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Posted by: shredmaster1393 Dec 30 2012, 06:47 AM

I just bought my new baby, an AKG Perception 120 and i'm trying to set it up with my Line 6 UX1. Unfortunately there is no sound coming from the mic into my audio interface. I looked on google and I saw things about "Phantom Power". Can someone please explain what phantom power is and why its needed, AND are there any cheap ones that I can get so I can get my moneys worth.

Posted by: GregH Dec 30 2012, 08:25 AM

Some microphones, such as condenser microphones require power to operate. Some of these microphones have small preamps built into them. Typically, phantom power is provided to operate these microphones. Phantom power is a dc voltage (typically 48 volts but 12 volts and now 24 volts are used in some applications). This dc voltage is provided by some interfaces and preamps. Unfortunately, your Line 6 UX1 does not provide this voltage. One solution is to buy an adapter to provide phantom power, such as Behringer MicroPower PS400 or ART Phantom I Direct Box with Phantom Power Supply. Your microphone would plug into one of these devices and another XLR cable (like your microphone cable) would plug your Line 6 UX1 into the device. The device would also require power (plug in to your house). That should get your microphone working.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 30 2012, 01:18 PM

Looks like Greg came up with a thorough answer about this one

Posted by: kklee100 Dec 30 2012, 05:33 PM

Are there other microphones which don't need phantom power?
Can you recommend for us, GregH? Thanx!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 30 2012, 06:01 PM

Well, Dynamic mics are the ones that don't need Phantom power. You could go for Shure SM-58, SM-57, SM7 and many others. However you could also solve this problem getting a preamp that provides phantom power. There are many ones out there and the prices go from US$40 to US$3000 (or maybe more!). You could get a Behringer preamp at a very low price.

Posted by: kklee100 Dec 30 2012, 06:36 PM

Thank you for your answer, Gab.
And what is the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones?
Which one is better?
Thanx!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 30 2012, 07:22 PM

You can say that one is better than the other one. Both are different technologies and the election depends on the instrument that you want to record. Here you can find a cool article that explains the difference and applications.

http://www.videomaker.com/article/14111

Let me know if this article clarifies it!

Posted by: kklee100 Dec 30 2012, 09:44 PM

Thanx,Gab. It is a good article.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 30 2012, 11:13 PM

no problem! let me know if you still have questions about this or any other thing!