Phantom power is a dc voltage (12 - 48 volts) which powers the preamplifier of a condenser microphone. Phantom power is normally supplied by the microphone mixer, but may also be supplied by a separate phantom power supply. Phantom requires a balanced circuit in which both signal conductors (XLR pins 2 and 3) carry the same dc voltage relative to ground (pin 1). So if a mixer supplies 48 volts of phantom, pins 2 and 3 of the XLR connector each carry 48 volts dc relative to pin 1. Of course, the mic cable carries the audio signal as well as the phantom voltage, but the input to which the mic is connected has to be balanced and floating.Use of mics which don't need a power supply (eg. dynamic types) is possible too, provided that the connection is balanced.The usage of Phantom Power is especially critical if it’s routed through a Patch Panel. Improper grounding etc. can cause noises, clicks, hums, etc.Connectivity operations cause interruptions of supply and require some setting time (10 sec.) until stabilisation.

Can I run phantom powered microphone signals through patch panels? Which one should I use?

First of all it is not recommended to run phantom power through a patch panel. We do not suggest using phantom power with any patch panel, if do run phantom powered signals through a patch panel we suggest using our Longframe NPP-TB Series. This type of patch panel has normalling contacts for TIP, RING and SLEEVE contacts and with a few adjustments provide the best possible conditions for the usage of phantom powered microphone signals.