Do I need Phantom Power?

Phantom power is not required for your guitar. However, some active guitar DI boxes will need it. Refer to the DI box Owners Manual for specific power requirements, however. Why isn't my condenser microphone working even with phantom power turned on?

1. How do I know if I need phantom power?
2. Do all condensers need phantom power?
3. What happens if you dont use phantom power?

How do I know if I need phantom power?

How do I know if my mic needs phantom power? Well, the simplest way would be to verify whether your microphone is a condenser type or another type such as dynamic or ribbon. If it is a condenser microphone it will need phantom power, if it is a different type of microphone it will not.

Do all condensers need phantom power?

The thing is, for a capacitor to work, it needs an outside energy source, such as a battery. Therefore, for your condenser microphone to work, it needs what is known as “phantom power.” This is unique to condenser microphones, as no other microphone requires phantom power.

What happens if you dont use phantom power?

As sound waves hit the polarized capsule it converts them into an electrical signal. So, without phantom power, the diaphragm is not polarized, and you don't have the electric field required. A dynamic mic, which is the other most common mic doesn't use the same mechanism.