Phantom Power and Microphones
Written by Gary Brindley
Updated at January 8th, 2026
Phantom Power is a term given to the process of delivering DC (Direct Current) voltage to microphones requiring electric power to drive active circuitry. All condenser microphones such as the AKG P120 have active circuitry and require phantom power to operate. Phantom Power is typically provided by the input of the device you are connecting the microphone to or from an in-line Phantom Power adapter. Phantom Power is typically 24-48 volts DC measured across pins 2 & 3 or Signal + & Signal – of the input.