OK i just got some new gear and am knew two recording , i have two quesitons if anyone can answer for me. I have a USB MOBILEPRE, that is connected to my computer and is always on, should i just leave it on with my pc, or do i need to unplug my usb connector after im done using it? I turn off monitors and stuff ect anyway. Also second quesiton is Phantom Power. I have my LINE 6 head into my usb port and it sounds better using phantom power. Does Phantom power cause any problems to use this way? Thanks let me now.

Disable phantom power when you are not using condenser microphones or mixers/DI's/devices that require phantom power, that's what they are really meant for. Not sure if it's healthy for your amp head, it's not designed to accept 48 volt phantom power the same way a condenser mic would.

It's a USB device so there should be no problem if you keep it plugged in all the time, just like a webcam or scanner, it doesn't matter.

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Yes, it's prob not healthy at all. I would disable the phantom power. Like Soreu said, only use phantom power for devices that specifically require that extra power. If turning off the phantom power doesn't get you a strong enough signal coming in, you may consider getting a direct injection box to help balance out those line level signals. I finally broke down and got an active one, and now I record going direct into my DI into my USB using phantom power. I get a clean and strong level signal going into my USB interface this way.

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By the way if you're buying a DI(it's pretty much necessary for direct recording with amps that don't have a DI out), I strongly suggest the passive Palmer PDI-09. Doesn't require batteries/phantom power at all, it's specifically designed for guitarists and has one of the best cabinet emulations out there, very useful for both recording without having to mic and live situations.

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