LED Test Circuit

Before we start to mount anything, we are going to make a test circuit to ensure everything works. Phantom Power is no joke and 48vDC is enough to instantly kill your LED's in a split second.

Below is the schematic diagram that outlines the circuit, We are connected all eight LED's in series and using four resistors to get a total working voltage of about 1.8v & a current draw of just under 30ma. Phantom power does not offer much current at all, however with the resistor network in the diagram we can safely draw a stable 30ma of current from phantom power without damaging most modern mixers or phantom power boxes.

Note: depending on the spec of the LED's you're using you may have to calculate different resistor values, however for a 30ma current draw and a forward voltage of roughly 1.8 volts the resistor network in the diagram below will work as long as you have eight LED's and you stick to the schematic.

Below is a test circuit, no matter how ghetto your test circuit is we want to ensure it works correctly. The main issue we are looking for is how much heat the resistors will dissipate, my circuit only raised 1 degree Celsius from room temperature after running for more than two hours strait and to the touch there was no noticeable difference in temperature.

Click on Each Image for a Lager View

The circuit is designed for the LED’s to be connected in ‘series’ & for good reason. With the small current, we can draw from phantom power we need to keep the current drain requirements to a minimum. Connecting LED’s in series allows for the same current that one LED would require lighting all eight up whilst dividing the supply voltage each LED.

If you plan to connect the LED’s in parallel, Do Not do this as each of the eight LED’s will draw there set current individually. Therefore, if we have eight LED’s in parallel each taking 30ma of current the total amount of current drawn would be 240ma, which is excessively much for your phantom power to handle and could damage your phantom power supply. The only advantage of connecting LED’s in parallel is that the supply voltage is not divided between each LED, so each light will receive the same supply voltage

note: we take no responsibility for you damaging your microphone in any way shape for form! Mod at your own risk!