Cable length limit for mixer out --> Mbox ?

[N. Kentucky Bass]

My music studio is in a different room from my new media center PC, which includes Pro Tools and Mbox2. I'm in the midst of rewiring the whole house for various audio requirements and wondered if anyone could advise me on this point.

My Mackie 808S powered mixer out jacks are quarter inch phone jacks that produce an unbalanced line-level signal.

The Mbox2 has 3 inputs, and I suspect this connection should use the line-level quarter inch phone jacks.

I presume the cable should be balanced and shielded, and include TRS plugs on both ends.

What kind of signal degradation will I experience using a pair of 100 foot cables to make this connection? Will I have to boost the signal on the mixer out? Would it be better to use XLR connecters on the Mbox side? Would using phantom power on these XLR line inputs help improve the signal?

Just wondering if the proposed wiring scheme is a pipe dream -- but I am hoping it will work! Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[seamonkey]

You might be able to get by with adding a xformer on the Mackie side
http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=MTM65&CID=ACS
Use a balanced mic chord and run into balanced mic input on the Mbox. Or if the Mbox has a 1/4 balanced a trs on this end would work, if it doesn't have trs, the matching xformer would work:
http://www.carvin.com/products/single.php?ItemNumber=MTF60&CID=ACS

Assuming the line levels don't overpower the transformers.
100ft is no problem for a balanced line, even at mic levels.
Phantom power won't make a difference.

Here's an article on matching balanced to unbalanced, it could pay off if you're handy with a soldering iron.
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And hey - put in conduit so you can pull in and out wires as technology changes.