Need suggestions for integrating III in studio - which ins / outs?

[fractalz]

So I'm reading the manual trying to figure out the best way to integrate the III into the studio.

Per the manual, "Outputs 3 and 4 are at unity gain when set fully clockwise". This is great, except that output 3 & 4 are unbalanced.

I've been using I/O 1 & 2 for the balanced connections, but the outputs are decidedly not unity gain (lots of additional gain).

I have a few options and wanted to hear your suggestions:

1. use I/O 1 & 2 and manually calibrate for unity gain (all balanced)
2. use I/O 3 & 4 (pre-built for unity gain, balanced in, unbalanced out)
3. use Input 3 & 4 and Output 1 & 2 and manually calibrate (all balanced)

#2 If I use this one, should I use humbuster or normal TRS/XLR cables on the outputs (I have both)?

#3 seems goofy versus #1, but it has the advantage of the Outputs 1 & 2 going to the DAW whether I'm using the III for effects or plug in a guitar. So, minimizes the I/O required to do both.

 

[Rex]

I’d go with (2). Less futzing around. No real down side.

 

[Pettymusic]

As far as I know, the only time a balanced connections really helps is if you have a really long cable run and/or you need to snake your cable through areas that could impart emi/ interference. So, if it were me, I’d go with option 2.