Hi,

We use an ancient Sennheisser 415t for most our location sound work.

I've been trying out possible replacements(NTG-2 recently), but nothing sounds as good so far.

I tend to just plug it in to standard 48v phantom power (On camera, Beachtek adapters, Signvideo ENG-44) and it works.

But it's T-powered right? so is this a monumentally dumb thing to do?

What are risks to mic or other devices?

Does doing this chew through power faster than usual(seems to).

Thanks
Joe

Are you sure it's T-power (aka, A-B , parallel or Tonaderspeisung powered)? T power is 12v. and differently wired than Phantom I don't think a T-powered mic would work at all w/ Phantom...I use to have a 415T and used it with an FP32 which had the A-B power option but never tried it (even by accident) w/ Phantom pwr.engaged.
There are relatively low cost Phantom- to-T-power converters available from the usual suspects, I'd check out one of those..

"I've been trying out possible replacements (NTG-2 recently), but nothing sounds as good so far."
_ The 415 is a great sounding mic and the power adapter is much lower cost than a replacement. BTW, the NTG-2 is a hobbyist POS..The NTG-3 is pro quality though much more $$$ than the NTG-2.

Here's a little backgrounder on T-power and how it differs from phantom :
https://www.sounddevices.com/tech-notes/t-powering-basics

Short version: You can apply phantom to a T-powered mic and usually there won't be a problem. But sending T-power to some mics expecting phantom (or no) power can damage the mics. Check the short article at the above link for more. I don't know; sending phantom to a t-powered mic...I wonder if you'd allow for more RF or noise problem or cause slow long-term damage... I don't know because I don't do that.

I still own a 416T, mainly for sentimental reasons now. But the other week I did take it out and powered it through my Sound Devices 302 mixer (one of the few still-available mixers that has a T-power option). Super-last-minute change in our plans, and considering what we were facing, I didn't want to risk one of my newer mics. Worked as it always did...fine but not really my favorite these days...

Like Rick says, you can get a barrel adaptor or something for under $50 that will take the P48 output of your mixer or camera and convert it to T. For example, PSC has one that's widely available:
Adapter Barrels (http://www.professionalsound.com/specs/barrels.htm)

If you're looking for a new mic to replace your 415, maybe look at the Rode NTG3 or NTG4 (the 3 is OK, don't have much experience with the 4). Or perhaps a Sanken CS3e or even a new/used 416... Though I find the Sanken more useful in more situations (ie- it's OK on interiors with hard surfaces). Oh geez, there area so many mics...

Looks like the barrel adapter is the way to go for now.

Agree with you Rick on the NTG-2. Disappointing sound and build (weird rattles and clunks).

Makes me adverse to trying Rode's other mics, much as I love supporting an Australian company.

Am I right in thinking the NTG-4 is same as NTG-2 but with built-in power source?

thanks
joe

No, remember the NTG4 is supposed to be an improvement over the NTG1 and NTG2. New capsule, some other stuff. A bit more expensive, but significantly less than an NTG3 (I think) and much much less than the Sanken CS3e and a new 416...
Introducing the RØDE NTG4 & NTG4+ multi-powered Shotgun Microphones (http://www.rode.com/ntg4)