Re: Complete the DC circuit?
While pin-1 on the XLR inputs of a console are bonded to the board ground, it's possible it create a phantom voltage on the body of a condenser mic if you accidentally use a pin-1 lifted XLR cable. However the mic won't work. The 48 volts DC on phantom power is current limited, so not really dangerous. But it is really scary to a guitar player putting his lips up to it. I've also seen a bunch of import XLR cables that were simply wired wrong, so I could see how a miswired XLR could place the 48 volt DC on the body of a dynamic mic and it would still operate.
A really cheap gadget to keep in your pocket for gigs is a Fluke VoltAlert or Amprobe NCVT (Non Contact Voltage Tester) like this: VP-600SB
Even though these are rated for 90 to 1,000 volts, it will beep like crazy with as little as 40 volts if you hold it anywhere near a mixing board that's been energized by an ungrounded extension cord or even a RPBG (Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground) outlet. See No Shock Zone or Hot Skin RV proximity test full scale - YouTube for a video of me testing an electrified RV with a NCVT.
Email me directly if you have any questions at mike@noshockzone.org
