Recording through an RCA out or balanced line out (aux)?

Question

I am using a Mackie mixer (i'm not sure of the model number). I'm wondering will you get a better result if you record using the RCA outs or a balanced line out (1/4") Those are my only two options for this particular project. I am recording to a plain old laptop

Answer 1

Actually some equipment does use 1/4 inch TRS phone plugs & jacks for balanced inputs and outputs.  I have a pair of Mackie 824 studio monitors that have these among other inputs.

However, if you are going into a PC line input, they are almost always unbalanced, so there is nothing to gain using the balanced outputs from the mixer.  If you are serious about high quality recording, think about a professional grade sound interface like the Creative EMU1820.  It does have balanced mic (XLR) and line level (1/4" TRS) inputs .