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→Phantom Power
Microphone inputs often feature a button to enable <u>phantom power</u>. This provides a +48V DC current through the 2 signal lines of the balanced cable connected to the microphone, essentially powering the microphone. While most dynamic and ribbon microphones do not require this, condenser microphones typically do. It can also be used to power active electronics on other types of devices. Since balanced connections operate on the voltage difference between the 2 signal lines, constant DC power in both lines should not have any effect on the signal itself. Toggling phantom power on/off should have no noticeable effect on a microphone that does not require it, hence the name ''phantom'' power.
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== Pad ==
{{Crumbs|blue|6
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Channels|Channels
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Buses|Buses
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Volume Faders|Faders
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Trim/Gain|Trim/Gain
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Phantom Power|Phantom Power
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Pad|Pad
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Mute|Mute
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Solo|Solo
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Balance/Pan|Balance/Pan
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Aux Send/Receive|Aux Send
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#EQ|EQ
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Compression/Limiting|Compression
|Mixing Boards/Consoles#Level Meters|Meters
}}
A <u>pad</u> button or switch is used to attenuate the signal level by a large amount as soon as it enters the mixing board, before hitting any pre-amp (for example -26 db). This is useful for high-volume signals, such as direct feeds from electric guitars with high-output humbucker pickups. The trim/gain knob may not provide enough range to attenuate the signal to the point where it will not clip, or this will help normalize the signal to a level, where it is easier to fine-tune the trim/gain knob to achieve the best [[Tone#Gain Staging|gain staging]].
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