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Computer audio to mixer problems

jeffmoss26

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 1, 2002
Messages
2,267
I have a Mackie 406M Powered Mixer. What I am trying to do is connect a PC to an input of the mixer so I can play music from the computer on speakers throughout the my shop.The mixer has XLR and 1/4 inch connectors, and the integrated audio on the computer has 1/8 inch connectors. I made an XLR to 1/8 inch cable and connected it. I got poor audio quality with a good deal of noise. The sound card only has audio in, out, and mic. Do I need a different sound card to make this work right? Thanks in advance!
Jeff
 
Yea the analog output from most integrated solutions is pretty crappy but it should be just fine for ambiance in a shop.
What I am wondering about is why you used the XLR input instead of a 1/4" input to route a unbalanced signal to the mixer.

I made an XLR to 1/8 inch cable and connected it

The 1/8" plug you used is mono or stereo?
If it's stereo that would mean you split the signal to two XLR's right? ;)

What input on the mixer are you feeding the signal to?

The next question is why even make the XLR cable when all you had to was use the tape inputs?
Because they are summed?
 
go to your local music store... HOSA makes a 3.5mm to stereo 1/4 TS stereo connector....http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/333053/... basicly your computer puts out a line level signal... the XLR inputs in your board are at mic level which is actually a lower voltage signal... it will work but its not good for your sound card or your board.... also if phantom power is on it can cause major problems... get this cable and hook it up to either 2 seperate channels in your board or a stereo channel in your board... and props to you for getting mackie!... i have been using mackie products for recording and live theatre for years and have yet to have a serious problem with any of there stuff :cool:

edit: after looking up your amp i have worked with it before on many occasion... the farthest right channel is a stereo channel... so just patch your computer into that channel and you should be set... set the computer to about 50 to 75% output so you dont peak out that preamp and enjoy your tunes! oh and dont use the tape inputs, you dont really have any control over them , and thats a general rule for almost all boards
 
I was at work with my dad today and I talked to a sound installer. He told me that my problem was with the impedence and that I should try using the tape inputs. Thanks for the suggestions. I was using a stereo 1/8 connector to one XLR.
EDIT: Connected sound card to tape inputs on mixer, everything works!
 
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