general question about inputs and outputs

[cyambor]

I was wondering what the differences are between an 1/8 jack, 1/4 jack and rca jacks as far as affecting sound quality when used as inputs on a sound card. I was also wondering what the difference is in using 1/4 outputs from a mixer as opposed to rca outs (as I used on my 4track) has on sound quality. Also, if you can bear with me, I currently have my mixer set up with dual 1/4 jacks going out to a single 1/8 microphone jack on my soundcard. Will this cause a degradation in sound quality as opposed to having a 1/8 line in or an rca line in? Out of all the possible scenarios, which would be ideal? Thanks a lot in advance for any answers, advice.

 

[drstawl]

IMHO there is no difference between good quality RCA connections and 1/4" connections
other than the # of plug/unplug cycles that are supported by each system. 1/4" is a lttle bit sturdier, but if you're careful this shouldn't matter all that much.
Those 1/8" plugs are spotty at best.
The two problems being disparities in the size of the plugs available that pass themselves off as "standard" 1/8" plugs and weak contact springs in the jack.