Small question on condensor mics and phantom power

deejaysly · Post by **deejaysly** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 2:23 am

I have already heard that you need to switch off phantom power for connecting/disconnecting a condensor mic to/from the preamp and give time for power on/power off aswell.

But......

With a condensor mic, do you have to switch off phantom power before switching polar patterns, low-cut, or the pad aswell?

And is the mic easy damaged if a connection/disconnection is made whilst the phantom power is switched on?

TIA

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: deejaysly on 2003-10-22 04:11 ]</font>

Kenf · Post by **Kenf** » Wed Oct 22, 2003 3:49 am

Hi
I don't think you need to worry unless the microphone manufacturer says different. The main problem of disconnecting with the power on is a massive CLICK if you have the volume up, could make your monitors jump a bit.
Regards
Kenf

Immanuel · Post by **Immanuel** » Thu Oct 23, 2003 10:12 am

"Switching polar patterns, low-cut, or the pad aswell" is no problem.

deejaysly · Post by **deejaysly** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 1:50 am

U da man Immanuel. Thanks again.

krizrox · Post by **krizrox** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 10:46 am

I've been plugging and unplugging condensor mics for the past 25+ years. Never had a problem with phantom power applied. But it's an interesting question nonetheless.

Could sudden surges of 48V cause premature degredation of the internal components? Like caps for example? Hmmm.... I know when you shut off phantom power on a Mackie board, it takes a few minutes for the system to drain down. I assume there might a slight ramp up when turning it back on. I guess, if you're concerned about it, it certainly doesn't hurt anything to turn phantom power off before connecting/disconnecting your mics. Might even reduce the possiblity of long-term damage.

Anyway....

Yes - be careful about pop's - make sure the volume is down before connecting or disconnecting the mic. But you should do that with any mic.