Why is it generally recommended to plug a microphone preamplifier into a line input on a patch bay instead of another mic pre?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why you would connect a microphone preamplifier to a line input on a patch bay instead of another mic pre. It presents four possible reasons: A) Accessing additional EQ and effects, B) Ensuring proper impedance matching, C) Bypassing unnecessary amplification to prevent distortion, and D) Utilizing the patch bay's grounding capabilities to reduce noise. You need to identify the most accurate and common reason.
Answer
To avoid damaging equipment by accidentally applying phantom power to the output of a microphone preamplifier.
It is generally recommended to plug a microphone preamplifier into a line input on a patch bay instead of another mic pre primarily to avoid accidentally applying phantom power to the output of a microphone preamplifier, which can damage the equipment.
Answer for screen readers
It is generally recommended to plug a microphone preamplifier into a line input on a patch bay instead of another mic pre primarily to avoid accidentally applying phantom power to the output of a microphone preamplifier, which can damage the equipment.
More Information
Phantom power is a DC voltage (+48V) supplied to microphones through their cables to power the active circuitry. Applying phantom power to the output of a mic pre can damage the preamps.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that all patch bays are created equal. Some are designed for specific purposes, such as microphone signals or line-level signals. Using the wrong type of patch bay can lead to signal degradation or equipment damage.
Sources
- Do you Patch Line In's to your Patchbay or just Mic In's? - Gearspace - gearspace.com
- Mic Pre's on Patchbay - SOS Forum - soundonsound.com
- Should You Use a Patch Bay for Your Preamps? - YouTube - youtube.com
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