power.
Basically, it becomes a matter of user error…mistakingly plugging in the wrong microphone and then turning on phantom power which leads to damage of the delicate inner workings of the microphone.
Can Phantom Power Shock You?
Phantom power can definitely give you a shock. The important thing to remember is that it’s not the voltage that kills, it’s the current and duration that kills.
It’s rare that phantom power will deliver enough of a jolt to kill someone, but if you have musicians that are getting a zap from their instruments or microphones check that the venue’s power is properly grounded.
Most shocks and electrocutions that have occurred to musicians have been due to faulty wiring and improper grounding.
If you’ve tested your wall outlets and they are passing your test, then make sure any phantom power that IS NOT needed is turned off. This is a good rule of thumb anyway!
How Many Volts Is Phantom Power?
Typically, phantom power will run a DC voltage of 12V to 48V. This voltage will be evenly distributed to pins two and three of an XLR cable from the mixer, pre-amp, or another phantom power generator.
48 V phantom power is the most popular since it is what is used in the majority of condenser microphones. But the following voltages are also possible:
- 12V
- 15V
- 18V
- 24V
Does Phantom Power Only Work With XLR?
Phantom power only works with XLR because it sends direct current (DC) on pins two and three of the XLR cable. Other cables, like 1/4 inch, don’t work with phantom power, and mixers that only accept 1/4 inch cables will need an external phantom power source to work with gear that needs phantom power.
Usually, any professional or semi-professional mixer or other audio devices will have connections for both 1/4 inch and XLR (and newer models will also have USB connections) since various pieces of gear will use one or the other (sometimes both.)
Does Phantom Power Affect Sound?
Phantom power can cause sound issues to anything plugged into it, especially gear that is not supposed to use phantom power. External phantom power is more prone to possible issues, mainly due to it having more components that need to be plugged in.
Anytime you have electronic components plugged into each other you run the risk of having faulty grounds, crossed or broken wires, or any number of other “hardware” issues.
In microphones these various issues can cause buzzing, fading, or popping in the audio output…it can also damage the internal components of microphones that weren’t designed to use it.
For synths and guitars, phantom power might create volume issues or a warble to the audio output. As far as damage, synths, and guitars usually have built-in safety measures to help prevent phantom power from doing any damage, but vintage synths or cheaply made instruments may not have these safety measures.
Final Thoughts
The big take-away from this article is that phantom power is typically not something that will do damage to your gear but there is always a possibility.
It’s a good idea to be mindful of what gear needs it and…more importantly…what gear doesn’t need it. Remember to keep phantom power off when it’s not needed and don’t turn it on until your gear is hooked up to the device that is providing it.
Always check the user manuals that come with your audio gear and, when in doubt, send an e-mail to the manufacturing company and ask them if your equipment requires phantom power and if it has built in safety measures to protect it just incase it gets plugged into phantom power.
