Will phantom power hurt my mic?

Discussion in 'Recording/Live Sound' started by localmotion411, Feb 25, 2008.

  1. Feb 25, 2008 #1
    localmotion411

    localmotion411 Member

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    I realize it won't hurt a mic that needs phantom power, but I am using an M-Audio ProjectMix that has one button for phantom power and when switched on is applied to all inputs. When recording two channels at once, phantom power switched on, one mic a condenser and one mic an SM57, will I have problems with the 57?
     
    localmotion411, Feb 25, 2008
    localmotion411, Feb 25, 2008
    #1
  2. Feb 25, 2008 #2
    Gi-gi-giggity

    Gi-gi-giggity Member

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    No, you should be fine.
    Just don't run phantom to a ribbon mic as I'm pretty sure it'll fry it.
     
    Gi-gi-giggity, Feb 25, 2008
    Gi-gi-giggity, Feb 25, 2008
    #2
  3. Feb 25, 2008 #3
    scottlr

    scottlr Member

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    No, I don't think so.
     
    scottlr, Feb 25, 2008
    scottlr, Feb 25, 2008
    #3
  4. Feb 25, 2008 #4
    Kenny D

    Kenny D Member

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    You will be fine. I do this all the time. I run two Focusrite Octopres with phantom power on/off on all inputs at once. The OH condensers require it but all the other mics on the kit are dynamic. It works just fine.
     
    Kenny D, Feb 25, 2008
    Kenny D, Feb 25, 2008
    #4
  5. Feb 25, 2008 #5
    localmotion411

    localmotion411 Member

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    I figured. I couldn't imagine them possibly building a $1,500 pre/interface/console with the capability of only running one type of mic at a time.
     
    localmotion411, Feb 25, 2008
    localmotion411, Feb 25, 2008
    #5
  6. Feb 26, 2008 #6
    drfrankencopter

    drfrankencopter Member

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    Just a little clarification....

    Ribbon mics are dynamic mics, and the grand majority of them will not be harmed by phantom power. The ribbon mic/phantom power problem largely stems from how the output transformers of the mics are set up, if they are center tapped (and the tap is grounded), then you run into problems. It's best not to 'hot plug' them though, and yes, if you have a cable fail, then you can send a big transient into the ribbon.

    Cheers

    Kris
     
    drfrankencopter, Feb 26, 2008
    drfrankencopter, Feb 26, 2008
    #6
  7. Feb 26, 2008 #7
    Kiwi

    Kiwi Silver Supporting Member

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    It's worth checking the manufacturer's recommendation for your particular ribbon mic.

    The very popular Nady RSM-5 ribbon mic (for $80, it's a cheap date, thus its popularity) has a specific warning to NOT use phantom power on it, or it will fry the ribbon.

    If I owned other mics in the Nady RSM series, I'd sure check the instructions.

    =K
     
    Kiwi, Feb 26, 2008
    Kiwi, Feb 26, 2008
    #7

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