How do i connect a condenser mic to a amplifier to a recording device?

i just bought a XLR (female ) trs cable regular and i can't seem to hear audio come out of it. My fostex vf160ex hard disc recorder only allows for 2 microphone inputs. so i bought an adaptable cable so i could connect my condenser mic to the remaining quarter inch mic slots ( 'know guitar cable inputs) . problem is, with or without the phantom power on, i am not hearing a signal . I even tried connecting to an amp first and still no luck. please help, any info would be greatly appreciated.