question about phantom power

[coreymaher]

i want to plug my electric guitar into a DI box using a ts cable, run it out with an xlr cable and plug it into my focusrite saffire 6 usb audio interface, which has built in phantom power. would running the signal through a DI box allow me to use phantom power with my electric guitar? because i know you cannot use phantom power with an unbalanced signal.

[Rmonik]

why would you need phantom power?

[coreymaher]

no idea actually..just wondering if it was possible/would still damge any equipment

[Rmonik]

Phantom power is only to use active microphones such as condenser microphones. Just turn the phantom power off and you'll be fine.

DO turn it off though, not every device withstands it.

[coreymaher]

okay thanks. but should i still use a DI box if i want to record using my electric guitar

[Kreepr]

Turn off, except when using condenser mics.

[Rmonik]

A DI is preferable if you want to balance your signal. Thus eliminating noise from long cables and such.