Stereo splitter damages camera-gear?

[MicMaven]

CAVE EATEN. LOOKS WORN. INSIDE.

Do not panic. Stay calm. Enjoy your trip. Hydrate.

Do not panic. Everything is under control. You can trust us. You are safe.

Cave Eaten? Seriously ???

(actually quite funny)

OK, I concede my post is a "bit" over the top, but I was not at home with no time to research the matter, and as I wanted to dispel any rumors cameras provide 48v phantom voltage, I went bombastic. While my goal was to get HIS attention, it appears I got YOUR attention, instead!

Still, I think it is a useful observation, n'est ce pas? I do not believe mixing 48v phantom voltage with devices designed for 5v bias voltage is a good plan, for example his 48v LDC microphone may not work on 5v bias voltage, and I suspect pumping 48v into a 5v microphone is contraindicated. I also suspect mixing 48 v phantom voltage on an unbalanced circuit with a mic capsule designed for no more than, say, 10 v bias voltage, is a good plan. These devices all run on smoke, and if you let the smoke out, they usually quit working. Putting 48v phantom voltage on an electret capsule rated for less than 10v seems a bad idea. Or am I really that far off base ?!?!?
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Sidebar -- I was visiting my blind friend, and used his phone with speech recognition software to send my message - he was demonstrating his new electronic glasses with little cameras and AI technology that can "see" objects and tell him what they are, like looking in the pantry and telling him he is looking at a can of peaches, or lima beans, and not drain cleaner - a rather useful set of distinctions, don't you agree?
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So yes, while I may have exaggerated the point, I hope I got the OP's attention - as I truly consider the distinction more important than you let on !! Best wishes. James

 

[Matt Syson]

'Phantom powrer Generally means 48 Volt supplies throiugh a certain resistance (pair of 6K8 normally) and must have a 3 pin connector by definition. There is 'T power' which is a medium pro system using around 12 Volts from the 'preamp' and what is then effectively unbalanced audio so one pin supplies some power, second is the audio and third is the ground pin. I have not seen references to this for 20 years so sketchy but you could look it up. Otherwise many mics use about 1.5 Volts fed through a resistor and actually unbalanced (2 pin connector) usually 3.5mm such as cheap computer desktop mics into a soundcard. The chances of findinf 48 Vilt phantom is pretty unlikely on handheld gear.