Can anyone tell me... say I have mic cable that is XLR on both ends (regular modern mic cable)... versus one that is XLR on one end to 1/4 inch other end... what is the difference in sonic quality, if any?

I ask because I bought Sonic Maximizer on MF Stupid Deal. I keep hearing people brag on these things, what the heck, I will try it. (For acoustic guitar / vocal show.) It only has 1/4", no XLR inputs.

Also, anyone have a tip on how to use this Sonic Maximizer without a rack box? I can buy an SKB box (2 slots) for $80 but heck, that's a lot for something I won't even know if I am going to keep it until I try it. It'll look goofy but I guess I'll just set it on my folding table.

Lastly, I typically have not been using a mixer, it has worked fine for me to just plug my mic in Channel 1 and guitar into Channel 2 on the mixer. Would be signal chaing be the following assuming I am going to use Fishman Soloamp? Guitar/mic into the A/B inputs on Sonic Maximizer and then coming out from A/B outputs (1/4") to the Fishman?

If I can believe MF reviews, this device is a winner.