A few noob questions...

[xgarmothx]

As you can see from my first thread, I'm relatively new to this, and am only now building a small home studio. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to by poking around.

1.) What exactly does "balanced" cable do/what's the difference between unbalanced?/when is it supposed to be used?

2.) Going from a preamp to my computer's sound card interface, should I use instrument cable or speaker cable?

3.) What is your experience with the Behringer Mic200 Ultra Gain preamp? ( guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_behringer_mic200_tube_ultra_gain_preamp?full_sku=182491 ). I'm thinking of getting one to go with my AKG Perception 200 Condenser mic. I'd like to color the signal as little as possible, but I obviously need something to power the mic.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

[Nick98338]

1. Without getting too technical... a "balanced" cable helps reduce any unwanted noise.

2. Use the instrument cable. Most instrument cables have some shielding. Speaker cables usually have no shielding, at all. Shielding is always a good idea. Helps reduce noise.

[xgarmothx]

Thanks a lot, I figured as much with the instrument cable, but wanted to be certain.