Does the Rode NT1 need phantom power? What is it, and where can you find 48v of phantom power? You’ll have your answers below and more.
Quick Answer: Yes, the Rode NT1 is a condenser microphone. All condenser microphones require 48v of phantom power to operate. Without phantom power, the microphone will not work.
The Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone
The Rode NT1 is a popular condenser microphone that boasts of its innovative design and incredible sound signature. This is best used for home recordings, voiceovers, and even by professional studios because of smooth frequencies and accuracy and response.
It does need a phantom power supply to work, but this is not a big deal if you know where or how to find phantom power.
Where do you find phantom power?
Most audio interfaces and audio mixers are able to supply 48v of phantom power to any microphone that requires it.
Some mixers have a global phantom power source that provides 48v to all the XLR microphones attached to them. It’s indicated by either a lightning bolt sign or a +48 near the button. You press it, and your phantom power supply is on.
Other audio mixers have individual phantom power, per channel. Each audio channel has a +48V button above it to toggle and supply to the XLR microphone plugged into that channel.
Warning About Phantom Power
Phantom power can damage some types of microphones.
As explained earlier, condenser microphones require phantom power to work, so it is important and safe to turn them on when using them.
However, ribbon microphones (rare), and unbalanced dynamic (very rare) microphones can be damaged by the extra voltage.
While phantom power does not damage most (99%) of dynamic microphones, it also does not benefit them. On the other hand, using phantom power on ribbon microphones and unbalanced dynamic microphones will give you horrible sound or audio and can damage the microphone in the long run.
The Bottom Line
You need 48v of Phantom Power for the Rode NT1 to work correctly, but we recommend turning the phantom power off when you’re not using a condenser microphone.
Rode NT1 Microphone Pricing
- Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone: https://currentprice.io/rode_nt1_kit
- Solid State Logic SSL2+ Audio Interface: https://currentprice.io/ssl2_plus
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: https://currentprice.io/boom_arm
Rode NT1 Phantom Power Topics
