One of the most useful videos I've seen on audio gear. Long-time reps at SW and GCP have not been able to provide much of an answer to this question over the last few years, regarding condenser mics that use 12v. It's a new topic to me until recently getting an inline phantom power cell with a 12v option.. it was purchased to use a studio km184 on an acoustic instrument feeding into a system without phantom power. When the mic stopped working, we discovered that the power cycling between rehearsal and the show had flipped the setting from 48v to 12v. The new super sounding gnzlr acoustic amp pro advertised phantom power, but didn't indicate the high-end device only provided 12v. Some mics seemed to work with 12v but most of my studio gear didn't.. In months of looking for info on which mics support 12v, nothing shows up in Google or bing... Until this video of yours today.. which provided the most useful insight! Beyond that, the structure you created to present the data was impressive, easy to understand, and reinforced the need to actually test every mic. Wish 1000 🌟 stars were an option. On to check out your other videos. Thank you!!!
Thanks! I’m glad you found this video interesting. Phantom power doesn’t get a lot of discussion in general, but as you said it is integral to the performance of condenser mics (and boosters). There are many 12V phantom consoles in use and there are many microphones that will not work with 12V or perform poorly when underpowered. I have been adding a 12V / 48V test to my condenser mic reviews to hopefully help out. Interestingly enough, I just did a comparison video of the LCT 140 AIR and the UA SP-1. The SP-1 works with both voltages, but with reduced signal level at 12V. The LCT 140 is a no-go with 12V, not sound at all.
Wow, this is a fantastic video. I had an 18v power supply mixer and I couldn't understand what would happen if if I ran various mics on it. This video answered all my questions and then some. Well done.
Thanks for a very comprehensive and professional comparison. My curiosity was actually about the noise (hiss) generated by using a standalone phantom power (extra cable, different components, etc). Did the PS400 have a higher (or lower) noise level than the included Focusrite? Thanks in advance!
I ran a few tests using Mogami Gold Studio 6 and 25 foot vs generic Amazon 6 and 25 foot as additional XLR cables with and without the power supply with my Rode NT1A in an isolation box. In all cases the difference was less than 1.4dB, so negligible difference within the error of the test. I have very good power conditioning and isolation for my audio gear and PC (Furman and Tripp Lite Isobars) which I found made the biggest difference in my setup. Thanks for the great question!
thank you for the good video Aside from the difference in sound quality, is there any safety problem when connecting a condenser microphone using 12v phantom power? There is no problem right now, but won't the equipment break down after using it for a long time?
The biggest issue is using 48V (or 24V) with a microphone intended only for 12V (mainly vintage mics). The higher voltage could potentially damage the components. I generally recommend using phantom power with the microphone's specified range. Many a made to operate between 9-52V, but some are more fussy. I haven't used a 12V board in a long time, but I can't recall every frying a microphone using 12V phantom. If you have a number of microphones with different specs, I do recommend getting a variable phantom power supply such as the XVIVE P1 (great unit that I use in the studio and for testing microphone phantom power compatibility and performance). Hope this helps out!
Thank you so much, they were a very useful comparison. Presumably, if the comparison was between 24v and 48v phantom power, the differences would be less dramatic or negligible. Is that correct?
Glad to help out. In general yes, but the difference will not necessarily be linear. The tolerance of some microphones designed for 48V will be wider than others. Some may have a sharp drop off in response below say, 20V while others may drop off sharply below 30V... That said, I hope this gives some idea of the impact phantom voltage makes.
Hello Sir, few years ago I used Tascam DP 03. When I started recording my song with Dynamic Microphone, I felt very comfortable to sing high pitch notes. But now I use Reaper DAW and use Condenser Microphone, I could not feel so comfortable as I felt in Tascam. Why? Would you please write some suggestions with reason why so happened? Note: I use Nrumann TLM 149 and Aphex 230 Multi Voice Channel. , Preamp. Thanks.
I wouldn't suspect using Reaper vs the DP 03 makes the difference, other than comfort with the control layout. I am not sure which dynamic microphone you were using, but even though the TLM 149 is tube-based it generally captures more detail vs dynamic microphones. This can sometimes take getting used to when monitoring while singing. One solution it to monitor with a small amount of reverb (while recording without the reverb). How you set that up will depend on which audio interface you are using as to whether DSP is an option or if you are able to get low enough latency through Reaper.
