Can two XLR microphone cables be connected together, (Male to Female) to make a longer cable?

Question

I know it is possible to connect two mic cables together, but will it effect the balanced properties or signal quality/strength?

Answer 1

It will NOT effect the quality of the signal or the balanced properties of the cable by any detectable amount. You can run balanced lines for hundreds of feet with little or no loss in quality.

It is better to use one cable of the apropriate length if possible though because if you use an extension cable, you are adding one more set of connectors to the cable.  It just takes away a bit of reliability.

Answer 2

Yes.  Any extension to a cable will adversely affect signal quality and strength, even if it were a digital connection.