XLR or 1/4"?

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Ex-Wookie
Member Since: Aug 29, 2003

Is there is noticeable difference between these two type of cords for use with preamps/compressors/DAW?

So if I ran an XLR from my mic into a mic pre, would it be best to run an XLR or 1/4" cable into my compressor then into my Korg D1600?

I am mainly asking because of my limited knowledge of rack mounts. I want to get a 10 space one for my gear but it doesn't look like they open on both sides. If this is true wouldn't it be better to use 1/4" cables and a patch bay? If they do open in the back and I am being stupid, it doesn't really matter, although if I ran a 1/4" into my Korg I could bypass the mic pre's in it. Anyone have any answers?

-Bennis

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Member
Since: Jan 08, 2003


Oct 05, 2003 01:15 pm

Longer leads mean more chance of interference. The biggest difference would be between balanced, and unbalanced. Balanced XLR will give you better performance (much less noise) than unbalanced 1/4".

That being said, most connections on rack gear have unbalanced 1/4" jacks with balanced XLR jacks, so using balanced 1/4" cables would be redundant.

Check you gear, and used balanced wherever you can, and the shortest signal path possible, and you are better off.

W.

Member
Since: Jan 08, 2003


Oct 05, 2003 01:22 pm

Oh yes, and I've never seen a rack that doesn't have rear access in some form. Be a cheap one if it doesn't!

W.

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