I record always LOUD heavy metal shows at small venues, so, the 3-wire bbox configuration would be the correct one to run under.. What do you think?
I'm running right now CMC-4 (sp miniplug end) - SP-SPSB1 - NJB3 line in.
Well there's loud and then there's LOUD. Despite using Cardioid elements in the clubs I record I like to get close to the stacks for the best sound, without earplugs i really would have difficulty standing there (Or at least suffering good going tinitus the next day).
In this case I think 3 wire means I don't overload the mics. So maybe for your requirements 3 wire would be good.
I know nothing about the JB3, but from other comments on 3 wire threads a cold signal to the JB3 may not be ideal. In my case at the minute I'm using an Archos AV4100 line-in this doesn't have a preamp and only allows a little adjustment of the gain so that without a doubt at a less loud gig (and I'm not talking acoustic) I'm sure the 3 wire will mean s/n ratio spoils the recording.
In essence I think if you're happy with your current recordings and aren't getting distortion due to levels >120db, then stick with what you've got. I certainly haven't found the mics tonal qualities to have changed much by using 3 wires BUT i know others say they have and as I say my ears are far from "golden".
If on the other hand you've overloaded your mics then maybe its the way forward.
Looking at your recent shows list Los Lobos don't really seem to fit with exclusively metal?