[LAU] OT: Phantom power and my acoustic guitar

[Gabriel M. Beddingfield]

Andrea Del Signore wrote:
> By the way I ever thought that since the guitar has two output plugs one
> XLR and one jack 1/4", the XLR one was balanced while the other
> unbalanced.

Yes, the XLR jack is balanced.  Phantom power on that jack should _not_ harm 
your gear.  It's called 'phantom' because it's transparent to devices that don't 
need/want it.  If you try to use phantom power through a normal instrument jack 
(without a direct box)... you will fry your gear -- and this is what Jorn was 
saying.  (**)

No, I don't think you need to inspect the circuitry on your guitar.

Note, however, that most mixing consoles are able to turn off phantom power on a 
per-channel basis.  On the mixing console I use, it's a discrete button at the 
top of each channel.

Most literature doesn't even mention phantom power unless (a) it _utilizes_ it 
or (b) it will damage the equipment.  I've never seen (b).

If you use a direct box between the mixer (w/phantom) and the instrument, you do 
not have to worry about phantom power.  Your gear will be safe as long as 
everything is working proper.

(**) - Caveat:  If the cable is damaged, it is possible for phantom power to 
damage your gear.  As Jorn said, phantom power utilizes all 3 wires in the mic 
cable.  If one of the wires is damaged, then your gear will be at risk.  This is 
also what Jorn was saying.  Viz. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_power

HTH,
Gabriel