Applies to all USB interfaces
By default, all interfaces will disable 48V (phantom power) upon turning the device off.
This is a safety feature we included to help prevent accidental damage to older ribbon microphones, which can be damaged when phantom power is applied to them.
Many modern microphones are not affected by 48V, however, if you are concerned or not sure; please consult that microphone's user guide or manufacturer. When using ribbon microphones, we still recommend leaving this setting disabled to protect against any accidental damage.
Some interfaces feature an option for Retain 48V, which retains the phantom power setting, when the device restarts. See below for a list of supported devices, and how to enable this.
Focusrite Control 2
Supported on:
- ISA C8X
- Scarlett 4th Generation 16i16, 18i16 and 18i20
- Scarlett 3rd Generation
To enable Retain 48V for your interface:
- Open Focusrite Control 2.
- Head to Settings > Device.
- Tick the box next to Remember 48V settings.
When the Retain 48V setting is ticked, the phantom power will retain the last used setting. For example, if the 48V button on the interface is set to On, it will remain on after restarting the interface, until manually disabled.
Focusrite Control
Supported on:
- Scarlett 3rd Generation
To enable Retain 48V for your interface:
- Open Focusrite Control.
- Expand the Settings tab.
- Under Retain 48V, click Enable.
When the Retain 48V setting is ticked, the phantom power will retain the last used setting. For example, if the 48V button on the interface is set to On, it will remain on after restarting the interface, until manually disabled.
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