Do you need a power supply for a condenser mic?
Put simply, condenser microphones have active electronics that need an external power source, while dynamic mics are passive and therefore do not need phantom power. Because of the way condenser mics work, their output is very high impedance, and therefore requires a powered circuit to reduce that impedance.
What do I plug my condenser mic into?
While it’s possible for dynamic microphones to be plugged into the mic port of almost all computers, condenser microphones can’t be directly connected in the same way. However, you can connect them to your computer via a mixer and sound card or with an XLR cable to audio interface to computer.
What kind of power does a condenser microphone need?
phantom power
Alternatively (and most commonly) the DC power is provided by the pre-amp/mixer and delivered to the condenser microphone via the mic cable. This method is referred to as phantom power. The worldwide standard for phantom power is 11 to 52 volts of DC (typical studio mics run on 48v).
What is mic plug in power?
Plug in power is typically 5 volts of DC used to power up the JFET of inexpensive condenser microphones. The voltage can be on a separate conductor from the audio or ride on the same conductor as the audio. In some condenser microphones, Plug-In Power (Bias) must be supplied on the same conductor as the audio signal.
Can I use a condenser mic without phantom power?
Although there’s no way to use a condenser mic without phantom power, you can use a condenser mic without an audio interface, or mixing board, straight to your computer. To do that you need you need an XLR to USB pre amp, such as the MXL Mic Mate Pro.
What happens if you don’t use phantom power on a condenser mic?
Although you may still get a signal from some condenser mics without phantom power, it will be so weak that it will be barely audible. In most cases, you won’t get a signal at all. Condenser mics need power to operate correctly whether that be battery or phantom power.
Do condenser mics need a battery?
They do not require external power such as a battery to operate. Electret condenser microphones have two little plates (capacitor), one of which vibrates in the presence of sound.
Why do condenser mics need 48V?
While some condenser microphones can operate on voltages as low as 9 volts, providing less than 48 volts may cause sonic degradation and decreased performance. In cases like these, you will need an external power supply.
Can you use a condenser mic without phantom power?
Can you plug a condenser mic into a computer?
To connect a condenser microphone to a computer, you have to first connect an audio interface that has phantom power. You then run an XLR cable from the audio interface into your condenser microphone. Make sure you turn on the phantom power button and also use a pop filter and shock mount.