XLR -> 1/8" microphone cable

[nkay]

I've got a USB M-Audio MobilePre coming that will be going into my laptop.

It has three types of inputs:
- XLR microphone input
- 1/8" stereo desktop microphone input
- 1/4" Instrument/line input (1/4” balanced)

Now, I have an old AKG dynamic mic, that came with an XLR -> 1/8" cable. Should I use this to plug into the Mobilepre, or should I get a regular XLR -> XLR cable?

Can someone explain the difference between using each type of input? Or why one is better than the other?

[TexRoadkill]

Get the XLR to XLR. If a mic has an XLR connector than that is the best way to use it.

The 1/8" mic jack is only for high impedance (usually cheezy) computer and radio shack type mics.

The 1/4" instrument/line is for hooking up mixers, preamps, keyboards and possibly guitars.