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Collaboration, Voice & AV · Foundational

Phantom Power

DC voltage, typically +48 V, supplied by a mixer or preamp through balanced microphone cable to power condenser microphones.

Definition

Phantom power is applied equally to pins 2 and 3 relative to pin 1 so it does not affect the balanced audio signal. Condenser microphones and active DI boxes need it, while dynamic microphones ignore it when wired balanced. Phantom power can damage some ribbon microphones or unbalanced devices.

Example

Enabling +48 V on a DSP input powers a ceiling condenser microphone.

Exam tip

Condensers need phantom power; dynamics do not. Turn off phantom before connecting ribbon mics or unbalanced sources.

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