How to connect laptop to PA?

[Vegeta]

I'm just wondering what is the easiest way to play music on my laptop with 2 powered speakers.

is it as simple as connecting the laptop to a live sound mixer (Mackie 802-VLZ3)?
IPOD is the same, right?

Thanks in advance!

[windspeed36]

Yeah, if you want to play an iPod or laptop just use 3.5mm/1/8" to RCA 1/4" or XLR cable into the mixer. Then XLR out into the speakers

[Sween]

Yes that is the "easiest" way... but not the "best" way. Using a 3.5mm relies on using the laptop's internal integrated shitty soundcard. External soundcard is the way to go if you are doing professional sound.

[Vegeta]

Hi,

thanks for the replies.
I've read that the laptop sounds cards are weak and people do buy an external one.
and with that, do you think the sound is pretty solid?

and with an ipod, how does that sound? i mean, how would that different from a laptop...
because you don't need anything external with the ipod and some sound great.

thanks.

[STLRiverCity]

One trick to making anything with a headphone output (laptop, iPod, etc) sound better is to put the volume at 75%. If you have it at 100% it will overdrive a line input on a mixer.

Like Sween said, the best way on a laptop is to get a sound card. If you are using an iPod get a line out adapter for the 30-pin connector. Search for "iPod line out adapter" on Google and you will get a few options.

[Vegeta]

Thanks.

I'm just wondering what is the advantage of that 'ipod line out adapter' ?
it is still a 3.5mm jack


something like this?
http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Sendstation-PocketDock-Line-Out-Mini-USB-Adapter-for-iPod.jpg

[sss18734]

For your purposes, don't worry about the external card.

Headphone jack to RCA or 1/4" cable is all you need.

[STLRiverCity]

Thanks.

I'm just wondering what is the advantage of that 'ipod line out adapter' ?
it is still a 3.5mm jack


something like this?
http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Sendstation-PocketDock-Line-Out-Mini-USB-Adapter-for-iPod.jpg

That's what you need to give a proper line out.

[STLRiverCity]

I should add something. Just because the connector is the same doesn't mean the signal is. For instance a 3-pin XLR can be a line, mic, or DMX signal. A 1/4" jack can be a headphone, balanced line, or a send/return.

[Vegeta]

what are the some of the sound card brands?

like creative labs?

I'll look into it. Thanks!

[STLRiverCity]

I can't help with sound cards. I use a Denon MC6000 which is my controller and sound card all in one.

[A#1 DJ]

The Maya44 (http://www.esi-audio.com/products/maya44usb/) is a low latency card and works very very well
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/public/00ME2a3_vPHgCpRdXxcGvmpMz5Qx3hm6YJA0DwNhmzs41fV4Ff itgV3oIvCNNlKjCpN880bomZvi1LudGLk5m7l-kXWr6n4sOrIyUFG3q6bco_JTgwjb3aF1f1iVgEQ