MarkBass and Phantom Power

pineapplerobot · #1 02-06-2013, 01:09 PM

Here is my rig, at a Christmas service I played this year. I am loving the Markbass head and cab!

I have been looking into every thing I can find regarding the "Phantom" switch that is on this thing. I know this might be silly to ask but what is this for? I am looking into it more and more and all I can find is regarding studio recording and microphones, this gives them the option to power an active mic?

Regardless, what is this for? Markbass isn't giving me much info and I've searched pretty hard in here but all I can find is that people may use a different EQ but would flipping this switch let you bypass the EQ on the head and use a different one? Maybe a pedal or just an active EQ on your bass? Will I need to use the Bal. In to use this option?

I need a crash course in this. I love this head. Best one i've owned in ages and I want to get the most out of it! Tons of power, fits in my backpack and I can just show up and throw it on any cab. I use an Ampeg 4x10 for big shows, the New York 151 is for church and practices.

If anything can I get some direction on some reading material?

RickenBoogie · #2 02-06-2013, 01:59 PM

Phantom power is for mic's. If you use the rig for bass only, you have no need to ever use the phantom power.

electracoyote · #3 02-06-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Phantom power is for mic's. If you use the rig for bass only, you have no need to ever use the phantom power.

I have heard that on the LMIII, sending phantom power to the DI might cause it to fry. I taped a big sign to the back of mine that reads "NO PHANTOM POWER!!!" For those special sound engineers who need a little help.

MuthaFunk · #4 02-06-2013, 04:27 PM

It's used primarily for condenser mics. I think some double bass guys use phantom power for their pickups or preamps but that's just a guess. It's a DC voltage that is applied down both legs of a balanced cable. Most of our instruments and preamps only work on AC current.

A few pedal manufacturers have made their pedals capable of running off of phantom power instead of a battery. I think the Tech 21 Sans Amp is one of them.

For most of us, it's not used. Just leave it off.