Template:S1 Pro Combo Inputs

S1 Pro Channels 1 and 2 have combo inputs that accept

• XLR (balanced mono)
  • Microphone or Line-Level inputs
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Ring-Sleeve connection (balanced mono)
  • Line-Level inputs
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Tip-Sleeve connection (unbalanced mono)
  • Line-Level inputs and instruments (e.g. guitars, keyboards, guitar processors, loopers)

When using a mixer should I use the XLR or 1/4 inch inputs?

When the S1 Pro Channel input lights hit red or you hear distortion, the signal is clipping and you've reached the maximum usable volume. With a mixer, if the XLR outputs are line-level and the 1/4 inch Tip-Ring-Sleeve outputs are line-level, it won't matter which type of cable you use. They'll both get the job done, although the volume control setting will be lower with the XLR connection. That doesn't indicate more headroom. The maximum usable volume is the same either way.

Background information: Input Gain

Channels 1 and 2

• XLR: -infinity to + 49 dB
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Balanced input (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): -infinity + 42 dB
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Unbalanced input (Tip-Sleeve): -infinity + 36 dB

Aux

• 1/8 inch (3.1 mm) Sterero (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): -infinity to + 17 dB

Recommended Connections

• XLR:
  • Microphones
  • Microphone-level signals
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Balanced input (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): Balanced line-level signals
  • T4S/T8S ToneMatch® Mixers or T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine
  • Third-party mixer line-level output
  • Another S1 Pro Line Output when daisy chaining S1 Pro systems
• 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) Unbalanced input (Tip-Sleeve): Instruments
  • Guitars
  • Keyboards
  • Guitar processors

Related: Balanced vs Unbalanced

Further Reading

• Line Level (Wikipedia)
• What’s the Difference Between Line and Mic Levels? (Shure.com)

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