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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: mnr102 on November 18, 2006, 04:00:27 PM

Title: Samson H4 problem with phantom power - SOLVED
Post by: mnr102 on November 18, 2006, 04:00:27 PM

I just tried to turn on phantom power for the 1st time on my Samson unit.  (I didn't have any mics connected, but that shouldn't matter).  I had it configured for inputs from Inputs 1 & 2.  Following the simple directions in the manual, I attempted to turn on phantom power, and each attempt at doing so caused my unit to reboot itself.  I can't turn on phantom power at all.  I attached a dynamic mic to input 1, but that didn't change things at all.  Has anyone had this experience or a different result?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: Roving Sign on November 18, 2006, 04:07:06 PM

Possible weak batteries?

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: mnr102 on November 18, 2006, 05:48:27 PM

unfortunately, it's not a case of weak batteries.  They're brand new.

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: spyder9 on November 18, 2006, 07:46:05 PM

Are they rechargeables or alkalines?

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: mnr102 on November 19, 2006, 02:45:21 PM

Alkalines.

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: kskreider on November 19, 2006, 04:15:11 PM

Quote from: mnr102 on November 19, 2006, 02:45:21 PM

Alkalines.

Then I would try another set.  Sometimes Alks come dead out of the package.

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: spyder9 on November 20, 2006, 02:02:23 AM

I recommend rechargeables.  Duracell or Energizer.  2500 mah or higher.  You can get a 4 pack/charger kit for $20-$30 on eBay.  You'd be set.  And it should take care on the phantom issue.

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power
Post by: Will_S on November 20, 2006, 02:15:30 AM

Well, definitely try a new set of batteries but I've never experienced behavior like you describe.  Could be a defective unit so be sure to try a new set of batteries soon and if that doesn't fix things, return your unit for a new one while you still can!

Title: Re: Samson H4 problem with phantom power - SOLVED
Post by: mnr102 on November 20, 2006, 10:40:01 AM

Thanks to all responses.  Indeed it was insufficient battery power.  While the batteries were "new" (i.e. never used before), they were also about 3 years old.  There was enough juice to run the unit, but I guess when I tried to switch on phantom power, the batteries couldn't source enough current, so voltage dipped too low & the microprocessor rebooted from low voltage.  (I don't have data to prove that, but I'm pretty sure that's what was happening).

Thanks again to responders.