My current rig:
AT853 (SP) > SP BB (with Levels and Bass Rolloff) > AD20 > JB3
My understanding of the 3 wire BB advantage is that it increases the SPL that the 853's can handle, by increasing the power fed to the mics. It also results in a net decrease of gain that would feed the AD20 (some say -6db, some say more).
Since my BB has level controls, I usually attenuate the levels there slightly, so as not to overdrive the pre-amp in the AD20. I usually run the AD20 at either the minimum (+17db) setting, or the 9-10 o'clock setting.
Isn't this the same effect? I've never had a situation where the mics have brickwalled, even at a recent Billy Joel show where the sound (especially bass) was painfully loud.
With the current config, I also have the option of feeding the JB3 directly from the BB in louder shows, if I want to go superstealth. The 3 wire box (per Sanjay) necessitates using the mini-xlr inputs. I also lose the level control and the bass rolloff (I never use the rolloff anyway).
How is the 3 wire box an advantage to me?
TIA,
Scott