What's the best cable for this application?

[SimonLyn]

Hi all, setting up a live rig and can't decide on the optimal cabling for this one scenario:

Mono Softsynth -> M-Audio MicroDac 24/192 USB DAC [3.5mm low or high impedance headphone outputs available] -> Mackie 1642 VLZ4 Mono XLR Input

If possible I'd like to the Onyx Pre available via the XLR input, it sounds great

Is this a job for a 3.5mm - XLR pseudo-balanced cable?

Thanks in advance!

Simon

[James Perrett]

I'd go for the line input on the Mackie - it will still go through the same preamp. So you will need a cable with a 3.5mm stereo connector to 2 TS jacks and only use one of the jacks if you just want mono.

If you really want to go through the XLR connector you will need something like a 30-40dB attenuatorin line with the signal - but as that's what the line input is feeding anyway you might as well use the attenuator built into the Mackie.

[SimonLyn]

Thanks for taking the time to reply James, much appreciated!