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Re: Ribbon microphones [gear]

Subject: Re: Ribbon microphones [gear]
From: "Nick Roast" nick_felmicamps
Date: Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:24 am ((PST))
Both the FEL MicBoosters normally pass phantom on to the microphone 
though the MB1 (20-40 dB gain) has an internal switch to block the
phantom if required. The baby will be safe!

In a future version of the MicBooster MB-1 this switch will be
accessible externally.

Nick Roast.   FEL Communications

--- In  Lou Judson <> wrote:
>
> My practice is to consider ALL ribbon mics vulnerable to phantom  
> damage, to keep them all safe, even though if properly wired  
> hopefully none of them will be damaged unless there is a wiring fault.
> 
> Kinda like not dropping ANY babies, even if the one you hold may not  
> get hurt when you drop her. Just sensible practice. Ignore at your  
> peril (and the baby's!).
> 
> Image this: Your $2,000 mic (or a rented or borrowed one) is up on a  
> stand at a concert, and a lady in spike heels takes a misstep even  
> though you ran the cable carefully and taped it down. Heel pierces  
> shield, shorts inner conductor to shield, and you hear a POP in the  
> monitor... lost recording AND expensive repair, just because the  
> phantom was on unnecessarily... (or you are in the field and a  
> critter decides to take a bite out of your cable...)
> 
> Believe it or not, I have dreams like this occasionally... Just don't  
> do it! No phantom on any ribbons. If your mixer (or recorder, etc.)  
> has global phantom, either get a better one or don't use ribbons.
> 
> Sorry, I know we are off topic but it is all valuable to know.
> 
> <L>
> On Nov 16, 2007, at 6:41 AM, Richard Humphries wrote:
> 
> > I read recently that only _some_ ribbon mics are damaged by phantom
> > power. It has something to do with how the transformer within the mic
> > is tapped. Since I don't own any ribbons the details are fuzzy in my
> > mind. I think I read this on the micbuilders list.
> >
> >
> > The point is only that you may not need to worry about the recorder
> > passing phantom power depending on which ribbon mic you own. But I'd
> > check with the manufacturer just to be sure.
> >
> >
> > -Richard
>






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