phantom power limits & effects

["Jez" tempjez]

quick question: 

i've been doing some research for a pal on some of the lower cost multi channel 
recorders & noticed this spec:

48 V + or - 4 V, 8 mA per 1 channel (20 mA or less in all channels - 4 channels)

that 'should' be enough to power most conventional mics but if some were 
connected that needed more what would the actual effect be in practice ? would 
only that input be affected or would the power across all inputs by decreased ?

ta.