the shorter the path the better the signal...

[theblue1]

Yes... for many forms of digital transmission shorter is definitely better. S/PDIF, lightpipe, FW, USB, they all have maximum practical, recommended length standards.

There was an "audiophile" magic-cable vendor (perhaps you know the type of outfit, they promise you can just about count the molecules in the air because of the enhanced signal capabilities of their x hundred/thousand dollar cables) who was promoting a "longer is better" theory that was the subject of MUCH derision and great fun at Dan Lavry's old ProSoundWeb form:

PSW Recording Forums: Dan Lavry => Why longer is generally better for an S/PDIF Digital Cable

[centurymantra]

Seems this is a general rule of thumb. The other day I was thinking about the notion of plugging a mic right into the XLR socket of a pre-amp. I thought about doing it just for kicks with a pre I use that has front input jacks that is located in a spot where it could actually work as a room mic. That would certiainly be a short signal path.