Phantom Power

A

Andrew McCarrick

Carbonite Member
Are there any distance maximum requirements when using phantom power? Can a unit providing phantom power be, say 200 feet, from the microphone it's powering? I'm looking at placing 4 mics, that require phantom power, large distances away from the mix board. Can I use one 4-channel Phantom Power source at the mix board location, or should I use individual units near the microphones? If I use individual units, is there any length maximums on the cable runs from the mix board to the phantom power units?

I'm using a Samson Zoom R16 as the mix board, and the microphones are AKG Perception 120s.

What about mics that don't require phantom power, are there max. cable runs on those?
 
No there are no practical distance limits for using phatom power (assuming decent connectors, cables, and phantom power source).

The Zoom R16 has phantom power available on only two of its mic inputs. I have a project in the queue to do phantom power for all 8 inputs (and to add decent record level indicators, also.)

People run mic cables over 1000s of feet, both phantom powered, and conventional. Again, assumes decent cable and connectors, etc.
 
So then something like the ART Phantom II Pro at the board location should power 2 of the mics that require phantom power no problem right?

So taking short 3 foot cables from the Zoom R16 to that 2-channel phantom power supply, and then from that out in multiple direction to the mics.

And at the same time taking the 2 built in Phantom Power Channels straight to the two other mics.
 
Last edited:
FYI, I have a 4 up Stewart Electronics PM-4 Phantom box that I haven't used in years that you could have for $50.
 
It depends on the voltage drop over distance, the quality of your phantom unit and what you are recording.

The spec. of most mics says 48V + 4V - so, with any voltage less than 44V it will be out of spec.

However, most mics will work happily with a lower voltage.

The problem can come with fast transients if the voltage drops too low.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top