Blocks phantom power, not the signal
The phantom blocker blocks phantom power while allowing the audio signal to remain intact. Phantom power can be applied to either the male or female side of the phantom block’s XLR connector and will not reach the opposite XLR connector; the audio signal can move freely in both directions.
Recommended Applications
-
Microphones
There are microphones (primarily ribbon microphones) that cannot tolerate phantom power. Connecting a ribbon microphone to a cable with phantom power will send a current of electricity through the microphone’s transformer; this current is amplified by the transformer into the microphone’s primary circuit and forces the ribbon out of the magnetic field it is suspended in, which can cause permanent stretching of the ribbon. We recommend using our FetHead to add clean gain and protect the ribbon microphone from phantom power.
-
Microphone Preamps
Vintage preamps are sensitive to phantom power at the input. The input transformer of the preamp cannot handle phantom power from another source. The thin silk insulations of the transformer can burn out because a sudden surge of phantom power, when switched on, creates a high voltage in the input transformer. To prevent this, full blocking is necessary.
-
Unbalanced TRS to XLR Cables
When connecting an unbalanced TRS to XLR cable, pin 3 of the XLR connector is directly connected to ground, creating a short circuit. This can damage input transformers and underpowered phantom power circuits.
-
Balanced Device Outputs
Our phantom blocker is an excellent solution for protecting the output of any device connected to the XLR input of a mixer or preamp with phantom power turned on, such as the audio interface of your computer.
Important:
Before connecting the device you wish to protect from phantom power, ensure that the phantom blocker is attached to the cable and phantom power is active. Wait for 5 seconds, during which time the internal bleeder resistors in the phantom blocker will cancel out voltage differences. Connecting in this order prevents the transmission of an initial AC voltage pulse created by the phantom power being switched on.
Features:
- Protects microphones
- Protects device outputs
- Or anything else you want to protect from phantom power
Specifications:
- Balanced XLR input/output
- Height: 3” / 76mm
- Width: Ø 0.86” / 22mm
- Weight: 55g
