Routing Phantom Power Through A Patchbay
From inSync reader Brian L: “My Korg 168RC has 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power. I would like to route these two inputs to two points on my TRS patchbay, so that I can plug a mic into the patchbay, rather than have to reach around the back of the rack. Are there any problems sending phantom power through a patchbay?” Thanks for your question, Brian! In our experience, you should not experience any difficulties with routing phantom power through a balanced patchbay – but it must be a BALANCED (or TRS) patchbay (which is what your message indicates you are using).A couple of things to be aware of: Avoid plugging unbalanced gear into the powered patchbay jacks when the power is turned on. Also, be aware that phantom should be turned off when you are inserting a connector into the bay. When you insert a plug, you are shorting out the connector, potentially causing the phantom power circuit distress. So, turn off phantom, plug in your mic, and switch the phantom back on, and all will be grand!
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