PRESONUS Studio Channel [13/30] Operation

OPERATION

11 | PreSonus 2007

3.1 MICROPHONES

The Studio Channel works with all standard microphones including dynamic, ribbon and condenser microphones.

3.1.1 Condenser

Condenser microphones tend to generate a high-quality audio signal and are one of the most popular mic

choices for today’s studio recording applications. Because of their design technology, condenser microphones

require a power source, which can be provided from a small battery, external power supply or from

microphone inputs as

phantom power.

The Studio Channel sends phantom power over XLR inputs only.

3.1.2 Dynamic

Dynamic microphones are possibly the most widely used microphone type – especially in live shows and when

recording loud source signals such as guitar amplifiers and kick drums. They are usually less expensive than

condenser and ribbon microphones, resistant to physical damage and typically handle high sound pressure

levels (SPL) very well. Unlike condenser microphones, dynamic microphones do not require a power source.

In the vast majority of cases, phantom power will have no effect on a dynamic microphone’s audio quality or

sensitivity and will not damage the microphone. You should consult your microphone’s documentation to

confirm.

Dynamic microphones, especially ribbon microphones, tend to generate low output voltages, so they typically

need more preamp gain than a condenser microphone.

Ribbon

Ribbon microphones are a special type of dynamic microphone and get their name from the thin metal ribbon

used in their design. Ribbon microphones have very high quality sound reproduction qualities – especially

higher frequencies sounds. However, they are very fragile and typically cannot handle high SPL’s.

The most important thing to note about Ribbon microphones is that nearly all Ribbon Microphones do not

require phantom power. PLEASE NOTE:

unless a Ribbon microphone calls

specifically

for phantom power,

sending phantom power to a ribbon microphone will severely damage it – usually beyond repair.

Regardless of the microphone type you are using, we recommend reading your microphone’s user’s manual

thoroughly before engaging phantom power or if any other usage questions may arise.