I am impressed with the technology you have created. I would be interested in doing that comparison using a variety of preamps and microphones if a review unit is available. While I understand the theory behind both the reduction in noise and improved S/N, when it comes to audio, I believe it is helpful for everyone to hear for themselves while being presented with visual analysis to explain and support what is being heard.
Phantom power is generally required only for condenser microphones (and a few active ribbon microphones). The SV200 is a dynamic microphone and therefore does not require phantom power and if you do happen to turn on phantom power while the SV200 is connected it will not damage it. There is no need to purchase a phantom power supply for your microphone. Thanks for the question and I hope this helps out.
Hello, the 404HD should output 48V. Are you using the external 5V power adapter, or trying to run off of usb only? Some usb ports (usb 2.0) will not supply enough power to the 404HD to run 48V phantom power. This could be the issue causing 38V. Many microphones will work fine with 38V, but the 404HD should provide 48V. If you are not already, I suggest trying it with the 5V power adapter and also trying a different usb port. Also, if you are using a non powered usb hub, this can cause the same issue, in which case I would either connect the 404HD directly to the computer or use a powered usb hub. Hope this helps out.
@@askdrtk i have both the usb and the power cable connected, however i get 38 volts, i get some harmonic distortion in the high frequencies that i don't like, i have been thinking it may be due to this problem
Some microphones are more sensitive than others to off-spec phantom power. That could be what is causing the distortion. With usb and the power adapter you should be 48V, unfortunately it may be there is an issue with your 404HD.
Yes, and it also impacts frequency response, often not in a linear fashion across the mic’s overall frequency response. Some microphones are affected more than others, but gain and coloration are most often the result! Thanks for sharing!
One of the most useful videos I've seen on audio gear. Long-time reps at SW and GCP have not been able to provide much of an answer to this question over the last few years, regarding condenser mics that use 12v.
It's a new topic to me until recently getting an inline phantom power cell with a 12v option.. it was purchased to use a studio km184 on an acoustic instrument feeding into a system without phantom power. When the mic stopped working, we discovered that the power cycling between rehearsal and the show had flipped the setting from 48v to 12v.
The new super sounding gnzlr acoustic amp pro advertised phantom power, but didn't indicate the high-end device only provided 12v.
Some mics seemed to work with 12v but most of my studio gear didn't..
In months of looking for info on which mics support 12v, nothing shows up in Google or bing...
Until this video of yours today.. which provided the most useful insight!
Beyond that, the structure you created to present the data was impressive, easy to understand, and reinforced the need to actually test every mic.
Wish 1000 🌟 stars were an option.
On to check out your other videos.
Thank you!!!
Thanks! I’m glad you found this video interesting. Phantom power doesn’t get a lot of discussion in general, but as you said it is integral to the performance of condenser mics (and boosters). There are many 12V phantom consoles in use and there are many microphones that will not work with 12V or perform poorly when underpowered. I have been adding a 12V / 48V test to my condenser mic reviews to hopefully help out. Interestingly enough, I just did a comparison video of the LCT 140 AIR and the UA SP-1. The SP-1 works with both voltages, but with reduced signal level at 12V. The LCT 140 is a no-go with 12V, not sound at all.
I always had this stuff in mind regarding akg p170, thank u for sharing!!
Something we don't always think about... Glad I could help out!
Wow, this is a fantastic video. I had an 18v power supply mixer and I couldn't understand what would happen if if I ran various mics on it. This video answered all my questions and then some. Well done.
Thanks! I'm glad I could help out!
Thanks for a very comprehensive and professional comparison. My curiosity was actually about the noise (hiss) generated by using a standalone phantom power (extra cable, different components, etc). Did the PS400 have a higher (or lower) noise level than the included Focusrite? Thanks in advance!
I ran a few tests using Mogami Gold Studio 6 and 25 foot vs generic Amazon 6 and 25 foot as additional XLR cables with and without the power supply with my Rode NT1A in an isolation box. In all cases the difference was less than 1.4dB, so negligible difference within the error of the test. I have very good power conditioning and isolation for my audio gear and PC (Furman and Tripp Lite Isobars) which I found made the biggest difference in my setup. Thanks for the great question!
@@askdrtk Thanks for an equally great reply!
Interesting vid, great job..:)..Would be interesting to find out at what point does signal begin to degrade from 48v?, like at 45v , 40v , 35v etc..
Thanks, that would be interesting as a test for mic reviews. May be worth a look into building a variable phantom power supply….
