newbie question re OneQ connection to interface

[dustspec]

Hello more knowledgable ones. OneQ is my first piece of outboard gear and I am fairly new to the whole recording side of things. My question is simple - when I connect the line out of the OneQ to my X-Station input which has Neutrik™ combined XLR and jack sockets, should I use XLR or Jack leads - and if Jack then should it be balanced or unbalanced?

Thanks

[dustspec]

Actually, I think my question is actually more general, more like - how should I best set up the XStation with the OneQ? thanks

[Alan Hyatt]

The oneQ can be used either XLR balanced or unbalanced. Same with the 1/4" jack, but when running unbalanced, you lose a good deal of level. So either one, but I suggest balanced.

[dustspec]

Thanks for that Alan,
I was actually having second thoughts about the oneQ since I don't want to lose any of the benefits of the improved mic pres and compression through loosing levels and having mis-matched ports. I'll try it out with the balanced leads and see how I go.

cheers

[ryguy]

I hope no one minds if I hijack the thread for just a quick moment to ask what balanced and unbalanced line means? I've read it a few times here and have never really come across it in other reading I've done. Just thought that it might be a good thing to know.

[Alan Hyatt]

Rather than do my lengthy explanation on the differences, there is so much on this available that I decided to post a link for you. It would take me 15 minutes or more to type out pretty much the same thing these sites offer.

Click Here (http://www.balanced.com/faq/balanced.html)