Are you looking for a way to get more power out of your RE20 mic? If so, phantom power may be the answer.
Phantom power is an electrical current that can be sent to a microphone through the XLR cable. It’s normally used for microphones that need additional power to work and can’t rely on the normal cable connections to function like condenser microphones.
This article will teach you how to use phantom power with your RE20 mic.
Contents
What is phantom power, and why do you need it for the RE20 mic?
Phantom power is a method of providing power to microphones that have active electronics in them. The RE20 mic is one of those microphones. For the microphone’s internal amplifier to work, it needs a small amount of power. This power can come from either an external source or the phantom power supply built into many mixing consoles.
If you are using the RE20 mic with a mixing console with phantom power, you will need to turn on the phantom power supply. The exact procedure will vary from mixer to mixer, so consult your mixer’s manual for more information. Once the phantom power is turned on, the RE20 mic will be able to function correctly.
If you are using the RE20 mic with an external power supply, you will need to connect the power supply to the mic using the XLR cable. The positive (red) wire from the power supply should be connected to the pins on the XLR connector, and the negative (black) wire should be connected to the sleeve of the XLR connector. Once everything is connected correctly, turn on the power supply, and the RE20 mic will be ready to use.
Related: Does The Tascam DR-40 Have Phantom Power?
How to use phantom power on your mixer or audio interface
Electro-Voice RE20 Microphone. Image source.
Using a condenser microphone with your mixer or audio interface, you’ll need to use phantom power. Most mixers and audio interfaces have a switch that will turn on phantom power, usually denoted by the letters “P” or “48V.” Once you’ve turned on phantom power, connect your microphone to one of the channels on your mixer or audio interface. You may need to adjust the input level for your microphone, but other than that, you’re all set!
Phantom power is a great way to get the most out of your condenser microphones. If you’re not using phantom power, you may not be getting the best possible sound from your mic. So if you’re looking to get the best possible sound from your condenser mic, use phantom power.
Related: How to Use the Behringer Xenyx 1204USB Phantom Power
Tips for getting the best sound from your RE20 mic
The RE20 is an excellent mic for anyone looking to get superior sound quality. Here are some tips on how to use the RE20’s phantom power:
- Make sure your audio interface or mixing board has phantom power enabled.
- Position the mic close to the source of the sound. The closer the mic is, the greater the chance it will pick up more of the sound you’re trying to capture.
- If you’re recording multiple sources, make sure each one is in its own space so that they don’t bleed into each other. This will help you get a cleaner sound when you edit your recordings later.
- Avoid putting anything between the mic and the sound source that could block or reflect sound waves. This includes objects like furniture, walls, and even your own body.
- Invest in a pop filter to help reduce plosives (hard “p” and “b” sounds) from ruining your recordings.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting great sound out of your RE20 mic.
Examples of how to use the RE20 mic in a variety of recording applications
The RE20 is an excellent mic for many different recording applications. Here are a few examples:
Recording acoustic guitars
The RE20 can capture the natural sound of an acoustic guitar very well. Place the mic about 12 inches from the soundhole and aim it towards the center of the guitar.
Recording vocals
The RE20 is also great for recording vocals. Again, place the mic about 12 inches from the source and aim it towards the center of the mouth. Again, for best results, use a pop filter to reduce plosives.
Recording drums
The RE20 can be used to record drums, but it will require experimentation to find the correct placement. Start by placing the mic about two feet from the kick drum and aim it towards the beater. For the snare, try placing the mic about four inches from the top of the drum and aim it towards the center. Finally, place the mic about six inches above them for the hi-hats and aim it down. Again, experimentation will be vital to finding the right sound.
Hopefully, these examples will give you a starting point for using the RE20 in your recordings. Remember, experimentation is key to getting great results with any microphone.
The RE20 is a versatile mic that can be used in many different ways. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get great results no matter what you’re recording.
Benefits of using an RE20 microphone
The benefits of using a quality microphone like the RE20 are many. One of the most important is that it gives you the ability to use phantom power.
Phantom power is a feature found on audio mixers and recording devices that send DC voltages through microphone cables to active microphones. This voltage powers the internal preamplifier circuitry of these types of microphones.
The RE20 is an active dynamic microphone, which means that it contains its internal amplifier that requires phantom power to function correctly. Therefore, if you are using this mic with a mixer or audio interface that does not have phantom power, you will not be able to get optimal results.
FAQs about phantom power and the RE20 mic
Do I need an audio interface to use the RE20 with phantom power?
No, you can use the RE20 directly with a mixing console that has phantom power.
What is the difference between using phantom power and not using it?
Using phantom power will give you a cleaner, more consistent sound. It will also help reduce any unwanted noise or interference.
How do I know if my mixing console has phantom power?
Most professional mixing consoles have phantom power, but some lower-end models may not. Consult your mixer’s manual or contact the manufacturer if you’re not sure.
Is there anything I need to know about using the RE20 with phantom power?
Yes – make sure you turn the phantom power off when you’re not using the mic, as it can damage sensitive electronics. Also, some mixers have a global phantom power switch, while others have individual controls for each channel. So, if you’re using multiple mics with phantom power, check your mixer’s manual to see how it’s set up.
Conclusion
We hope this quick guide helped explain using the RE20 mic with phantom power. As covered previously, phantom power is an additional power source used to power microphones that require more power than a common cable can provide. Condenser microphones like the RE20 are such microphones.
Now that you know how to use phantom power with your RE20 mic put it to good use and get out there and start recording.
Do you have any questions about using phantom power or other microphone techniques? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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