Phantom Power Load Calculator (Console Budget)
Quick answer: Add condenser mics with their mA draw and count. Get total draw and percentage of console budget.
Calculate total +48V phantom power draw across all condenser microphones connected to a console. Most modern boards have a finite total mA budget — exceed it and some mics power down or distort. Built for live audio engineers running large mic counts.
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Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error
Condenser Mics
Quick:
Typical 200-500 mA. Check console manual.
Within Budget ✓
26.4 mA (5%)
Total phantom draw: 26.4 mA across 3 mic types. Using 5% of 500 mA budget.
Total Draw
26.4 mA
% of Budget
5%
Headroom
473.6 mA
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The Formula
total_mA = Σ(mA_per_mic × count) ; budget_pct = total_mA / console_max × 100
- mA_per_mic = Current draw per condenser (from spec sheet)
- console_max = Total phantom budget across all channels (typical 200-500 mA)
How to Use This Phantom Power Calculator
- 1Add each condenser mic: name, mA per mic (from spec sheet), count.
- 2Set console maximum mA budget (typical 200-500 mA).
- 3Read total draw and percentage of budget used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Most modern small-diaphragm condensers: 2-5 mA. Large-diaphragm and tube condensers: 5-10 mA. Active ribbons (e.g. Royer R-122): 8-10 mA. Always check spec sheet — manufacturers report worst-case.
- IEC 61938 specifies +48V phantom can supply up to 10 mA per channel. Most consoles support that on each input but cap the TOTAL across all inputs (often at the power supply level).
- Most rack-mounted digital consoles handle 50+ phantom-powered mics fine. Older analog consoles, stagebox preamps, or compact mixers can be limited (~150-300 mA total). When in doubt, contact manufacturer.
- Mics may not power on, output may drop, or you may hear noise/distortion. Some consoles automatically reduce phantom voltage to all channels to compensate, which affects all condensers.
- Modern dynamic mics (SM58, etc.) ignore phantom voltage — safe to leave on. Vintage ribbon mics WITHOUT a transformer can be damaged. Always check before applying phantom to ribbons.
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