Phantom Powered Mikes

[classicalnut]

Does anyone know if I can use condenser mikes into a phantom power supply and then go from that straight inot the MD either via the line or mike in. This is not a mixer but just a phantom power supply module. Thanks, guru

[mrsoul]

That shouldn't be a problem. Just output from the phantom power to the line in. Use manual record to set the levels and you are set.

[ozpeter]

I've been using a very costly pair of Sennheiser MKH series mics via a Sennheiser mic PSU/preamp into my NH900 and the results are superb. These mics are about the quietest (noise-free) you can buy, and digitally amplifying sections of concert hall silence shows the NH900 is adding no audible noise at all. Trouble is this makes the automatic track-adding happen rather more often than one would wish....

There should be nothing special about the output from the phantom power unit - it will either be at line or mic level (connect it to line input first unless sure), but your biggest problem will be that it will probably have XLR outputs which need to be adapted to the little stereo miniplug. Soldering onto those miniplugs can be tricky, but XLR's are pretty chunky so they are easier. You may even be able to find solder-free XLR connectors. What I do is to buy a stereo miniplug > 2x RCA lead ready made up, chop off the RCAs and replace with XLRs. But make sure that it's the kind of lead that can be separated into its left and right halves easily - some have a lump of plastic part way down to prevent that and you may need more separation than originally provided to get the XLR connectors on.

I have an 2xXLR female to stereo miniplug adaptor ready made up to convert any XLR source to my MD. I don't think you'll easily find them in the shops.

Edited March 18, 2005 by ozpeter

[Artstar]

I've been using a very costly pair of Sennheiser MKH series mics via a Sennheiser mic PSU/preamp into my NH900 and the results are superb.  These mics are about the quietest (noise-free) you can buy {snip}

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Great set of mics but crap for stealth recordings

[ozpeter]

True - and the mic stand three or four feet from the performers is a bit of a give-away too!

I do this for classical radio broadcast, I should explain. For reasons related to the risks of SonicStage and the slow transfer rates compared with CDR, I'm not about to replace the primary CDR recording with HiMD even though nobody would know, but for the backup recording I'm likely to retire my HHB PortaDat in favour of the NH900.

[Artstar]

True - and the mic stand three or four feet from the performers is a bit of a give-away too!

I do this for classical radio broadcast, I should explain.  For reasons related to the risks of SonicStage and the slow transfer rates compared with CDR, I'm not about to replace the primary CDR recording with HiMD even though nobody would know, but for the backup recording I'm likely to retire my HHB PortaDat in favour of the NH900.

Heh ... that would be a giveaway eh?

You make a very valid point for your application though about the choice of your recording format as it stands and if stealthiness wasn't my issue, I'd be lugging around some pretty serious gear myself. But the MZ-NH1 will have to do. I'll finally have the chance to put it to the test in a month's time when Megadeth come to Sydney for their show. \m/

[classicalnut]

Just got in my battery operated phantom supply module and tried line in and not enough power so tried the mike in and it worked perfectly. Just had a few minutes to try it out this morning but the quick recording I made came out great. Thanks again to all that answered.