Phantom Power
Phantom power supplies electrical power to compatible microphones through their balanced audio connection.
It is separate from microphone amplification: a preamplifier increases signal level, while phantom power operates microphone circuitry that requires it.
Phantom Power — Reel-to-Reel
On a reel-to-reel recorder, this feature can power a compatible condenser microphone connected to a suitable microphone input. It does not supply power to every kind of microphone connector or replace an external power supply required by a different microphone design.
Compare the stated supply voltage, supported inputs and switching arrangement with the microphone’s requirements. An XLR input alone does not confirm phantom-power support. Use it only with microphones and connected equipment specified as compatible, and follow their connection instructions rather than assuming every balanced audio device needs microphone power.