User Manual

Chapter 6: Making Hardware Connections 39
Connecting a Microphone
Mic Cables and Connectors
Use a microphone with an XLR connector to
connect the microphone to the Mbox.
The Mbox can only supply power through a mi-
crophone cable with an XLR connector. If you
are not sure about the phantom power require-
ments for your microphone, refer to your micro-
phone’s documentation or contact the manu-
facturer.
Phantom Power
Some microphones require power to operate.
This power, called phantom power, is supplied ei-
ther by a battery in the microphone, or through
an audio interface (such as Mbox) that can sup-
ply power through the microphone cable.
Most condenser microphones (such as an
M-Audio Solaris) require phantom power to op-
erate. Dynamic microphones (such as a Shure
SM57) do not require phantom power to oper-
ate, but are not harmed by it.
Using a Mic with an XLR Connector
To use a microphone that has an XLR connector:
1 Plug your microphone cable into one of the
Mic/Line inputs on the back of Mbox.
2 Set the Source to Rear (“in” position) by press-
ing the Source selector on the front of Mbox.
3 If your microphone requires phantom power,
make sure the microphone is connected, then
press the Phantom Power switch (labeled 48V)
on the front of the Mbox. This switch sends 48V
to both mic inputs. The 48V LED on the front of
the Mbox will light when phantom power is be-
ing supplied.
XLR connector
Although phantom power can be used
safely with most microphones, it is possible
to damage some ribbon microphones with
it. Always turn off phantom power and wait
at least ten seconds before connecting a rib-
bon microphone.
XLR connector plugged into Input 1
Input 1 Source selector
Phantom Power switch
Input 2 Input 1
Mic input Mic input
Source selector
Phantom Power
switch