dmmusic.com
HomeSound / PAAudio VisualMusical InstrumentsKnowledge Base
Subscribe to our Enewsletter

Special Offers!
New Products!
Clearance Products!

Roland TD-9K
Roland MT90U MIDI / MP3 File Player
*NEW* Audio Technica AT8033 (replaces ATM33a)
*NEW* Audio Technica M2 IEM
*NEW* Audio Technica 700 Series Radio Mic System with Pro92cW Discreet Headset mic


DM Music > Knowledge Base > Sound / PA Knowledge > DI Boxes & Phantom Power
DI Boxes & Phantom Power

Phantom Power and DI boxes
Why have a direct injection box?
When to use an active DI box
Phantom Power and DI boxes

Q. What is Phantom Power and when do I need it?
A.
Most mixing desks these days will have a button labelled ‘Phantom Power’ or 48V. Condenser microphones need a polarising voltage and power for their built in amplifiers. Some condenser microphones can also be battery powered (eg ATM 33a, our most popular mic). Condenser mics are therefore generally more sensitive than dynamic mics and usually have a better frequency response particularly in the higher frequencies. If you need condenser microphones you need phantom power on the mixer.

Q. What do you call a long length of unbalanced cable typically over 10m of mono jack to jack?
A.
An aerial. If you want to avoid radio stations & taxi cabs use balanced lines. You will need a DI box when you are sending guitars or keyboards down a long mic cable or multicore. Further, a low impedance/balanced line maintains the integrity of the signal in strength and frequency response.
Why have a direct injection box?

Q. DI boxes seem to be an extra expense. Do I really need them and what benefits do they offer?
A.
Yes - if you want to do the job properly. DI’s (Direct Injection Boxes) are an essential. They benefit us in a number of ways, explained as follows:

1. Maintains the integrity of signal, even down long lengths of multicore, both in strength and frequency response

2. Interface an unbalanced output to a balanced input i.e. jack from guitar or keyboard to XLR on mixer

3. Pad attenuation tames high signal levels i.e. from a synthesiser.

4. A ground lift switch overcomes hum caused by ground loops between equipment.

5. Prevents phantom power from reaching unbalanced source - (preventing equipment damage)

Surely a small price to pay for quality sound - especially if you buy from us at DM Music!
When to use an active DI box?

An active Di box is recommended for use when an induction loop is also in operation. The active circuitry will not pick up the inducted signal in the way that the transformer in a passive DI box tends to.
Also, use an active DI box in applications where the box is situated very close to a powerful amplifier or unit containing a large transformer which could cause interference.
Electric or electro acoustic guitars tend to benefit from an active DI.

DM Music > Knowledge Base > Sound / PA Knowledge > DI Boxes & Phantom Power
View Basket Checkout
Payment methodsEst. 1992
AKG CGN321 E Lecturn mic
AKG CGN321 E Lecturn micDM Price £98.99 (Including VAT)
Roland RK-100 VIMA
Roland RK-100 VIMADM Price £499.00 (Including VAT)
2 x Audio Technica 700 Lapel Radio Mic Systems
2 x Audio Technica 700 Lapel Radio Mic SystemsDM Price £329.00 (Including VAT)
Hartke AC75 - Acoustic Guitar Amp
Hartke AC75 - Acoustic Guitar AmpDM Price £248.99 (Including VAT)
Hartke AC150 - Acoustic Guitar Amp
Hartke AC150 - Acoustic Guitar AmpDM Price £299.00 (Including VAT)
DM Installation Projectsworship-downloads.com

dmmusic.com - homeAbout UsContact Us