can I use my laptop speakers (external) with the standard audio-out jack plugged into the mixer? or do I need another set? sorry for the noob question.

I had the same question back in the day don't worry. Yes you can use your regular laptop speakers with your mixer (I use my logitecs). All you need is a red/white end rca plug coming from your master out on your mixer into the line in on your computer (1/8th inch). Then, using a 1/8 inch splitter, plug the speaker cord into the second input on the splitter adapter.


If that doesn't work, try forgoing the splitter and plug the cord from the master out of your mixer into the speaker symbol input on your laptop if it has it and plug your speaker cable into your headphone jack. I actually have it set up this way.

Edit: try the second one first.

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is there a way I can forgo the computer all together and connect the mixer directly to the laptop speakers? i plan on de-attaching my speakers to the laptop anyway and just use some headphones whenever I'm listening on the comp...so i guess the question is does the speaker cord plug directly into either the red or white RCA connection on the mixer?...although the splitter idea seems like a good option too...

Yes, you should be able to plug the computer speakers into your mixer, with the right adapter/cable rig.

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BTW it's not good to use a splitter to connect the outputs from 2 devices, such as computer and mixer, to a single input such as an amplifier or self-powered speakers. The 2 connected output circuits can damage each other. Although many people do this and get away with it.

Use a splitter only to take a single output and use it to drive 2 inputs.

I found this out from the tips section at a reputable audio place, I think it was the Rane website.
Oh, here, I found it again: http://www.rane.com/note109.html

Better to use plugs or a switch to keep the 2 output devices isolated from each other. Or build a little resistor network that can act like a passive mixer and safely combine the signals.

Last edited by tvmann on Aug-15-2006 at 05:00

quote:

Originally posted by cherrybarry is there a way I can forgo the computer all together and connect the mixer directly to the laptop speakers? i plan on de-attaching my speakers to the laptop anyway and just use some headphones whenever I'm listening on the comp...so i guess the question is does the speaker cord plug directly into either the red or white RCA connection on the mixer?...although the splitter idea seems like a good option too...

The only thing is for me, I've got these high watt Logitecs so when I tried to do that I was only getting power to one speaker, so running it through the computer lets the laptop act as an amp to fully power both speakers. So you can try it both ways and see which works better.

___________________
Click the link below to stream all of my mixes past and present. New mixes go up about once a month. Enjoy!

www.mixcloud.com/jluger

quote:

Yes, you should be able to plug the computer speakers into your mixer, with the right adapter/cable rig.

Would the current plug (lime green) coming from the speakers work, or would I need something to change that to RCA (red/white)?

quote:

The only thing is for me, I've got these high watt Logitecs so when I tried to do that I was only getting power to one speaker, so running it through the computer lets the laptop act as an amp to fully power both speakers. So you can try it both ways and see which works better.

does this damage your laptop in any way or simply drain the batteries (not an issue if plugged i think)?

I just wanna make sure I have everything needed when my stuff arrives without delays, etc that can be avoided.

ok so after doing some searching, the adapter I would need would be...

1/8 inch Stereo Female to 2 RCA Male Plugs?

And if I wanted to hook it up through my laptop, then I would use the above adapter (but Stereo Male) connected from the mixer to the audio-in of the comp while connecting the speaker plug into audio-out as usual?

quote:

Originally posted by cherrybarry ok so after doing some searching, the adapter I would need would be... 1/8 inch Stereo Female to 2 RCA Male Plugs? And if I wanted to hook it up through my laptop, then I would use the above adapter (but Stereo Male) connected from the mixer to the audio-in of the comp while connecting the speaker plug into audio-out as usual?

Haha, I believe so. I'm so bad with this shit. But yeah, that should do it.

___________________
Click the link below to stream all of my mixes past and present. New mixes go up about once a month. Enjoy!

www.mixcloud.com/jluger

quote:

Originally posted by cherrybarry ok so after doing some searching, the adapter I would need would be... 1/8 inch Stereo Female to 2 RCA Male Plugs? And if I wanted to hook it up through my laptop, then I would use the above adapter (but Stereo Male) connected from the mixer to the audio-in of the comp while connecting the speaker plug into audio-out as usual?

sounds right

setup 1:

speakers : male 1/8th inch -> female 1/8th inch : adapter : 2x rca male -> 2x RCA female : mixer

setup 2:

speakers : male 1/8th inch -> female 1/8th inch : laptop

laptop line in : female 1/8th inch <- male 1/8th inch : adapter : 2x rca male -> 2x RCA female : mixer

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