Will Phantom Power Destroy A Dynamic Mic? Sound Speeds
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- Has this ever happened to you? You trade out a condenser for a dynamic microphone only to realize that you forgot to turn off 48V phantom power when you used the later? Will phantom power hurt your dynamic microphone? In this video we'll go over just that!
I recently saw a Behringer XM8500 sparking when phantom power was engaged and decided now was the time to do this video. While you may have heard the phrase "Voltage doesn't kill, amperage does" and that is true, we're not talking about power enough to hurt a human but rather enough to hurt a microphone.
Dynamic microphones are usually pretty resilient to abuse but are there any conditions they might not be? Is powering them with phantom power? Well, let's get into it!
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Oh well, it seems like I found this video about 3 days too late. I always asked myself that question, but the Internet did not give a satisfactory answer, so I just let it be. Unfortunately my curiousity got the better of me, and I decided to enable Phantompower on one of my dynamic microphones. Yes, it created sparks. Yes, I metaphorically shit my pants. Yes, I was very much afraid. But, the most "interesting" thing that resulted from my actions was, that it seems like I fried one of my audiointerfaces channels. Now, there's a unbearable amount of noise besides the actual microphone input. The microphone itself seems not having takes any damage, like, at all. Weird... So the question plagues me: Did this happen to anyone else or am I the only one?
I'm sorry it happened but you're not alone in this. This is why I did this video. Nose that you found my channel, don't let it go. I have over 300 videos of sound advice and knowledge that can help you .
@@SoundSpeeds It sounds like using something like a Klark Technik CL-1 (similar to a fethead) for your more expensive mics just to protect your dynamic mics and interfaces against accidental engagements of phantom power is a good investment.
I've heard many people have great results from them.
@@SoundSpeeds Yeah. I just got a new interface that has like 55db of gain and one of the cleanest pre-amps available under $200. I may not need one when I get my Procaster, but I may want one to protect it.
Maybe. It depends on how loud you speak though.
Wow! Not something I considered before for the cheaper mics.
Yeah, corners can be cut but not always in noticable places. For sure.
Wow this is amazing. I've never tried testing my dynamic mics with 48v, but I really don't want to now 🤣
Yeah, not a great idea. Thank you watching.
Thanks for being the sarcastic voice of everyone in the comments. Saves us time. 🤣
LOL. I can't help it sometimes. It's my nature.
Thank you Allen for doing this video! I switched out my T.Bone SC 400 (picked it up because of you, thanks!) for my normal Electro Voice RE27, left the phantom power on, and I've convinced myself that the RE 27 sounds different and that I have ruined it.
Glad to help. Thank you for watching.
Excellent lesson with substance. I'm very absent-minded, so I think I'll put some yellow tape near the XLR end of my Sennheiser MD 46 to remind me to check what I'm about to connect it to.
Great idea! Whatever works is great.
I'm really glad I couldn't figure out how to plug in my USB mic into my audio interface while phantom power was on. 😅 Now I have a condenser mic with XLR cabes. 🎉
👍 Thanks for watching.
Interesting! Routinely forget to turn off the phantom switch on my camcorder when using a Shure dynamic and so far no drama or problems.
Shure is a premium brand that makes products right so I wouldn't expect any such issues.
@@SoundSpeeds Good to know. I picked up the PGA-48 as the first direct-to-camera XLR mic for my new camcorder. For $50 I've been amazed at the quality. As (IIRC) you recommend in the video, it seems to me like sticking with trusted companies is the way to go. Even their cheaper products seem good!
Technology has gotten a lot better in the past few years. Better products are becoming less expensive
i'm using a Fifine K688 (Dynamic Mic) with a Fifine SC3 Mixer in XLR, and enabling the 48v removes background crackling and improves audio quality.
Ok
As always, electrifying content!
Ha! Thanks
Edifying and entertaining. Thank you
Sure thing. Thanks for watching.
I have 3 really old XM8500s. I'm going to have to see if they do this. I may just have new party trick to show off! 😂 That said, my audio interfaces do phantom power in banks of 4 so sometimes I can't help but have some dynamic mics on a channel with phantom power because one or more of the 4 in that bank is a condenser. I rarely use the XM8500s, so it's usually SM57s or similar getting the phantom power. Good stuff!
