Rodman - I agree that the only purpose of the balanced cables is to reduce EMI. Capacitance, inductance, dielectric absorbtion, purity of metal etc. still play important role.
There is one more purpose for the balanced cable - to protect "hot" signal wire. Connectors are locking and exposed end is "female" to prevent touching pin. It would be a disaster if signal wire would come in contact with someting on few kW PA system.
Microphone cables might be long and generic quality at the concerts but not in the studio. Many of CDs provide information on recorder, microphones and cables used in the recording.
There is one more purpose for the balanced cable - to protect "hot" signal wire. Connectors are locking and exposed end is "female" to prevent touching pin. It would be a disaster if signal wire would come in contact with someting on few kW PA system.
Microphone cables might be long and generic quality at the concerts but not in the studio. Many of CDs provide information on recorder, microphones and cables used in the recording.