Specifications

M-Powered Basics Guide
4
Connecting a Microphone
Attaching a Microphone to Your
M-Audio Interface
There can be several ways to use an M-Audio in-
terface with a microphone, depending on the
type of microphone and cables that you use,
and the type of M-Audio interface.
Some microphone cables use an XLR connector
to attach a microphone to an input; other mi-
crophones use a 1/4-inch connector. If you have
a choice, use an XLR connector to connect the
microphone to your M-Audio interface to yield
better results.
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 some M-Audio inter-
faces) that can supply power through the micro-
phone cable.
Most
condenser microphones (such as an AKG
C3000) require phantom power to operate.
Dy-
namic
microphones (such as a Shure SM57) do
not require phantom power to operate, but are
not harmed by it.
M-Audio interfaces can only supply power
through a microphone cable with XLR connec-
tors. If you are not sure about the phantom
power requirements for your microphone, con-
sult your microphone’s documentation or con-
tact the manufacturer.
To use a microphone that has an XLR connector:
1 Plug your microphone cable into one of the
Mic (or Mic/Inst) inputs on your M-Audio inter-
face.
XLR and 1/4-inch connectors
M-Audio interfaces that support phantom
power can only provide phantom power
when their “wall wart” power supply is
used to power the interface. Check your M-
Audio interface guide for details
XLR connector
1/4-inch 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 ribbon microphone.
XLR connector plugged into Mic/Inst input on a
FireWire 1814
Mic/Inst 1