phantom power supply

Dreadylocks · May 10, 2011

In keeping with the spirit of 'work with what you've got.' I've been using my bf's BOSS BR-600 to record my audio using a cheap mic. I'm gonna be purchasing a couple mics better suited for what I'm doing (the buy one get one mics that Alcove recommended in another thread). Only problem is that they require phantom power which the BR-600 does not have.

So I found some phantom power supplies that are battery operated and have xlr in and out ports. My question is will these things have any significant effect on the quality? I mean, considering you're adding a middle-man, there must be some loss, but is it going to ruin my sound or will it just be a slight problem? Is it not worth getting these mics until I have a recorder with phantom power?

If not I'm gonna snatch one up!

Thanks

Alcove Audio · May 10, 2011

As with most things it comes down to the quality of the components. You can get passable phantom power supplies for about $50 to $75.

knightly · May 11, 2011

Nady BMP (something something) is a battery operated XLR Phantom (48v) mic preamp that I've been looking at.

Utopia · May 11, 2011

It's best to use a recorder that supplies it via A/C and not batteries because the deader the battery gets the worse the mic works (IMHO).

Just my 2 cents

knightly · May 11, 2011

I agree, but the last shoot I did, we had a maxed out genny providing the only power we had access to... so I always stock up on batteries for my audio gear before a shoot (new batteries every shoot weekend).

I also use batteries because I can't always guarantee building outlets are grounded well enough to prevent electrical separation amongst my gear... and the audio is where you notice it most when it happens with the annoying buzzing from motors/dimmers elsewhere on inconsistently/ subpar wiring in locations I have next to no control over.

Utopia · May 11, 2011

Very good policy to use, knightly. That's great advice. Everyone, take note please.

Dreadylocks · May 12, 2011

Great! Thanks for the info, guys!

I found a good deal for a unit that goes for about 50 retail, so I think I'm gonna snatch it up

Thanks again!

gpforet · May 12, 2011

I take the opposite road. I'd much rather have the clean power that I get from my NP-1s, than the funky, noisy, spiky A/C I seem coming from most set generators. The only think I plug in is my battery charger.

ROC said:
It's best to use a recorder that supplies it via A/C and not batteries because the deader the battery gets the worse the mic works (IMHO).

Just my 2 cents

JoshL · May 12, 2011

gpforet said:
I take the opposite road. I'd much rather have the clean power that I get from my NP-1s, than the funky, noisy, spiky A/C I seem coming from most set generators. The only think I plug in is my battery charger.

Plugging a power conditioner/filter into the generator might help you there. Even my cheap Furhman makes a noticible difference, particularly playing in crappy bars with worse power. It is an investment though, particularly after you've stocked up on rechargable batteries.

wheatgrinder · May 12, 2011

I like mics that support built in batteries, now mind you I use phantom power from my recorder, but having that "backup" is nice..