The Shure SM58 is a dynamic cardioid microphone. It is easy to damage the capsule when you remove it. The Cloudlifters are a bit on the expensive side for me right now, so i'll just have to be closer to the mic. The reason is that modern dynamic microphones are designed to accept phantom power without issues, but we advise checking your manual or consulting with the manufacturer first … On the other hand, dynamic mics—the ubiquitous Shure SM57 and SM58 mics, for example—do not require power. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, RE20 -> AEA TRP -> UAD Apollo Twin -> some software -> your ears. It is often more cost effective to replace the entire microphone. So things seem more quiet than they really are. You need at least +60db gain to drive SM58 at a reasonable level. But even though the volume can be raised in recordings, in something like... a voice chat, lower volumes can be annoying. It's a fact, go ahead, and yes any kind of dynamic mic won't be damaged by phantom power, actually, not even modern ribbon mic get damaged by it. Will phantom power damage my SM58? A dynamic microphone, like the SM58, does not require phantom power because it does not have active electronics inside. I tried it with Scarlett 2i2. You can work a dynamic microphone perfectly fine without the need for phantom power. Lives for gear . I definitely have phantom power on. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. A dynamic microphone, like the SM58, does not require phantom power because it does not have active electronics inside. This article will explain what phantom power is and why the SM58 does not need it, whether or not phantom power can harm a dynamic microphone, and what the Shure SM58 … Whilst dynamic microphones don’t require phantom power to operate, this does not mean phantom power will damage them. The problem I've had with the 2i2 is it doesn't have the greatest headphone amp. Answer. Yeah. It's a fact, go ahead, and yes any kind of dynamic mic won't be damaged … No, the Shure SM58 microphone does not require phantom power simply because it does not have any active circuitry within it. People generally use cardioid microphones because they’re versatile and forgiving in terms of placement. Related Articles. FAQ. Dynamic mics usually need a ton of gain to get a usable signal. Although uncommon, some SM58's come with a built-in on/off switch on the handle. Phantom power is a way to provide power to microphones—that need electricity to operate, but that don’t have a dedicated AC power source. My Recordings/Credits My Studio. But I appreciate it. Look into a cloudlifter CL1 if you want to add some gain before your interface. 1/29/2019. So keep track of the level of your input with your software. The signal is healthy. It can damage dynamic or ribbon mics. Most of audio interfaces provide upto 40 to 45db's gain. It’s easy to get thrown off by all the syllables but all this means is that it’s durable, doesn’t require phantom power, and performs best when recording what’s in front of it. It is only natural to think that running power into something that doesn’t need it will probably break it. I have an SM57 and an Audio Technica microphone that requires phantom power, and I'm wondering if I run my phantom power through the SM57 if any damage will come from it? I'll definitely keep it in mind for the future. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the microphones community, Press J to jump to the feed. Quote: Originally Posted by Retinal. Check the specifications. The scarlett was working great with an AKG perception I had (although it wasn't as sensitive as I expected). Whilst dynamic microphones don’t require phantom power to operate, this does not mean phantom power will damage them. Condenser mics are the only mics that require phantom power. But most dynamic mics, particularly modern ones are designed to be able to accept phantom power and simply not use it. The same result. Concluding Remarks. So output volume to my headphones is usually just fine. Second, digital recording (especially 24 bit) doesn't require a strong signal to sound clear. If your microphone has an on/off switch, check that the switch is in the on position. Now I am using cloudlifter with great satisfaction. The SM58 is a dynamic mic and does not require phantom power. I assumed the Scarlett had more than enough juice to comfortably push the SM58s. 3 Reviews written. Attachment Link(s) Last Edit Date. Nonetheless, applying phantom power will not damage other microphones in the vast majority of cases. The scarlett was working great with an AKG perception I had (although it wasn't as sensitive as I expected). I definitely have phantom power on. Are there any cheaper alternatives to the Cloudlifter? Now I recently got a used SM58 (in excellent condition), which sounds great, but seems to need max gain on my Scarlett 2i2 to get an acceptable recording volume. First, you don't need Phantom power for an sm58. Additionally, because of the way the power flows through the pins of an XLR cord, a normally working mic and cable will not result in a dynamic mic being damaged by having phantom power turned on. It may sound quiet, but if your signal is above - 40 db, you're probably fine. The balanced XLR cable ensured the power passed through without affecting the SM58 in any way. 27th November 2010 | Show parent #7. mista min. I am using windows 10, and I have the recording volume in my sound settings at max.