phantomvirtalähteen

Phantomvirtalähde, often abbreviated as phantom power, is a method of supplying direct current (DC) power to electrical devices, most commonly microphones. It is typically delivered over the same balanced microphone cable that carries the audio signal. The voltage, usually 48 volts, is applied equally to both audio signal lines of the cable, with the ground line serving as the return path. This ensures that the audio signal itself, which is a fluctuating AC voltage, is not affected by the DC phantom power.

The concept of phantom power was developed by Neumann in the 1960s. Its primary advantage is its simplicity and the ability to power microphones without the need for separate power supplies or batteries. This makes it particularly convenient for live sound reinforcement and studio recording where multiple microphones are used. Many mixing consoles and audio interfaces feature built-in phantom power switches for each input channel.

While widely adopted, phantom power is not compatible with all microphones. Certain vintage microphones or those requiring higher voltages might not operate correctly or could even be damaged by standard phantom power. It is crucial to check the microphone's specifications before applying phantom power. Devices that do not require phantom power, such as dynamic microphones or line-level signals, are generally immune to its effects when connected through balanced inputs. However, on rare occasions, unbalanced or improperly wired cables can lead to issues.