Phantom Power

Power sent through a mic cable to run condenser microphones, labelled +48V.

Phantom power is electrical power, typically 48 volts, sent from a mixer or audio interface up the same XLR cable that carries the microphone's signal, in order to power microphones that need it. Condenser microphones in particular require this power to operate their internal electronics, which is why interfaces have a button usually labelled '+48V'. The term 'phantom' reflects that the power travels invisibly down the existing audio cable without a separate supply, and that microphones which do not need it (like dynamic mics) are generally unaffected by it. Forgetting to switch phantom power on is one of the most common reasons a beginner's condenser microphone appears to produce no sound.

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