Any point in using short XLR cables for recording?

[RaistMagus]

Hi, I'm recording my guitar amp through an SM58 to a Lexicon Alpha USB interface. The XLR cable I have (SM58 -> USB interface) is 10m long.

Is there any point in getting say a 2m long XLR cable to use only in recordings? Will there be any noticeable difference in sound quality, tone loss etc.?

[GigsbyBoyUK]

You wouldn't notice a difference, apart from having a tidier room.

[vjf1968]

XLR cables are balanced. A balanced electrical signal runs along three wires: a ground, a positive leg, and a negative leg. Both legs carry the same signal, but in opposite polarity to each other. Any noise picked up along the cable run will typically be common to both of the legs. Assuming the destination is balanced, the receiving device will "flip" one signal - putting the two signals back into polarity with each other. This causes the common noise to be out of phase with itself, thus being eliminated. This noise cancellation is called "Common Mode Rejection,” and is the reason balanced lines are generally best for long cable runs. XLR and TRS cables are used to transmit balanced audio from one balanced device to another.
-from Sweetwater.com

Short version, it won't make a bit of difference sound quality wise.

[TNO]

Quality of the cables makes a BIG difference tho.

[Sine Waver]

Size CAN make a difference to be fair so yeh id get a 2m one.
Good quality as well.

[SilentCityRob]

At those lengths, you're not going to hear any increase in quality for the same cable brand. Noise becomes an issue for very long cable runs.

There's always the option of making your own - much cheaper and the quality is just as good! Cut down your current 10m to 2m and 8m, buy a male and female XLR connector, solder the new connectors on. Won't take 2 minutes!

Here's a wiring diagram (number 1 is for XLR):

http://www.silent-city.co.uk/images/cableguide.gif

[jefrs]

I second the idea of putting a join in your 10m cable.

I would class the 10m cable as very long and even 5m as long. For small signals there will always be some loss in the resistance (& capacitance) of the cable. So shorter is better, even on a good balanced cable.

Will 2m be long enough? - I generally make such cables up at 3m (10-ft) to provide some wiggle room.