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How to Wire Condenser Microphones

Wiring a condenser microphone is similar to wiring a standard microphone, except that an external power source is required. Also called "electret condenser" microphones, they are primary designed for recording studio and broadcast work, although some are suitable for live stage use. Condenser microphones require 48-volt power, which is usually provided by a mixer or microphone preamp equipped to handle condenser mics, but some live condenser mics allow the use of special batteries inserted into the microphone. When an external device is used for power, it is commonly known as "phantom power,” since the required voltage is run through the microphone cable itself.

Things You'll Need

  • Microphone mixer with standard 48-volt phantom power
  • Two standard XLR (three-pin) microphone cables
  • Microphone preamp with standard 48-volt phantom power (optional)
  • 48-volt microphone battery (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Connecting to a Mixer with Phantom Power

    • 1

      Turn off the mixer power and ensure that the master and channel volume controls are turned down.

    • 2

      Locate the switch on the mixer labeled "Phantom Power," and switch it in the off position. Some switches may be labeled "48 Volt" or some combination of either term.

    • 3

      Plug one end of the microphone cable into the microphone, and the other end into the mixer channel you wish to use.

    • 4

      Turn on the mixer, and turn on the phantom power switch. Make certain that all volume levels are all the way off when turning on both switches.

    • 5

      Turn up the master and channel volume controls on the mixer to normal operating levels and check the microphone for operation.

    Connecting to a Preamp with Phantom Power

    • 6

      Turn down the mixer channel and master volume controls, and turn off main and phantom power switches (if equipped). Some mixers do not have phantom power, in which case you'll have to use an external preamp. Some users prefer an external preamp to power microphones even if the mixer is so equipped, since preamps are normally outfitted with signal boosting or sound enhancing circuitry.

    • 7

      Plug one end of the microphone cable into the mic and the other end into the preamp's input jack. The preamp's phantom power switch must be off.

    • 8

      Plug one end of the second microphone cord into the preamp's output jack, and the other end into the mixer channel.

    • 9

      Turn on the mixer and preamp power, and switch on the preamp's phantom power switch.

    • 10

      Adjust the mixer and preamp volume controls and check the microphone for operation.

    Connecting a Battery Microphone

    • 11

      Insert the battery into the microphone. Consult your owner's manual for the correct battery type and installation instructions.

    • 12

      Plug one end of the microphone cable into the microphone.

    • 13

      Turn down the mixer's channel volume and ensure that the mixer's phantom power switch is off. The mixer's main power switch may remain on or off.

    • 14

      Plug the other end of the microphone into the mixer channel.

    • 15

      Adjust the mixer's channel and main volume controls and test the mic for operation.

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