Nice. Makes sense. ThxRather than the aux out, use a usb interface: https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/186149-peavey-usb-p-usb-playback-device-for-computer-audio-output.
Using either a DI box, or a "PC" USB type DI box you may still experience a ground loop between your console and the laptop when running a balanced XLR line, depending on whether there's a difference in AC ground potential. The obvious solution is to use the ground lift button in that case but if you can find a way to run an AC extension cord out to the computer you might be able to solve it that way too.
EVERY Dell laptop has a 3 prong AC cord, and many aftermarket laptop replacement PSUs have them, too. They can hum like a mofo.When was the last time you used a laptop with a grounded (or even polarized) AC power supply? It seems to me it's hard to have a ground loop with no ground line to loop through. Laptop power supplies can be pretty noisy (electrically) in their own right, though, so I don't at all disagree with the several real advantages of using a good outboard DAC of some sort.
Most of us think that way up here North of Donnie's walls. ( Go NANCY!!! You go girl!! )I use a Radial USB Pro. It's a bit more expensive at $229 but here's what I like about it:
1). Adjustable output level on the box. Sometimes this is helpful if I fire off the wrong cue accidentally I can quickly turn down the volume on the box while I get to the right one.
2). Headphones output jack on the box
3). Solid USB driver performance (I have used the Peavey box too and had occasional issues with the USB driver on some computers)
4). Good quality D/A converters 24 bit 96kHz (won't make much of a difference for 16 bit material or MP3 tho..)
5). Mono sum button
6). Ground lift button
Using either a DI box, or a "PC" USB type DI box you may still experience a ground loop between your console and the laptop when running a balanced XLR line, depending on whether there's a difference in AC ground potential. The obvious solution is to use the ground lift button in that case but if you can find a way to run an AC extension cord out to the computer you might be able to solve it that way too.
All of the Radial stuff is built like a brick excrement house and more often than not they put excellent components into their gear.
On some older MacBooks, using the extension to the white brick caused audio noise because it was grounded. So we always used the ducks foot and plugged directly into the outlet.When was the last time you used a laptop with a grounded (or even polarized) AC power supply? It seems to me it's hard to have a ground loop with no ground line to loop through. Laptop power supplies can be pretty noisy (electrically) in their own right, though, so I don't at all disagree with the several real advantages of using a good outboard DAC of some sort.
I need to have my music director on front row with laptop controlling accompaniment track. Need to get that signal to board 80 ft away. Audio is mixed stereo so I need 2 channels. I can use 2 orch pit mic inputs, but how to convert aux out of laptop to that? Help.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.