Yeah, let me know if yours do this too. The windscreen was barely on and just flopping back and forth like you saw. One of my friends got this mic and it didn't work for him going into his Focusrite but it did spark. I got so excited and asked him to sell it to me. It sparked better for him. :-(
So I have not watched the video yet... from personal experience of smooth brain curiosity and a $30 mic... It doesn't destroy immediately but it does create a very very unusual sound... I can't say that the long-term effects though as I didn't leave phantom power on for more than a couple seconds.
Watch the video. You and I see eye to eye
Would pantompower or soundcard be better for dynamic microphones? I will run on mobile and laptop. My microphone name maono pd 100u xlr
Sounds cards are low quality and noisy. Phantom power shouldn't be used on dynamic mics.
@@SoundSpeeds so?
What?
@@SoundSpeeds audio interface dont destroy dynamic mic like phantom power??...
Been wondering about this. Good video, I subscribed.
Thank you. Welcome aboard!
if you're curious if behringer xm8500 will change it's sound when you engage phantom power on it, the answer is yes. it will fry the coil inside and it will sound awful. happened to my unit.
Oh yes, I'm very sure you're right.
Hey I just had phantom power on for like 5 minutes, did I kill it?????
Not if it still works when you turn it off
@@SoundSpeeds lol thank you. i was looking for videos to make sure i set the thing up right and totally panicked when i heard that phantom power isn't great for some mics. my mic is totally fine so far as I can tell
Dynamics are pretty resilient. I'm glad yours is fine.
Great info on the supply chain effects! I wonder will the pandemic have any effect on the affordability of good value deals. I'd also be interested to know whether there are any manufacturers you specifically advise against.
I'd recommend sticking to brands you know while keeping an open mind. I usually avoid knock offs, very cheap products and such things. There's still a parts shortage that won't be remedied anytime in the next year.
I can only imagine the shock of seeing sparkles under the grill for the first time O_o
On the note of giving 48v to dynamic mics: Samson Q2U just shuts off, which has probably something to do with internal circuitry due to USB interface (I imagine those have to have some kind of overvoltage protection by some quality standarts).
Every manufacturer would handle it differently but that's good to know about the Q2U. Thanks for watching.
My q2u sounds awful and tinny after accidentally running 48v to it :(
Yikes. Good to know.
I was smiling during the entire video lol. Got some good sparks out of it!
I guess you could say that's one bright microphone.
Yeah... 35 minutes of raw footage and that wad the best most visible part. You sold me a working microphone! How dare you?!?!?!
@@SoundSpeeds That is one very unlucky microphone
Yeah
Does a “ SM7B” SHURE MIC need a “ blue box CLOUD”???
Depends on the noise floor of your preamp
Goddamn at 3:13 that's new ASMR for me LOL
I may release an extended version then
wow... thank you for this video!
Sure thing. Thanks for watching.
OMG i love this channel very much
Mr. Allen could you give me an advice on how to learn mixing and mastering in DAWs?
I really want to improve myself in those things (and like studio tips and tricks)
Not my area of expertise so... try searching on UA-cam for the exact info you're looking for? I don't think Curtis Judd has a course at learnlightsandsound.com about this just yet.
@@SoundSpeeds Ok thanks sir :)
Sure thing. Thanks for watching
Is the Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 a balanced microphone ? Because I've read if it's balanced that Phantom power won't damage it like unbalanced microphones. I accidentally had my phantom power on the other day when recording and wondered if it would cause internal problems going forward. Thanks !
Dynamics are resilient so I doubt it causes permanent damage. I would assume the XM8500 is balanced. I could test that too but don't want to spend the money just to test that.
Update: I looked online for more articles and was able to confirm it won't damage your XM8500 microphone; obviously for everyone out there don't leave the phantom power on without a mic activator but, the balance XLR cable set up only uses pins 2 and 3 while the pin 1 is grounded so the output is equal. It will leave for a distorted audio recording but it won't permanently damage your microphone. I saw someone mistakenly said it did below in the comments so I wanted to confirm that at least for mine, it didn't 👍
If memory serves, I did day that in this video. If not, I cut it.
