What Is Phantom Power - RODE Microphones M5 Instruction Manual

What is Phantom Power?

All condenser microphones require a power source to operate the
internal circuitry of the microphone.
Phantom power is a DC voltage, supplied to the microphone
through the XLR cable, providing the microphone circuit with the
power it requires to operate, without the need for an external
microphone power supply.
Most mixing desks, audio interfaces, and preamp units have a
phantom power switch inbuilt. If your equipment doesn't have a
phantom power supply, an external one can be purchased and
used in-line between the preamp and the M5. Be sure to check
that your phantom power supply is either P48 (48V DC) or P24 (24V
DC) to operate the correctly.