I have a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 2nd gen audio interface, which is powered through its USB bus. I have a AT2035 condenser mic attached to it, using the onboard phantom power capabilities. The interface occasionally malfunctions and makes static noises until I unplug it and plug it back in. I've since learned that it's probably Focusrite's shoddy drivers causing the issue.
For troubleshooting, I bought a used Rolls PB23 external Phantom Power supply. It didn't resolve the issue. However, I did notice that it was injecting high frequency noise (8-12kHz, well above the rest of the noise floor) that was just barely audible at my normal gain levels. The noise went away when I touched the metal case of the PB23 or the microphone, but not the Focusrite. This noise is not generated when I use the onboard phantom power on the Focusrite.
So two questions:
I've read that external power supplies like the above Rolls are generally inferior to the audio interface's source of phantom power, because the wall warts are a potential source of noise, and they are ungrounded. So what are these things actually useful for?
How is this thing supposed to be grounded? Through the XLR cable back to the audio interface? Is the audio interface grounded through the USB cable?
EDIT: To be clear, question #1 is mostly asking: what's the expected use case of these power supplies when most good mixers or audio interfaces have built-in phantom power? Is there ever a case where I should prefer something like the Rolls over what my audio interface has?
EDIT2: I tested the ground on my desktop; it is good. The desktop (grounded) and the RB23 (ungrounded) are the only things plugged into AC.
Do XLR cables function as grounds between devices? I tested with my multimeter and the casings at either end of the cable do not show continuity. (All three wires do, of course.)