It's funny to see that Behringer sells this microphone bundled with a xenyx302usb which has 15v phantom power always on. It does indeed sound like garbage on that particular mixer
Yeah, I have 2 Xenyx mixers and they have a purpose but converting to digital isn't one it's ideal for.
Hello Sound Speeds, I accidentally turned on phantom power on my XM8500 for not too long than 15 seconds atleast. may I know that even if they produce those sparks in your demonstration, did they actually change the quality when the phantom power is finally turned off?
I can't answer that from experience but my guess is that it didn't. One of my friends showed me the sparking of this mic after he bought it new. I got very excited and bought it from him. It sparked better for him than me and the mic didn't actually work for him on his Focusrite 2i4. In my MicPre-6 it sparked less but the mic worked.
@@SoundSpeeds I see thanks, that puts my mind at ease.
Thanks for watching
Would you mind open up YOUR XM8500 and see where its wired wrongly or if there is an eventual
design defect due to the sparkling sparks? just sayin! No you dont die from 48V DC/ 2mA DC.
I'll open it up, sure. It's very simple though.
It's funny because at the BBC studios, all XLRs out provide P48. They hotplug them, jiggle the cables, run 48v all at the same time. You know me, Allen, I'm a nut with my mics, I polish them, grease them, and unplug them like I'm defusing a bomb in a movie.
I'm reckless with mine. Of course I usually buy mics designed to handle abuse
@@SoundSpeeds I scratched one of my M3 instrument mics getting it out of a crappy metal shock mount and I just stared at it thinking "what have I done". Same with camera equipment. I baby them.
Yeah, that's not me. I'll take care of them but not baby them
You sound like the lead singer of Bowling for Soup!!
I'll take it.
Hi Alan. I am curious about what that mesh does for your booth. And what is it made of? Thanks.
I explain everything in this video: ua-cam.com/video/ObFcpsrP_AM/v-deo.html
i think the phantom power on my ZOOM H6 broke my RODE GO II
Really? What's it doing or not doing?
Does a SHURE SM 7B need a CLOUD BLUE BOX ???
Depends on the noise floor of your preamp
Subscribed. Great video.
Thank you and welcome aboard!
Does not the output transformer block the DC voltage (phantom power) of hitting the capsule?
Not always
Why is it that the sound changes if you enable Phantom Power?
Depends on how it's wired but it changes the way the microphone deals with voltage and handles the signal. Some components function differently under different loads and power would be a big change to a simple microphone.
Haha, Allen created a Tesla Coil out of a microphone :)
What did you expect? This is me you're talking to
@@SoundSpeeds Haha
;-)
@@SoundSpeeds What about 110v AC? :). Bet it blows flames out of the diaphragm lol
Probably would create plasma
My usb audio mixture produces annoying buzz sound while recording. Please tell a cheap way to get rid of it I don't wanna buy any more equipment as I am just starting.
Without knowing the details of your audio setup, buzz is likely a problem with your USB mic before it's converted to digital. This is likely due to something near your mic interfering with it or the mic may have an issue. If the buzz is constant, it should be easy to dial out in your DAW using noise removal or reduction tools.
Hi. I have 2 Shure SM57. And in the official page they said phantom power doesn't affect those mics. So I don't know what to believe, because i use My 2 SM57 with my C-2 condenser mics for some recordings. So, i wanna know your opinión.
SM57s are made correctly so you *shouldn't* have anything to worry about if you run phantom thru them.
I'm curious with this because I turned on 48V on my XM8500 today and tested it, the audio quality was absolutely fine and there was no audio artifacts, nothing got hot or showed any signs of playing up.
They may have corrected it on newer mics or perhaps, this was a one off. Either way, something to be aware of.
@@SoundSpeeds Not sure if the interface has anything to do with it. My XM8500 is from 2017 I *think*. Either 2017 or 2018. I am using a balanced stagg XLR cable plugged into an Audient ID4 Mkii interface
🤷
do you need a 48v to dynamic mic when using a mic booster?
Yes, That's what powers the inline amp.
@@SoundSpeeds what will happen if you don't turn on the phantom power when you have a cloud lifter or any kind of booster connected to your dynamic mic does it not work?
