Question

The Studio 192 manual states that inputs 3-8 are for line level devices.  But it seems to refer that connecting a 1/4 TRS  will disable the mic preamp.  My device has two options for outputting line level.  It has a balanced XLR output or an unbalanced 1/4 TS output.  Since these are line level outputs I would want the mic preamps to be disengaged if I plug these into inputs 3-8 on the back of the Studio 192.  Will plugging a line level 1/4 TS or a line level XLR into inputs 3-8 on the Studio 192 still bypass the mic preamp?

Answer 1

Yes.  The physical input connections are known as Duel Concentric connections.  This means that you can either plug an XLR plug or a 1/4 inch plug.  However the input gain will be different depending on which cable and plug you connect.  If you connect with XLR, you will get Microphone level gain.  If connecting 1/4 plug to input channels 1 and 2, you will get Instrument level gain to connect guitars directly.  You can still connect line level devices to input channels 1 and 2.  

Connecting 1/4 inch plug to input channels 3 thru 8, you get your Line Level gain.  Now, some devices, like yours, have "line level" outputs that are XLR connections.  So long as it says "line level", you can use an XLR to 1/4 plug.  It should work for most general intents and purposes.  However, the "impedances" of XLR Outputs may not be appropriate for a 1/4 inch Input.  Google around about "impedance matching".  This isn't important in most "casual" rigs and setups, but sooner or later you may run in to a situation where you have the odd device or two that impedance matching will be important to get a clean and or loud enough audio signal.