Does Dynamic Mic Need Phantom Power

Planning to get yourself a stellar dynamic mic? But read somewhere that dynamic microphones need phantom power, and that confused you? Well, if ‘yes’ is your answer to these questions, or you would just like to know if dynamic mics require phantom power, this read is for you.

Without further ado, let’s find out: does a dynamic mic need phantom power?

But Wait, What is Phantom Power?

Phantom power refers to the process through which microphones that run on electric power get the direct current (DC) Basically, it is a kind of electrical power supply that powers up various electronic devices, including condenser mics.

Why the Name Phantom?

The term ‘phantom’ sounds quite strange and even funny to some. It comes from the element of invisibility attached to this process. Devices and equipment that require phantom power get this supply through a cable, mostly XLR cable. Since this supply is invisible, it gets the name ‘phantom power.’

Phantom power is a type of electrical supply used to provide power to active electronic devices, such as condenser microphones. The term phantom derives from the fact that this type of power supply is not visible, as it is supplied through the cable connecting the device to the power supply.

How Did Phantom Power Come into Being?

Condenser mics constructed between the 1930s and 1950s operated on a special type of power supply. To activate the mics, the operators would place the power source close to the microphone.

Now, this power unit is quite huge, heavy, and difficult to use. During the 1960s, inventors began working on creating a new power supply that would completely stamp out the requirement of a separate energy source.

German mic manufacturers Neumann and Schoeps were pioneers of the work on phantom power. After quite a lot of work, phantom power came into being. It involved providing DC power to the mic from the mixing board and supplied through the mic’s cable.

So Which Mics Need Phantom Power: Dynamic or Condenser Microphones?

To cut the story short, condenser microphones need phantom power mostly. But what’s the fun in a one-liner? If I’m spilling the beans, it is best to do it properly.

Well, to properly comprehend the concept of phantom power, it’s important to understand how the condenser mics work.

So, What’s the Science Behind a Condenser Mic Needing Phantom Power?

A condenser microphone, aka capacitor mic, functions on the principle of ‘variable capacitance.’ Nestled inside a condenser mic’s capsule is the ‘diaphragm’- a very thin membrane fashioned mostly from mylar. A metal backplate accompanies the diaphragm.

Every time there is an audio signal, acoustic energy triggers the diaphragm, and it starts to vibrate. The vibration affects the distance between the backplate and the diaphragm, which consequently modifies the capacitance, aka the stored electrical charge.

Now, the varying charge coming in the condenser microphones turns the acoustic energy that enters the mic into recordable electrical signals. These components need power beforehand in order to work. They are also known as active electronics as they need a power source for their operation.

With phantom power, a DC current is sent from the mixer or a preamp via a balanced XLR cable and XLR connectors toward the condenser mic. This then powers the internal circuitry. Globally, the standard phantom power ranges between 11V and 52V DC. Studio mics mostly run on +48V. This is why you must have seen +48V written on mixers, preamps, audio interfaces etc.

But What About Dynamic Mics?

Well, when it comes to dynamic microphones, they don’t really require phantom power or any other separate power supply to operate as they aren’t active electronics. That’s because they function using a different principle.

A dynamic microphone comprises a mechanical moving coil that starts to vibrate when acoustic energy hits it. It then transmits an electrical signal for audio recording. Since dynamic microphones are passive in their operation, they don’t need +48V power.

Even the Dynamic Mics with Low Gain?

Typically, a dynamic microphone doesn’t need any external power supply including phantom power. Having said that, there are certain dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B that have low gain aka output.

If any mic has low output or low gain, it means it produces a weak electrical signal every time it picks up sound waves. To improve its gain and in turn its ability to capture better sound waves, it needs an added power source. This is where phantom power comes in handy.

Now that you know dynamic microphones work just fine without phantom power except for some exceptions, there still may be one question orbiting your mind.

Will Phantom Power Damage My Dynamic Microphone?

Honestly, no, phantom power supplies will inflict no harm on your dynamic mic.

Dynamic microphones typically have a very strong, sturdy construction. They are designed to handle the rigors of routine use, and particularly, those of live performances. That’s because dynamic microphones are purposefully created for live vocals due to different reasons.

Why Are Dynamic Microphones Robust?

Firstly, they are relatively less sensitive than their condenser counterparts so they don’t pick up tiny nuances in the background sound in the vocals or audio during a live show, broadcast, or performance.

Secondly, dynamic microphones are super robust which means they easily survive the wear and tear involved in touring, live shows, events, and routine use.

Thirdly, they are not dependent on phantom power for their functionality. When you are touring and moving around for a live event, you prefer packing things light, and only keeping the essentials. With a dynamic microphone that does not need phantom power, you don’t have to worry about carrying an additional preamp and become more mobile.

And when you do need to attach an audio interface or mixer to a dynamic microphone, you can rest easy about the phantom power damaging it in any way.

But yes, it is a wise practice to check the user manual and specifications of your mic and its audio equipment, along with whether or not it needs phantom power, and how to use it so you handle it right.

While we are on the topic of dynamic microphones, do check out these reads to find out the best dynamic mic for live vocals and the best dynamic mic for streaming for yourself.

What’s The Conclusion?

In a nutshell, dynamic microphones do not need phantom power to function. However, certain dynamic microphones with a low gain such as the Electro-Voice RE20, Shure SM7, Audito-technica ATM250DE and Shure KSM8 Dualdyne, need phantom power.

Also, phantom power doesn’t harm a dynamic mic in any way, so if you need to use it, go ahead and give a kickass performance!

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