@SoundSpeeds i'm about to receive my Triton In-Line pre amp in a few weeks.. and i have sE v7 (MK version) and i think my Zoom livetrak L-8 can't push the potential of my Dynamic mic so i did ordered the in-line preamp... my question here is (because zoom L8 has global phantom power 48v on all banks/tracks...) is it still safe to input/insert some instrumentals like guitar/ acoustics/keyboards/e-drums... and other Dynamic mic WHILE phantom power is turned on??@@SoundSpeeds
Question: I had my phantom power on whilst using my xm8500 for a few months on accident. Is my mic toast now? And if so how do I test it? (Will I have to replace the mic?)
Listen to it. If it sounds good, it's fine. If it doesn't, it's not.
But what if I use both condenser and dynamic mic on the same mixer, and the mixer has no option what channel should receive phantom power. It's like when you turn on phantom power, all channels will receive phantom.
That is indeed an issue. You can buy P48 blockers but personally, I'd buy a different mixer. Are there some channels that you can use for condensers and done channels for dynamics or does phantom turn on for all channels? One less soaking option is going XLR to 1/4"/6.35mm and going in that way. Or getting a stand alone power supply for the condenser. Both not as good as getting a better mixer or interface
@@SoundSpeeds so that means only XLR receives phantom power and I can use 6mm for my dynamic to be safe?
Yes, only XLR. You can convert to 6.35mm but it'll potentially change the impedance of the dynamic.
I accidentally turned on phantom power on my rode podmic recently, but not for long😢 soo does that constitute as permanent damage?
Doubtful in the case of a Rode. They are made well
@@SoundSpeeds oh ok cool. thank you very much for your reply
Sure thing. Thanks for watching
I am working on this problem right now with a German made Frisby FA-7910m dynamic microphone. Do I need 48v? Do I need a Klark Teknik preamp? Frisby has not responded to my email. Neewer, the company I bought a 48v phantom power supply from, say NO to using with my dynamic mic.
I wouldn't if it's a standard dynamic. I'm not familiar with that particular mic though.
@@SoundSpeeds Bought it off wish.com. I guess it's not a total loss if its destroyed, but I'd like to give it a chance. If I use 48v and in-line preamp, could it work? Assuming preamp does need power.
I saw your email and will respond there.
‘Preciatechya
Thanks for watching
I have Behringer Sl 75C dynamic mic (XLR), and need to use it for podcasting (vocal?). Which cable END do I need to connected to Behringer Xenyx Q802USB mixer? XLR? TS 1/4? or TRS 1/4? I was worried if I buy mono (TS 1/4) that my voice will be heard only at one side of headphone? is that correct? Will XLR to XLR damage my dynamic mic?
Signal flow is from female to male so the female end goes into your mic and the male into your mixer. Only one end of your cable will go into the mic. XLR to XLR would be ideal and no, it won't destroy your mic.
@@SoundSpeeds Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it .🙏
Sure thing. Glad to help.
If it did I would have no working dynamic microphones.
Yeah and ribbons will fry
@@SoundSpeeds Only if something else is broken/shorted or your using a Jack Connector www.bumblebeepro.com/ribbon-microphone/ribbon-mic-phantom-power/
48V will only go to the transformer winding (which should be isolated) and can't pass DC.
If you use jack, "Cold" and "GND" can get shorted while (un)plugging in this situation is 48V between Hot and Cold and the pulse can damage the ribbon!
@SoundSpeeds i'm about to receive my Triton In-Line pre amp in a few weeks.. and i have sE v7 (MK version) and i think my Zoom livetrak L-8 can't push the potential of my Dynamic mic so i did ordered the in-line preamp... my question here is (because zoom L8 has global phantom power 48v on all banks/tracks...) is it still safe to input/insert some instrumentals like guitar/ acoustics/keyboards/e-drums... and other Dynamic mic WHILE phantom power is turned on??
If running into a 1/4" 6.35mm port then yes. Running it into an XLR, I wouldnt.
Hi, can I have 1 question? Let's say I turned on the phantom power bec I need to use a condenser mic. Is it safe to use the Platinum karaoke connected to one of the line in? Does the Platinum Karaoke safe to use? thanks!..
I don't know what a Platinum Karaoke is but if it's s mic that came with a 1/4" (6.35mm) connector, it should.
