The potential applications for a stand-alone 48V phantom power supply are many, especially since the availability of affordable condenser mics (which require phantom power from a mixing console or standalone supply) is wider than it's ever been. The trouble is, finding one or two channels in a cost-effective unit is not as easy as it should be.

Enter EMO's E725 mains phantom power supply. It provides two channels offering full 48V in a sturdy well-designed package. EMO build things right, and this unit is no exception, being solid in the extreme and fitted with reliable Switchcraft XLR connectors. Functionally, there's nothing to it: plug a couple of mics into the inputs, and trail some XLR equipped cables back to the mic inputs of your desk. Plug it into the mains (there is no power switch on the unit) and the mics should come quickly to life. Note that due to the compact design of the E725, there are no output transformers built in; this means that you really do need balanced inputs on your desk or recorder, otherwise the power will get shorted out and you will hear nothing at all. In practice, the E725 is invisible in operation, adding no distortion to the line, and since it does offer the full 48V there are no compromises in headroom when recording signals with high sound pressure levels.

The E725 is ideal for those with either a budget or small desk that comes with no phantom power of its own, but who would really appreciate the ability to power one or two condenser mics. Similarly, the power supplies of some desks that do provide the requisite 48V are not up to the job, producing hum problems if more than a couple of mics are used. Several upmarket cassette multitrackers from the likes of Tascam and Fostex, as well as the new Marantz PM D740, provide balanced mic inputs but no phantom power. An external mic supply solves all these problem. Lastly, location recordists who can be sure of on-site mains may want to simply use a pair of condenser mics and a DAT recorder equipped with balanced inputs — the compactness and robust construction of the E725 would really suit this application. If you foresee a lack of mains, then EMO do manufacture a single channel, battery powered phantom power unit (the E720 at £53.56) that does the job in those circumstances — clever circuit design means that you do in fact get a full 48V output from a single PP3 alkaline battery. For those in search of overkill, check out the mains powered, rack-mounting six-channel E730 at £252.57.

As with all of EMO's products, I have nothing but praise for the sophisticated design of such small packages and the excellent performance. At just over £100, the E725 may seem a little expensive, but there is little choice at anywhere near this price. Look at it as £53 a channel if you still need convincing. All in all, another fine performer from EMO offering useful facilities at an affordable price.

Further Information

EMO E725 Phantom Power Supply £106.53 inc VAT.

EMO Systems Ltd, (Contact Details).