Explain: 'phantom power'
 

I'll invest in an ME66. There are two power options: K6, or Phantom power module. Could someone please outline the differences and benefits of each?

Thankyee

"Phantom power" refers to the ablity of a mic (or any accessory, for that matter) to be powered by an external source, typically a camera's battery. The Sennheiser ME66, like several similar mics, can either accept phantom power or can be powered by a AA battery in the (separate) K6 power module (which screws into the base of the ME66 module.

So, for a guy like me who'll be using the mic on both the XL, and booms, and possibly other applicaitons, the regular AA K6 module would be better.... Agreed?

Agreed. The XL1 cannot supply phantom power to a mic.

I bought a Beachtek DXA-6 adapter for use with
a Sennheiser 416 condenser shotgun mic setup
on my XL1 and VX2000. The
DXA-6 takes a 9v battery and provides one channel
of phantom power. Works great.

Generally, phantom power is used in conjunction
with condenser microphones. Most high quality
shotguns and lavs are condenser, which means they
take DC current (up to 48volts) to power the capsule.

Is there any quality issues with the Battery vs Phantom power option? Is it necessary to get a DXA-6 in other words?

No quality issues, except the real high end mics
normally don't have a self powered battery option.

So you don't have to get a DXA-6, but you have
to get a condenser mic that takes batteries, like
the Sennheiser K6 module that works with the
ME66 or ME67 capsule. The less expensive
MKE300 also takes a battery.

The thing is, the beachtek adapters also have the ability to take line level input. If your signal is coming from a sound mixer using XLR outputs,
(chances are) that signal is at +4dB. That means
if you pug that into your MA100, you get nothing but horrible distortion. The MA100 allows you to
plug in a mic (@ -50dB mic level), but has no way of handling +4 line level that is used by most
mixers.

I bought a MA100, and it usually sits home.

Anyone want to buy it? ;)

Not using the MA100 because it can't take +4 dBV feed? Then try an inline attenuator when using a feed from a sound board. About 40 dB cut would be more thatn enough - 20 dB would probably work OK.

You're right there Don, but you have to buy two pads.So, if you take the price of a MA200
($395@Promax) or a MA 300 ($250) and
add the in line pads, you are at (or well over) the price of a DXA-6 ($279), which also provides one channel of phantom, and you don't have to deal with in-line pads.

I do admit I wish that Beachtek
used a 30 dB pad in their adapter instead of
the 50 dB one which pads the signal too much imo.

Of course, if someone wants to buy my
MA-100 for $125, then that is the cheapest
alternative :)

BTW, other benefits of the MA-100 are the improved shoulder rest and mounting plate for wireless receiver, dual-battery pack, etc..

At $125 your offer sounds like a reasonable deal for someone who doesn't have a MA-100 and needs one.

ma 100
 

ok.do you want to post it to me here in australia?
been looking for A CHEAP MA 100 FOR A WHILE.

Email me off list. I'm not sure how to work this deal, but
maybe we can figure this out.

jacmer@umich.edu

i use a md431 senheiser, but i do find the input very low on the automat it doesnt work well, i dont get sufficient levels so i have to work manually to get any desent readings, so can anybody tell me why? its not a phantom microfoon and does not need any batteries to feed it. It works well on the professional cameras i use for my work.

The 431 is a nice mic, but as you said, a dynamic, not a condenser.
Therefore its output isn't as 'hot' as a externally powered (or battery equipped) mic.
So, you may have to turn it up to get any kind of decent gain.

I wouldn't worry to much about not being able to use automatic mode.
Just keep an eye on your levels and make sure you don't get any
'overs'.

Are you using the MA-100, 200 or 300 adapter? If you are adapting
the mic straight to stereo mini or RCA with some kind of other adapter, you may have other problems due to incorrect wiring.

In addition, make sure that in your menu settings that you are set
on mic level and not line level.

ma 300
 

i have only just heard about the MA 300. can somebody explain what the difference is..how much....and is it worth it?
i am thinking about a ma 100. i have a field mixer if i need more than 2 mics.