Anywhere that sold phantom powered mics would require you to know what
they were when buying, otherwise you might end up with one which didn't
work to your requirements.
I confess I'm ignorant about professional audio gear. I've always
thought of phantom power as a generic term, and it appears that many
people do likewise.
In fact the Wikipedia article recognises this:
=====================================================================
The low-current 3 to 5 V supply provided at the microphone jack of
some consumer equipment, such as portable recorders and computer sound
cards, is sometimes called "phantom power."
=====================================================================
I can see a parallel in the definition of USB standards:
http://www.usb.org/developers/packaging/:
=====================================================================
Because the USB 2.0 Specification encompasses all USB data transfer
speeds, low (1.5Mb/s), full (12Mb/s) and high (480Mb/s), it is
important that vendors clearly communicate the type of product on
packaging and in marketing and advertising materials. Inconsistent use
of terminology in combination with the existing general misconception
that USB 2.0 is synonymous with Hi-Speed USB ... creates confusion in
the marketplace.
=====================================================================
One would think that low, full, and high speed are loose, generic
terms, but in the USB context they have particular numbers associated
with them.
No - telephones are line powered. True phantom power was however first
used in the telephone industry for other purposes.
A telephone line is balanced - but if you apply an AVO to that line you'll
see the DC. Do the same to a balanced mic line with phantom power present
and you won't.
OK, I see now ...
http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/phantom-power/
- Franc Zabkar