quick question about connecting cables

[delah]

what is the best way to connect my audio buddy preamp to the input of my emu 0404? just use a regular guitar cable, (which is what i using now) or is that comprimising the sound of my recording? also, my mic cable is just a regular old 1/4 output. how much better is my sound going to be if i get a cable with an xlr output? i just bought an MXL 990 which is a huge upgrade to the mic i was using. but am i not going to get the full effect by using my current connecting cables and not upgrading to better stuff? there's been so much ive read about this topic that i get a bit confused about what is best, so im looking for advice to see what everyone out there thinks.

thanks!!

 

[AlexW]

You definitely want to use a balanced cable between your preamp and your soundcard. Get one with TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connectors on each end. As far as your mic cable goes, as long as it's a balanced 1/4-in connector (TRS) it shouldn't make much difference. If it's a manufactured XLR-to-1/4-in cable it's likely balanced so you shouldn't have a problem.