To use Phantom Power or Not to use Phantom Power at DVinfo.net

Jeff Toogood · January 18th, 2005, 07:29 AM

That is the question :)

I have just ordered a SONY PD-170 and plan on using my AT-897 shotgun mic on it.
Should I use the camera's built in phantom power or just stick with the battery in the mic? Will it make any difference? How much battery power (camera) does it use to give phantom power to the mic?

Thanks

Douglas Spotted Eagle · January 18th, 2005, 08:34 AM

The battery drain on the cam is essentially insignificant. I keep the battery in the cam, and use phantom both. I've never paid attention one way or the other with it, truthfully. Keeping the battery in there is a safeguard, but since the cam provides it, I prefer it. There are also a few quality benefits to using phantom.

Jay Massengill · January 18th, 2005, 08:35 AM

Look at the specs here and you can see the details:

http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT897.html

There's a slight increase in sensitivity when using phantom. If you're recording a quiet situation you'll need all you can get.
In loud situations, phantom provides a considerable benefit in max SPL and dynamic range.
If you're booming with the mic, not having the battery inside will make a difference in how long the boom op can hold up, as well as putting less strain on the pole itself.
Since phantom draws only 2mA, I can't imagine that it would contribute significantly to camera battery drain even with the circuitry to step-up the voltage.
One benefit of running off internal AA battery would be if you're constantly plugging and unplugging the mic without wanting to shut the camera down. You shouldn't plug or unplug the mic while phantom is on.

Rhett Allen · January 18th, 2005, 08:43 AM

The mic will perform better using phantom power. As far as your camera battery being affected, I haven't really noticed it with the AT-4073a. I use the 970 batteries and they last forever anyway.

Doug Bischoff · January 18th, 2005, 02:09 PM

Chiming in with a "yup" here:

Phantom power, for those mics equipped to use it, will definitely increase sensitivity. Moreover, it does so better than an on-board battery does in nearly every case I've run across.

The drain on a camera's battery (like a Panasonic DVX-100A) is relatively insignificant, and the difference in sound is very noticeable.

In short: use phantom power!

Douglas Spotted Eagle · January 18th, 2005, 02:15 PM

Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer.

Doug Bischoff · January 18th, 2005, 02:23 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle : Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer. -->>>

Arizona, yes. Utah? No.

Sorry! I'm a different Doug Bischoff indie producer. :)

David Ennis · January 19th, 2005, 11:19 AM

Wow, what are the odds!!?

Are you sure, Doug? Check your diary ;>)

January 18th, 2005, 07:29 AM	#1
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	To use Phantom Power or Not to use Phantom Power That is the question :) I have just ordered a SONY PD-170 and plan on using my AT-897 shotgun mic on it. Should I use the camera's built in phantom power or just stick with the battery in the mic? Will it make any difference? How much battery power (camera) does it use to give phantom power to the mic? Thanks __________________ Toogood Studios

January 18th, 2005, 08:34 AM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	The battery drain on the cam is essentially insignificant. I keep the battery in the cam, and use phantom both. I've never paid attention one way or the other with it, truthfully. Keeping the battery in there is a safeguard, but since the cam provides it, I prefer it. There are also a few quality benefits to using phantom. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

January 18th, 2005, 02:09 PM	#5
Doug Bischoff New Boot Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Providence Forge, VA (USA) Posts: 24	What They Said Chiming in with a "yup" here: Phantom power, for those mics equipped to use it, will definitely increase sensitivity. Moreover, it does so better than an on-board battery does in nearly every case I've run across. The drain on a camera's battery (like a Panasonic DVX-100A) is relatively insignificant, and the difference in sound is very noticeable. In short: use phantom power! __________________ Doug Bischoff Ceridwen Productions

January 18th, 2005, 02:15 PM	#6
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

January 18th, 2005, 02:23 PM	#7
Doug Bischoff New Boot Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Providence Forge, VA (USA) Posts: 24	Different Doug <<<-- Originally posted by Douglas Spotted Eagle : Hey Doug, you didn't by chance used to be in Utah, didja? There used to be a guy here by the same name who was an indie producer. -->>> Arizona, yes. Utah? No. Sorry! I'm a different Doug Bischoff indie producer. :) __________________ Doug Bischoff Ceridwen Productions

January 18th, 2005, 08:35 AM	#3
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Look at the specs here and you can see the details: http://www.audiotechnica.com/prodpro/profiles/AT897.html There's a slight increase in sensitivity when using phantom. If you're recording a quiet situation you'll need all you can get. In loud situations, phantom provides a considerable benefit in max SPL and dynamic range. If you're booming with the mic, not having the battery inside will make a difference in how long the boom op can hold up, as well as putting less strain on the pole itself. Since phantom draws only 2mA, I can't imagine that it would contribute significantly to camera battery drain even with the circuitry to step-up the voltage. One benefit of running off internal AA battery would be if you're constantly plugging and unplugging the mic without wanting to shut the camera down. You shouldn't plug or unplug the mic while phantom is on.

January 18th, 2005, 08:43 AM	#4
Rhett Allen Major Player Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 607	The mic will perform better using phantom power. As far as your camera battery being affected, I haven't really noticed it with the AT-4073a. I use the 970 batteries and they last forever anyway.

January 19th, 2005, 11:19 AM	#8
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	Wow, what are the odds!!? Are you sure, Doug? Check your diary ;>) __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me