• vzi
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  • Registered: 2018-12-09
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Topic: Fireface UCX: can PhantomPower on outputs cause damage?

Hey me again, i have another important question that never really got properly answered:

the outputs on the Fireface UCX (and on the FF400) are balanced outputs. OK
But if i would use an balanced Jack to an XLR to send my signal to the FOH, could PhantomPower ( switched on on a Mixing Desk) damage the interface/s?

cause at the moment i use 3 palmer 4ch di-boxes to send all my tracks to the mixer but in fact this would not be needed at all?
this would save me lots of rackspace and weight! and i could fit all 12 outputs on 1he!

Half a year ago i had a phonecall with RME CustomerSupport about this topic but unfortunately he couldn´t guarantee me to not damage the interface. infact he didn´t know it, so thats why i wanted to proof it here once again.

Thank you very much in advance!

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • Registered: 2007-04-06
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Re: Fireface UCX: can PhantomPower on outputs cause damage?

+48V phantom power fed to the outputs will not destroy the chips, but cause a slow death of the line output capacitors. So using a DI box that removes the phantom power is the proper way to go.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • vzi
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  • Registered: 2018-12-09
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Re: Fireface UCX: can PhantomPower on outputs cause damage?

Thanks for the very clear answer!