Great comparison.
Glad you enjoyed it and I hope it helped out!
thank you for the good video
Aside from the difference in sound quality, is there any safety problem when connecting a condenser microphone using 12v phantom power?
There is no problem right now, but won't the equipment break down after using it for a long time?
The biggest issue is using 48V (or 24V) with a microphone intended only for 12V (mainly vintage mics). The higher voltage could potentially damage the components. I generally recommend using phantom power with the microphone's specified range. Many a made to operate between 9-52V, but some are more fussy. I haven't used a 12V board in a long time, but I can't recall every frying a microphone using 12V phantom. If you have a number of microphones with different specs, I do recommend getting a variable phantom power supply such as the XVIVE P1 (great unit that I use in the studio and for testing microphone phantom power compatibility and performance). Hope this helps out!
Thank you so much, they were a very useful comparison. Presumably, if the comparison was between 24v and 48v phantom power, the differences would be less dramatic or negligible. Is that correct?
Glad to help out. In general yes, but the difference will not necessarily be linear. The tolerance of some microphones designed for 48V will be wider than others. Some may have a sharp drop off in response below say, 20V while others may drop off sharply below 30V... That said, I hope this gives some idea of the impact phantom voltage makes.
Hello Sir, few years ago I used Tascam DP 03. When I started recording my song with Dynamic Microphone, I felt very comfortable to sing high pitch notes. But now I use Reaper DAW and use Condenser Microphone, I could not feel so comfortable as I felt in Tascam. Why? Would you please write some suggestions with reason why so happened? Note: I use Nrumann TLM 149 and Aphex 230 Multi Voice Channel. , Preamp. Thanks.
I wouldn't suspect using Reaper vs the DP 03 makes the difference, other than comfort with the control layout. I am not sure which dynamic microphone you were using, but even though the TLM 149 is tube-based it generally captures more detail vs dynamic microphones. This can sometimes take getting used to when monitoring while singing. One solution it to monitor with a small amount of reverb (while recording without the reverb). How you set that up will depend on which audio interface you are using as to whether DSP is an option or if you are able to get low enough latency through Reaper.
May be you can do a comparison: standard phantom power (P48) and True Phantom® from Tritonaudio?
J. Kist
I am impressed with the technology you have created. I would be interested in doing that comparison using a variety of preamps and microphones if a review unit is available. While I understand the theory behind both the reduction in noise and improved S/N, when it comes to audio, I believe it is helpful for everyone to hear for themselves while being presented with visual analysis to explain and support what is being heard.
Will this damage my shure sv200 🎤? How to know that is safe ? Plz help i will buy
Phantom power is generally required only for condenser microphones (and a few active ribbon microphones). The SV200 is a dynamic microphone and therefore does not require phantom power and if you do happen to turn on phantom power while the SV200 is connected it will not damage it. There is no need to purchase a phantom power supply for your microphone. Thanks for the question and I hope this helps out.
@@askdrtk you help me alot and quickly thank you brother so much ( like + subscribe to you )
Glad to help out!
Hello, my behringer UMC 404HD produces 38 volts, is it okay or theres a fault?
Hello, the 404HD should output 48V. Are you using the external 5V power adapter, or trying to run off of usb only? Some usb ports (usb 2.0) will not supply enough power to the 404HD to run 48V phantom power. This could be the issue causing 38V. Many microphones will work fine with 38V, but the 404HD should provide 48V. If you are not already, I suggest trying it with the 5V power adapter and also trying a different usb port. Also, if you are using a non powered usb hub, this can cause the same issue, in which case I would either connect the 404HD directly to the computer or use a powered usb hub. Hope this helps out.
@@askdrtk i have both the usb and the power cable connected, however i get 38 volts, i get some harmonic distortion in the high frequencies that i don't like, i have been thinking it may be due to this problem
Some microphones are more sensitive than others to off-spec phantom power. That could be what is causing the distortion. With usb and the power adapter you should be 48V, unfortunately it may be there is an issue with your 404HD.
Thankyou, a tech friend told me it should be a faulty capacitor because that's what controls voltage. Ill try a diffrent interface if all options fail
TL;DR: PW gives extra power to the mics, thus improving gain.
Yes, and it also impacts frequency response, often not in a linear fashion across the mic’s overall frequency response. Some microphones are affected more than others, but gain and coloration are most often the result! Thanks for sharing!