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Long runs of unbalanced cable.

Hey i may have to run some 25-60ft runs of cable from an unbalanced source (cassette machine, reel to reel, Tascam m-30 mixer, record player) to the converter. The sources are on RCA type connections with 1/4" or XLR on the converter depending on what model i get. Im trying to transfer some tapes and records to digital, some personal, some commercial stuff.

Saffire Pro 40 - unbalanced inputs

I bought a refurbished Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 (with full manufacturer's warranty), and I'm running into a problem (maybe with my brain). Here goes:

When I insert an XLR cable into any of the 8 inputs, the signal is fine...and angels fly. However, when I insert an unbalanced 1/4" cable (either a mic cable or from a preamp), the signal is so low it's unusable.

Converting unbalanced to balanced signals.

I've been making music on synths, drum machines, bucketts and my computer for about 15 yrs now yet I've got no formal training. I realize that for long cable runs, it’s best to use balanced cables to reduce noise and grounding problems. What about cable runs (15 to 25 ft) to gear with unbalanced outputs like vintage synths?