Phase
The Phase button reverses pins 2 and 3 of the associated input XLR
connector on the back panel. This will allow you to easily check the phase
coherence of the input signal with your other microphone inputs and correct it if
needed. If you have a mis-wired cable or microphone (it happens!) the phase
button will allow you to compensate.
Pad
The Pad button inserts a 20dB attenuator in the signal path before the
input. You may find that some input signals are so loud (“hot”) that no matter
how low you turn the Gain control the signal still overloads and/or distorts.
Engage the pad switch and you will lower the signal by 20dB before the Gain
control. Then you can bring the Gain up to a usable level without distortion.
Phantom
Phantom is a 48V power source that many transistor condenser
microphones and a few tube microphones require to amplify the signal present
at their capsules. Dynamic microphones and ribbon microphone in general do
not require powering, although there are a handful of exceptions. Press the
button and 48V Phantom power will be applied at the input connector for the
microphone. Be certain that you are using high-quality cables with high-quality
connectors, and that your cables are in good repair. In certain rare instances
phantom power applied through a defective cable to a ribbon microphone that
doesn’t need it can cause damage to the mic.
Meter
The Meter on the Mic Pre II is a true VU Meter with 300ms averaging
ballistics. The main difference between this LED meter and a mechanical VU
meter is that this meter extends to +22dB, while a mechanical meter only goes
up to +3dB. This feature allows the engineer to see level above +3dB with much
greater accuracy and detail. The Meter also has a floating peak indicator which
shows the peak level with a single LED light and the average level with a series
of LEDs. The highest point on the meter is labeled with an asterisk (*) which is
the overload indicator. When this LED is lit, the signal has reached or exceeded
+23dBu. Most audio interfaces will clip at +18dBu, while most professional
mixing consoles will clip b24dBu to +30dBu.
