3 questions from a newbie

[geoffemm]

I’m currently feeling my way through putting together a home studio and there are lots of things I’m not clear about. My three main ones at this point in time are:
Is it that any equipment – mics, instruments, harmonises etc – that have XLR outputs, don’t require DI boxes and plug straight into your pre-amps, mixers etc?
Which cable can be used generically for balanced connections between equipment?
What is the difference between line signal and mic signal?

 

[mjbphotos]

Your questions would have been better posted in the Newbies section than in the studio-building section - a mod will probably move it.

XLR is a balanced connector. DI requirements would be based on what the device is putting out. You need a DI box to convert an unbalanced signal to balanced.
There's no 'generic' balanced cable. Your equipment is going to designate whether you use XLR or TRS.
Line signal - higher voltage than a mic signal (which requires a preamp to boost the voltage).

 

[geoffemm]

Thanks for the advise mike and the advice!

 

[Chili]

Your questions would have been better posted in the Newbies section than in the studio-building section - a mod will probably move it..

Yup, we can move it.

Thanks for pointing that out Mike!!

Moved to Newbies.