Recording with an MXR M-80 (direct box)

[Lefty Geek]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but it is not possible to search for the terms "MXR" or "M-80".

I have a MXR M-80 that I purchased as a distortion pedal, never for it's preamp/direct abilities. I now want to record some basic tracks on my computer and I am unsure about how to use pedal.

I plan on interface with my computer with a Tascam US-224. Do I need to use the direct output jack (microphone cable) or will the standard output (instrument cable) work as well? Are the levels the same? I don't own a microphone cable, so I cannot test out the levels.

[Lefty Geek]

Anyone?

I did get a mic cable, and a simple A/B test. Seems to me like the levels from both outputs are the same.

[mkrtu9]

I use a podxt into my interface and the 1/4" works fine. Of course there is no XLR in that unit. I used to have an MXR80 however I never used it for recording.