Arrakis ARC-48V 48VDC Phantom Power Supply (Option)

A 48 Volt Phantom Power Option For Every ARC Console The Arrakis ARC-48V is an optional phantom power supply designed to work across the entire ARC console lineup, including the ARC-5, ARC-8, ARC-10, and ARC-15 series. It exists specifically to solve one problem, giving stations a way to run condenser microphones on consoles that don't include phantom power as a standard built-in feature. Rather than requiring a different console model or an external mixer just to accommodate a condenser mic, this accessory adds that capability directly to an existing ARC board. It's a small, purpose-built add-on rather than a general power supply, so it installs cleanly without altering how the rest of the console operates. For stations that already own an ARC console and later decide to add a condenser mic to their setup, this is the straightforward path to making that mic actually usable. It's also a common addition for stations setting up a new studio from scratch, since the choice of microphone type often gets decided after the console itself has already been selected. Why Condenser Microphones Need Phantom Power In The First Place Condenser microphones rely on an internal capacitor design that requires external power to operate, unlike dynamic microphones which generate their own signal without any power supply at all. The standard used across the broadcast and audio production industry for this is 48 volts DC, commonly written as 48V phantom power, which is exactly what this accessory supplies. Without that power reaching the microphone, a condenser mic simply won't function, no matter how well it's wired into the console. This matters for stations because condenser mics are often chosen specifically for their detailed, sensitive pickup and are common in voiceover work, podcasting, and studio narration where capturing subtle vocal detail matters. Dynamic microphones, by contrast, are more common on live on-air boards because they handle loud sound sources and don't need this extra power, which is part of why phantom power isn't built into every console by default. The ARC-48V exists to bridge that gap for stations that want the option to use either microphone type on the same board. Straightforward Compatibility Across The ARC Console Family Because the ARC-48V is designed to work with the ARC-5, ARC-8, ARC-10, and ARC-15 console families, a station doesn't need to track down a model-specific power accessory for whichever board they own. This shared compatibility also makes it a practical option for station groups running different ARC console sizes across multiple studios, since one type of phantom power supply covers the whole console lineup. It's built as a genuine option rather than a mandatory purchase, meaning stations running exclusively dynamic microphones can skip it entirely without missing out on any other console functionality. For stations that are unsure whether they'll need it, the safer approach is confirming microphone type first, since only condenser mics actually require this addition to function. Sales and support staff at Arrakis routinely flag this exact question during the console buying process, specifically asking whether a customer plans to use condenser mics before recommending the ARC-48V as an add-on. Simple Integration Without Disrupting Existing Console Setup The ARC-48V is designed as an add-on option rather than a component requiring a full console teardown or rewiring job to install. This keeps the process straightforward for stations adding it after the fact, rather than only being available as a factory-installed option at time of console purchase. Because it's built specifically for the ARC series, it integrates with the existing mic channel wiring rather than requiring a separate power injection point or external box sitting outside the console. This kind of targeted, single-purpose design is consistent with how Arrakis builds most of its console accessories, favoring simple add-ons over broad multi-function boxes that try to solve several problems at once. For a station technician, that translates into a quick installation process rather than a lengthy setup project. The result is a console that gains condenser mic support without any meaningful change to how staff interact with the board day to day. Practical Value For Studios Expanding Their Microphone Options Adding the ARC-48V effectively future-proofs an existing ARC console against changing microphone needs, since a station isn't locked into dynamic mics simply because of how the board was originally configured. This is useful for stations that record voiceover work, produce podcasts alongside live broadcast, or bring in guest talent who may prefer a specific condenser mic for recording sessions. It also gives a station flexibility to make microphone purchasing decisions independently from console purchasing decisions, since the phantom power requirement can be addressed separately whenever a condenser mic actually gets added to the studio. For stations budgeting a build-out, this keeps the base console cost lower for those who don't yet need phantom power, while still leaving the door open to add it later without replacing any existing equipment. It's a low-cost way to expand a studio's microphone capability without introducing new complexity into the signal chain.