Edirol FA-101 XLR/TRS combo jack question

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Hi All,

I've just placed an order for the fine Great River ME-1NV http://www.greatriverelectronics.com/mp1.html mic preamp. I'm really looking forward to seeing what a great preamp will bring to the table in my project studio. The ME-1NV's pro connections are "XLR balanced." The firewire i/o box I use to record audio to my laptop is the Edirol FA101 http://www.edirol.com/products/info/fa101.html which has a pair of XLR/TRS combo jacks on its face. Can I use the ME-1NV as a front end to the FA-101, connecting the balanced XLR's into the multifunction combo jacks on the Edirol?

Sorry if I am missing the obvious here. I understand that an XLR mic input is not the same as a balanced XLR connection. However, these newfangled combo jacks seem to use the term "mic input" and "balanced XLR" interchangably.

 

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OK. I have been gathering more info on this question. I tracked down a diagram on Edirol where it shows the 3 pin layout as 1:gnd 2:hot 3:cold. (this is the same layout as in my O1v mixer) On the Great River spec sheet, they define "XLR pin 2 is hot." Based on these details, I am assuming that the connection can be made w/o any issues. Correct?

I am also picking up a RNP as I am slowly but surely moving my prosumer project studio to higher ground. The RNP has unbalanced i/o so will need to work with the Edirol's 1/4 inputs for now. Will a properly wired 1/4 to balanced XLR buy me either a cleaner signal or safer path for my audio?

Thanks much for any clarity you might offer!