Home Recording/Phantom Power

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Expert: Jason Fryer - 5/25/2009


Question
Hi there. I was hoping you could clarify something for me regarding phantom power. I have a Peavey mixing desk which has a phantom power button. Now i know what phantom power is, and i understand that some mics (like condensor mics) require phantom power whereas other mic types (like dynamic mics) do not. My question is, what if i am using a mix of different mic types? For example a dynamic mic on channel 1, and a condensor on channel 2. When i hit the phantom power button on the mixing desk i imagine it is going to send phantom power to all the channels, powering the condensor on channel 2 and blowing the dynamic on channel 1. How do you ever use phantom power if you are using different mic types at the same time? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Michael, phantom power is essentially ignored by dynamic mics & only seen by condensers, so unless you're using old vintage ribbon mics as well, you don't have to worry about it. (Most new ribbon mics that I know of will also ignore phantom power) Hope that helps man, if you need anything else, just drop me a line.
Peace - J.

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Jason Fryer

Expertise




I specialize in Macintosh recording systems on OS X & am well versed in most of the available software titles relative to the platform. I can answer most questions about home recording in general such as: Mic placement, recording/mixing/mastering techniques, control room set up, acoustics & acoustical treatment & choosing the right equipment for specific recording applications. I do not answer PC related questions, or questions pertaining CD/DVD copying or ripping.

URL: River CIty Junction

Experience

I have been working in studios for over 20 years both as a recurring artist playing on my own recordings & as a session musician, engineer & producer. I run a Mac based studio from my home, use mostly Logic or Garageband. I'll use Garageband for writing & Pre-Prod & move the project over to Logic afterwards. I also have experience using Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Ableton Live & many others. My preferences are Logic & Pro Tools & as such my area of expertise is focussed in these two apps. I'm also an IT guy, sysadmin & electronics technician so can help with technical questions relating to studio operation & maintenance.

Organizations
River CIty Junction (Guitarist)

Education/Credentials
Musician's Professional Workshop Scholarship (CHOM FM)
Vanier College (Classical Music - Guitar)
Herzing Institute (Micro-Computer Electronics)
Have taken numerous online courses in recording/engineering

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