2

I want to get one of those ear microphone to used when recording cell phone conversations. I noticed on Amazon that one can get the Olympus TP-8 at a decent price. But from the reviews on Amazon, it seems like there is something called "phantom power" meaning (if I understood it correctly) that the microphone needs power from the audio recorder to work. Apparently some audio recorders can supply this power and some can't. From Amazon I can't figure out which recorders have this power.

Is there a way to figure this out? What should one look for in the description?

I do already have an old RCA (RP5120-A) recorder, but it was very cheap and is old. I am guessing that this would not have "phantom power". Is that right?

Does one of the following audio recorders have this "phantom power"?

  • Olympus VN-702
  • Olympus WS-801

Which other cheaper ($60 or less) recorders can be recommend that would have this "phantom power"?

2 Answers 2

1

It is extremely unlikely that a 1/8" TRS microphone needs phantom power. Instead, it most likely needs plug-in-power. The difference is that phantom power is 48V, while plug-in-power can range from 3-5v. If you plug a plug-in-power device into a source of phantom power, there is a good chance you will damage it.

Plug-in-power was originally a Sony thing, and then a SoundBlaster thing. Sony recorders are most likely to support plug-in-power. My Sony M10 does, but it is well above your budget.

Companies other than Sony may use a term other than plug-in-power. So you probably need to do some googling to see if you can find place where people mention both the Sony term and various non-sony terms.

1

Phantom power is a 48V of DC voltage usually usually applied to the studio level condenser mics. In your case it is obviously not the issue. Just plug this mic in any recorder with a 1/8 jack and you'll be fine.

BTW, from the Olympus site:

"Just plug the TP-8 jack into the "MIC" jack of your recorder"

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.