It seems these days - there are RCA outs...somewhere - on most consoles that tapers might commonly have access to.
Usually labelled something like Rec Out, Tape Out, or Line Out, and I have seen Matrix as well. (seems like the soundguys always tell us to avoid that one, I forget why)
I think these RCAs are generally the most reliable, albeit slightly less than optimal.(compared to balanced)
Even with RCA outs - You really need to use caution with bigger, more complex boards.
Once you have sub-groups in play, and the engineer bussing the signals around in various ways, you can really get screwed.
Beware this situation - get a board feed - in this case XLR L/R. House music is on, getting great levels on the recorder.
Band starts...NOTHING...no signal...and good luck getting a soundguy to make you his big worry in the first song of a show.
For a while, every time I saw a SoundCraft board - I knew I was about to be screwed.
So you need to learn to eye up the console, and quiz the sound guy quickly about the signal they are sending you.
Sometimes that can be the reminder to put you on the right sub out...or push the right switch/pan on the board.