What is pin 1 on an XLR?
The female XLR connectors are designed to first connect pin 1 (the earth pin), before the other pins make contact, when a male XLR connector is inserted.
What XLR pin carries phantom power?
Phantom power is normally supplied by the microphone mixer, but may also be supplied by a separate phantom power supply. Phantom requires a balanced circuit in which XLR pins 2 and 3 carry the same dc voltage relative to pin 1.
What pin is phantom power on?
The DC phantom power is transmitted simultaneously on both pin 2 and 3, with the shield (pin 1) being the ground. Since the DC voltage on the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ pins (2 & 3) is identical, it is seen by equipment as “common mode” noise and rejected, or ignored, by the equipment.
Do I need a special XLR for phantom power?
On the other hand, dynamic mics—the ubiquitous Shure SM57 and SM58, for example—do not require power. Phantom power involves a clever scheme that leverages the multiple wires in a typical balanced-XLR cable to provide voltage to mics that need it without affecting those that do not, in most cases.
Is XLR analog or digital?
The typical broadcast-quality analog audio cable has a characteristic impedance of 45 Ohms. Audio cable with XLR connectors for analog use can look identical to a cable for digital use, but an analog cable can kill a digital feed. In the analog world, audio is relatively low frequency and it behaves almost like DC.
Can I use condenser mic without phantom power?
Although there’s no way to use a condenser mic without phantom power, you can use a condenser mic without an audio interface, or mixing board, straight to your computer. To do that you need you need an XLR to USB pre amp, such as the MXL Mic Mate Pro.
Is phantom power DC or AC?
Phantom power, in the context of professional audio equipment, is DC electric power transmitted through microphone cables to operate microphones that contain active electronic circuitry. It is best known as a convenient power source for condenser microphones, though many active direct boxes also use it.
How do I turn on phantom power?
On the right side of the mixer, you’ve got a +48V PHANTOM button to engage phantom power. This will also activate a light confirming that phantom power is active. If you find this button aside from the inputs on a mixer, it will typically engage phantom power for all of the XLR channels at once.
Can I use a condenser mic without phantom power?
Will phantom power damage an SM57?
The SM57 is a dynamic microphone. A professional, balanced, dynamic microphone will not be damaged by phantom power.
