What Is Phantom Power?
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Phantom power is a 48V DC supply that travels up a balanced XLR cable from an audio interface or mixer to a microphone. It powers condenser microphones, which stay silent without it. Dynamic microphones make their signal without outside power, so a standard dynamic mic is not affected when phantom power is on.
Check whether your microphone needs it
Start with the microphone's specs. A condenser microphone needs 48V phantom power to produce a signal, and it stays silent without it. A dynamic microphone generates its signal without outside power. A USB microphone draws power from the USB cable, so phantom power does not apply to it.
Find the 48V switch on your interface or mixer
Phantom power comes from the device the XLR cable plugs into, not from the microphone. Look for a button or switch marked 48V or Phantom on the audio interface or mixer. Some units switch phantom power for each input on its own, while others switch a group of inputs together, so check which inputs the switch covers before you connect a microphone.
Connect first, then switch it on
Turn the input gain all the way down. Plug the microphone in with a balanced XLR cable, then switch 48V on and wait a few seconds before you raise the gain. When you finish, turn the gain down and switch 48V off before you unplug the cable.
Keep phantom power away from ribbon mics
Some ribbon microphones can be damaged by phantom power, so read the maker's instructions before you connect one to an input with 48V on. Send phantom power only down balanced XLR cables, never through adapters to line-level or instrument gear.
What you need
Rode RØDE NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser Microphone
A large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that runs on 48V phantom power, with a shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable included for vocal recording and streaming.
- Shock mount included
- Pop filter / windscreen
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 10-year warranty stated
Phenyx Pro PDM35 Overhead Condenser Microphone
An overhead pencil condenser microphone with an XLR connector that runs on 48V phantom power, for hi-hat, percussion, and string instruments.
- Pop filter / windscreen
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
A multi-pattern condenser microphone that runs on 48V phantom power, with cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight patterns and a switchable attenuation pad.
- Shock mount included
- Polar pattern: Multi-Pattern
LEWITT LCT 240 Pro Large Diaphragm Condenser
A large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that runs on 48V phantom power, with a high-performance capsule for clean, detailed recordings.
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Condenser Mic, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does phantom power hurt a dynamic microphone?
No. A standard dynamic microphone with a balanced XLR connection is not affected by phantom power, so 48V can stay on for an input it shares with a condenser.
Can I add phantom power if my mixer does not have it?
Yes. A separate phantom power supply sits between the microphone and the mixer input and sends 48V to the mic.
Do USB microphones need phantom power?
No. A USB microphone takes its power from the computer over the USB cable, so phantom power does not apply to it.
Ranked condenser microphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.