non mic XLR inputs on 002 mixing surface?

[cosmicevan]

Hi all,

I recently upgraded my 002 Rack for a 002 control surface. As I'm reading through the manuals on operating the control surface, I noticed that the manual suggests only using mics with the XLR ins on the 002 because of the impedence settings. Much of the outboard gear that I have has balanced XLR outs. The sound from my outboard gear is better coming from the XLR outs than 1/4" outs (or so says my ears). Will using the balanced XLR outs of my gear to feed the 002 XLR ins damage the preamps or the 002 in any way? What is the full scoop on how impedence levels effect the sounds? Why is it recommended to use only mics on these ins?

Any and all help is appreciated!
Thanks!

[sonikbliss]

Microphones output a very low level signal, thus the need for a preamp.

The Preamp takes the mic level signal and boosts it to line level.

So since the only purpose of a preamp is to convert mic level to line level, it makes no sense to plug a line level signal into a mic pre.

The XLR inputs on the 002 are for the mic preamps.

[Shawn Simpson]

Maybe somebody else wants to jump in with a comprehensive explanation of impedance in the signal chain, but the way to accomplish what you're trying to do is to have some female XLR to TRS (balanced) cables made to connect to the TRS line level inputs of the 002. The previous poster is correct that the XLR inputs go directly to the mic pre's of the 002. Running line level signal into a pre will isn't a very wise idea as it will likely just distort terribly.