{"id":60486,"date":"2020-02-06T10:00:06","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T15:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=60486"},"modified":"2020-01-29T15:13:30","modified_gmt":"2020-01-29T20:13:30","slug":"a-primer-on-phantom-power-for-microphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/a-primer-on-phantom-power-for-microphones\/","title":{"rendered":"A Primer on Phantom Power for Microphones"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the field of professional sound production, you\u2019ll be hearing the term \u201cphantom power\u201d a lot when you start using a microphone for <\/span>podcasting<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>recording in your very own home studio<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>live streaming<\/span><\/a>, or even <\/span>filmmaking<\/span><\/a>. But what does it <\/span>really<\/span><\/i> do?<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you\u2019ll need to familiarize yourself with the <\/span>different kinds of microphones<\/span><\/a>, particularly the condenser microphone, as it is known to utilize phantom power the most. Once you\u2019re more familiar with it, it\u2019s much easier to understand what phantom power is and how it works to power microphones. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Phantom Power?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Image via Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phantom Power, also known as +48V, is DC electric power sent through audio cables to operate microphones with active electronic circuitry. It\u2019s most popularly known as a convenient power source for condenser microphones, which need this type of power to operate their internal circuitry. <\/span><\/p>\n

The word \u201cphantom\u201d comes from the idea that the power \u201chides\u201d in the very same cables that carry the audio signals, instead of needing a separate power cable. Used interchangeably with idle current, vampire power, and standby power, it also refers to the energy consumed (and wasted) by appliances and electronics that are powered off or on \u201csleep\u201d mode but are still plugged into a power outlet.<\/span><\/p>\n

While phantom power is one of the most convenient technologies in the music industry today, it was actually discovered by accident in 1966 when professional recording microphone manufacturer Neumann GmbH was contracted by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation to supply transistorized microphones that could run off of their studios\u2019 48V power supply, which had been powering their emergency lighting systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

The new microphones (KM 84) that Neumann had presented became the origin of 48V and the solution later became the DIN standard 45596. Today, 48V is considered standard, but operating voltages commonly range from 9V up to 48VDC.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Do Condenser Microphones Need Phantom Power?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Phantom power, or battery power, is usually needed for condenser microphones because this type of microphone works like a capacitor, as opposed to a dynamic microphone that doesn\u2019t have active circuitry and can generate electricity on its own through electromagnetic induction (like a loudspeaker in reverse). You can learn more about their differences <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inside a condenser microphone is a piece of metal (diaphragm) that needs a constant supply of +48 volts to be able to store sound vibration energy from its two surrounding plates before finally converting it into electric signals.<\/span><\/p>\n

This signal and power transmission concurrently take place through the same cable conductor,  and this is made possible only when it\u2019s connected to compatible external audio devices. Phantom power supplies are usually built into:<\/span><\/p>\n