Does phantom power damage my Minifreak?
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- KVRist
- 398 posts since 6 Aug, 2021
Hi all, recently bought Minifreak and connected L&R outputs to my 1824c interface with TRS cables, however, on the same interface I have a condenser mic and also an instrument cable (TS) connected to my electric and classical electric guitar.
So, my problem is when I turn on Phantom Power for my mic, it turns it on for all of the inputs. Does turning on Phantom damage my Minifreak and/or instruments? If so, how should I proceed? Do I need to turn off the synth and unplug the instruments before hitting phantom power? Or is it all okay?
So, my problem is when I turn on Phantom Power for my mic, it turns it on for all of the inputs. Does turning on Phantom damage my Minifreak and/or instruments? If so, how should I proceed? Do I need to turn off the synth and unplug the instruments before hitting phantom power? Or is it all okay?
- KVRAF
- 8238 posts since 22 Sep, 2008 from Windsor. UK
- KVRAF
- 16879 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
That should be absolutely safe. Phantom power should only be present on the XLR pins, not on TRS which you are using.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 398 posts since 6 Aug, 2021
So, by this logic, If I use a dynamic mic with XLR cable, when I switch on the Phantom, can it damage the dynamic mic (SM58) or it will be okay?BertKoor wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 9:21 am That should be absolutely safe. Phantom power should only be present on the XLR pins, not on TRS which you are using.
Thanks for the replies!
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thecontrolcentre thecontrolcentre https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=76240
- KVRAF
- 37262 posts since 27 Jul, 2005 from Scottish Borders
I would ask why you would do that ... phantom power is for condensor mics only.Fornicras wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 11:02 amSo, by this logic, If I use a dynamic mic with XLR cable, when I switch on the Phantom, can it damage the dynamic mic (SM58) or it will be okay?BertKoor wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 9:21 am That should be absolutely safe. Phantom power should only be present on the XLR pins, not on TRS which you are using.
Thanks for the replies!
- KVRAF
- 16879 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Why? Because he has no choice if another mike (or DI box) which he wants to use at the same time requires it. On this device there is one switch for phantom power on all the mic channels, which is not so uncommon.
Dynamic mikes like the Shure SM-58 have zero chance of being harmed by phantom power. It's absolutely safe.
Come to think of it, I don't know any mic that cannot handle being fed phantom power. Which doesn't mean it does not exist, but it's rare.
Dynamic mikes like the Shure SM-58 have zero chance of being harmed by phantom power. It's absolutely safe.
Come to think of it, I don't know any mic that cannot handle being fed phantom power. Which doesn't mean it does not exist, but it's rare.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRist
- 438 posts since 8 Mar, 2008 from Berlin
I was told ribbon mics can be damaged by phantom power (i never tried).
A Shure SM 58 can handle it!
A Shure SM 58 can handle it!
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- KVRAF
- 13140 posts since 7 May, 2006 from Southern California
Modern ribbon mics won't be damaged by phantom power. Some ribbon mics require phantom power.
It's mostly old vintage stuff that was designed before phantom power was a standard feature on mixers, which can be harmed. Even then it's rare. I had an old carbon crystal mic (like an old telephone pickup) that blew up when connected to an input with phantom power but I think that's most likely because it wasn't wired correctly when we modded it for XLR input.
Anything made in the last 40 years was designed with the knowledge that many mixers have a single phantom power switch for all mic pres.
It's mostly old vintage stuff that was designed before phantom power was a standard feature on mixers, which can be harmed. Even then it's rare. I had an old carbon crystal mic (like an old telephone pickup) that blew up when connected to an input with phantom power but I think that's most likely because it wasn't wired correctly when we modded it for XLR input.
Anything made in the last 40 years was designed with the knowledge that many mixers have a single phantom power switch for all mic pres.
