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Using a Mac as a musical instrument

Hey AshtrayHey Ashtray Registered User regular
edited June 2009 in Help / Advice Forum
Hey. I have a white Macbook, and I run Reason on it controlled by a USB controller.

I don't know a ton about the world of amps. What do I need to make the laptop ready to be used in a sound system? Is the headphone jack all I'd need and get a mini to quarter inch/XLR adapter, or I do need a special outboard sound card or DI or what.

Thanks. Latency isn't an issue, so if it's possible to not have to buy anything else this would be great.

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Hey Ashtray on

Posts

  • CrystalMethodistCrystalMethodist Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    It depends what you're trying to power. Basically, your computer outputs a signal that's strong enough to drive really small devices like headphones, but anything larger and it's going to crap out.

    First, figure out what you're plugging into. If it's a powered speaker or an amp, you're set and can just buy a converter at Radioshack to plug into your 1/8th inch headphone jack. If not, you'll need to buy an amp and plug into that.

    CrystalMethodist on
  • Typhoid MannyTyphoid Manny Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    you definitely want to get an audio interface; the stock soundcard on your laptop wasn't really designed to do what you want to do with it.

    the good news is that a decent one can be had for cheap

    Typhoid Manny on
    from each according to his ability, to each according to his need
    hitting hot metal with hammers
  • flatlinegraphicsflatlinegraphics Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    does the macbook have a line out? then that can be plugged right into an amplifier. headphone jack only? well, yes and no. 1/8" mini jack to rca or 1/4 inch should be fine to plug into anything. make sure your volume is about 3/4 to full, and the gain on the amp/board is all the way down. increase the gain until you start clipping. then pull back a bit.

    will this be the absolute best sound? no. but its cheap, people do it every day, and it costs approximately $5 for a cable and adapter. i've done it.

    if audio quality is a concern (and reall, if this is for live performance, don't bother. no one will notice after beeing run through the house PA), then an outboard usb->audio device may be worth it. but not the behringer one. in any situation, it is easier and less aggrivating to take the money you would spend on behringer stuff and just burn it. it may work fine for you, but they have a habit of crapping out in the middle of a performance, no matter what. plus, they are built with shit parts, sound shitty, look shitty, and are in no way better than a $5 mini stereo phono jack to 1/4inch or rca. either buy something worth owning and using, or don't. don't skimp out and buy behringer. you will regret it.

    alternately, find yourself aformentioned cable and a small mixing board. that way you can just roll in, the house guy can plug into the mixing board outs, and you control everything and there is happiness. plus you can hook in more stuff, like your glitch kit, and run a set of headphones to monitor everything.

    flatlinegraphics on
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Penny Arcade Forums› Help / Advice Forum