Started by
nancy
Member
Member
I was wondering something...
Could a condenser mic be connected to a normal jack input of an audio interface by passing it first through a device like the Behringer PS 400, which would provide the phantom power it needs? In this way, if this power supply is used, could a third condenser mic also be used on an audio interface with only two XLR inputs? Or are there problems with the number of preamplifiers?
Administrator
It can be done. Phantom power only works on XLR, but if you power it externally, you can then use an XLR to Jack cable to carry the signal to the audio interface that does not have phantom power. Phantom power, as the term suggests, serves only to allow the microphone capsule to polarize; the return signal is a perfectly normal signal like that of all dynamic microphones, i.e., contained within a threshold from 0.5 to 1.7 volts. The phantom power (which is DC) is actually blocked at the microphone output by a capacitor which, when in operation, does not let the phantom DC current through; the result is a perfectly normal microphone signal. Therefore, a signal reaches the power supply that you can carry to your audio interface however you prefer (XLR or Jack). The interface's preamplifiers will then take care of boosting it according to the level you prefer. It is nevertheless recommended to play at the maximum power reached during the recording session to perform calibration before starting the actual recording; this way, you are sure to make the most of the number of conversion bits during the analog-to-digital conversion.
I hope I have answered your question.
Member
Yes, of course, even with great clarity! Thanks Simone.
So, if I wanted an audio interface with two XLRs and other jack inputs, it could accommodate three condenser microphones....two direct with phantom power and one converted with a power supply. In that case, I could get an RME interface (Windows, not Mac) which is better for classical music... with two XLRs?! Doesn't it need an additional preamplifier and converter?
Administrator
RME is a great card !!
No, the converter performs the AD/DA conversion operation on the signal. The matter of power supply is a separate thing from signal processing. The signal that arrives at the converter from a condenser microphone powered by the card is the same as a condenser microphone powered externally.
Member
So I could consider a card with two XLRs and other jacks....from RME. The Babyface doesn't inspire me....now I'm rummaging through the catalog.
Administrator
Keep in mind, however, that the fewer things the signal passes through, the better... Let's just say that Behringer's Phantom power supply is certainly not a top-level product.