@@SoundSpeeds thank you and i appreciate the response. platinum karaoke is a player (not a microphone) we use for karaoke or videoke, thinking to plug to one of the line in in the mixer. thanks
Oh, out of a player it should definitely be line level. Probably -10dB consumer line level as opposed to +4dB line level but either way, it should work if you set your gain correctly
I have a Senheiser e609 and it sounds the same with and without phantom power, only sometimes when NOT using phantom power, the is this weird digital interference. This does not happen when I have phantom power on, idk what to do lol
Change your cable out
@@SoundSpeeds It's a mogami, I have 2 and it happens with both so idk lol
Hmmmm... weird.
@@SoundSpeeds yeah, guessing its the interface, should I keep phantom on or off lol
The mic doesn't need it so I wouldn't use it.
My interface's input seems to be sending noise to the output! Because it's noisy even without a mic or even a cable pluged to it. When I increase the input gain, there's noise. Oh, and no activated recording track in the daw either.
What could it be?
There's a lot to check. What output is it? USB or analog to speakers too?
@@SoundSpeeds just going to my headphones... no usb
And just now I had my headphones plugged straight to the computer, and testing the mic on the daw..
It was noisy... and when I unplugged the mic and the cable from the interface... the noise continued on the phones!
The mic was on the interface
So when nothing is plugged in except your headphones and a microphone, it's noisy? Try a different XLR cable then a different microphone or plug your existing setup into another input and listen to that to see if it's different.
@@SoundSpeeds nope.. not even the mic needs to be plugged in
I tested it and it was noisy... to record.. but then I unplugged it and left nothing plugged into the interface. And the noise persisted on the phones, which were going straight to the PC.
Then I plugged the phones into the interface (still no mic plugged anywhere) and increased the input... just to see what would happen...
And it turns out the that input "sends" noise into the output.
Another thing... although my microphone only records when turned on, I still have the same noise when it's off showing on the fader in my daw.
Hi there, I have a question about SSL2 if you dont mind to answer. I found that when I maximize my gain at 8 above, there is a very annoying buzzing sound came up and it cannot be thrown away from my audio. Can you help me answering what the problem is? I use Macbook, Audacity, SM58 and SSL2. Thank you! :)
That's tricky by your description. Shoot me an audio sample via email.
@@SoundSpeeds Thank you!! will send it ASAP
Sure thing
@@SoundSpeeds Hi Sound Speed, Ive sent my audio through your email, thank you to the moon and back :*
Sure thing. I'm on set doing an overnight but I'll check it out when I get home in the morning
Do you need phantom power on a Mic-K688
No.
@@SoundSpeeds thanks for letting me know. I didn't think it did but I was just making sure👍
Dynamic mics don't require 48V phantom.
@@SoundSpeeds I was just wondering. isn't the sm7b a dynamic Microphone?. I have got a booster for the sm7b. I wonder if it's possible to use it on there. To boost the volume up a bit?
Depends on which one you have. Google will answer your questions quickly
😮
😎
Can one cook bacon on that microphone? 🙂
Very slowly and it'll never be crispy.
Use my dynamic always with mic boooster, no problem here
Wise unless you have very clean preamps and in that case, it may not even be necessary. This video explains it: ua-cam.com/video/9dZs6N1lJkY/v-deo.html
@@SoundSpeeds I know , i have several pre-amps and to use it in broadcast about 0db for a dynamic you need help, if i whant to record voice over i just swap for a condenser mic , no booster needed there...
\thx for the advice
Watch the preamp video at the end of this video. Inline amps aren't always the best solution.
did you know that a neewer 700 sound different than a neumann... uh, nevermind...
Huh?
@@SoundSpeeds haha, i know this is an older video, you were mocking someone who apparently was trying to educate you on the fact that those two mics are different, (gee, really??!) I found it funny. Just poking. :)
Gotcha
Leaves 2 minutes into video. Headlines are important man.
Such little patience... good luck learning.
Ok...so in other words don't do it👍🏿
Excellent summary
Blah blah blah blah blah
😏
Horrible
🤷
You are not the person I need to listen to. You surely love to hear yourself talk. An intelligent person can speak to lay people and answer a simple question. You sir, do none of that. I simply wanted to know if phantom power could hurt a dynamic mic. Your final answer after pontificating was you are not sure!!
No, my conclusion was it might depending on the design. The purpose of the video was to show you what to be aware of.