Premier Rock Forum

1. Is there ever an instance where you would use/need phantom power with a dynamic mic? I suppose a better way of putting it would be: Are there in existence any dynamic mics that require phantom power?

2. I have read about mics being used in "matched pairs", for stereo overheads and the like. Are they (the two mics in the pair) specifically manufactured and sold to be used together, or does this term apply to just using two mics of the same model together? What are the benefits of using a matched pair?

Thanks guys. If there's ever anything I can help you out with, don't hesitate to ask. I won't hold my breath, though.

Matched pairs are manufactored for the purpose of using them together. When you buy a matched pair you get pretty much two identical mics, whereas if you buy two mics of the same model, there might be slight differences.

condensers require power, because there needs to be a current running through the condenser at all times. when sound hits the condenser, the two sides get closer to each other, allowing more current through, and less current when the two sides are not compressed. dynamic mics induce current like a stylus/cartridge. diaphragm motion causes a coil or a magnet (whichever is connected to the diaphragm) to move with respect to a magnet or a coil (whichever is not connected to the diaphragm), and this movement induces current. this happens because a moving magnetic field will cause electrons to flow, i think counter-clockwise, through the coil and the wire. no power is required to induce the current, only the physical motion of the diaphragm.

-noah

run joe, run wrote:Are there in existence any dynamic mics that require phantom power?

Only a couple, as far as I know, and they are both very new mics:

the Blue Ball

The Royer SF-12 (and SF-24)

Thankyou, thankyou, and thankyou.

In regards to matched pair...

This actually means different things to different people (er... I mean the companies selling them).

Some companies will go through the trouble of electrically testing them and then matching those mics that have the same electrical characteristics (probably the best way). Some companies simply assume anything with consecutive serial numbers are matched because they were built with the same exact components. So it depends on the mfg and where you bought the mics in the first place. There are 3rd-party companies that will match mics for a premuim.

I've never done any comparisons or read anything that specifically states you should choose one type over the other (anyone care to comment?). If I was to make an error in judgment, I'd pick eletcrical matching vs. S/N matching. But that's just me