Is there a way to connect a pair of studio monitors to PC without using an audio interface? In this article, you will learn the do's and dont's to connecting an interface with an analog mixer. Hello, I am looking to connect a pair of JBL 305P studio monitors directly to the new Retina MacBook Air. Volume on the interface can be turned to 100% without threatening my ears. A: In order to connect your StudioLive to your PC, you'll need a PC with a FireWire card or built-in FireWire port. With wired units, you're going to need a headphone mixer to convert the line level outputs of the monitor console to headphone level for your in-ear monitors. i just got yesterday my Focusrite Scarlet 2i2. With wireless units, you'll connect the output of your monitor console to the input on the wireless transmitter. By doing so, you can set the cut-off frequency for the satellites separately. Pro Tools won’t recognize my interface! I have Audio and Video from my Computer routed to my Big Screen TV via my Computer Video Adapter and an HDMI Connection. USB Hubs. I hope it will sound equally nice! Hello. Now that you have your computer communicating with your interface in general, you're halfway done. You should buy good quality headphone extension cables'"don't cheap out here! Read the specs of your interface and monitors and it should help you figure that part out. You will be better off with decent monitor speakers than with an audio interface, as your first purchase. Having a studio monitor positioning setup like this puts you in the “sweet-spot” for hearing everything perfectly. 100 – 115 Hz). If you choose to connect your personal computer to your monitor through a Display Port or HDMI, you would not need an audio connection. The only difference between connecting monitor speakers to that of connecting standalone speakers is the type of connection. It takes the input signal on the interface’s inputs and sends it … Helpful Links. The first step is to set the input level of your source. These monitors are very similar and use a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort, or USB-C connector to connect to the computer. Again, these same steps can be used for any Studio-series interface. If your interface doesn’t have a power connection, simply connect the interface directly to your computer via USB which will provide power. How do I connect my studio monitors? Choosing and setting up studio monitors is, of course, one of the most important aspects of designing a good recording/mixing space. Do I need Focusrite Control? Applies to all Audio Interfaces. Basically keep in mind that studio monitors are not like regular computer speakers. This is would be the scenario where you only have midi inputs and outputs from your keyboard, but you have no midi inputs/outputs on your audio interface. Also check the system requirements. They don't plug in the same way. Connection-wise, budget studio monitors are generally hooked up to your device via USB, XLR, or by shielded ¼” jack cables – the shielding helps reduce the hum from nearby electrical equipment or lights. It is also tricky to connect most monitor speakers directly to a computer or laptop, so if you don’t already have an audio interface, you might find it difficult to get connected at all. Enough yadayada, here's my question: I have now the Scarlet 2i2, but i still don't have any studio monitors (i have some oldish Creative FPS1500 computer speakers). For now I am just trying to Learn how use the Software and begin Mixing Music. In order to connect the Scarlett interface to your computer, its driver software must first be installed. If your audio interface comes without monitor outputs and a volume knob, you have to get an external monitor controller at additional cost. Pro Tip: Connect big devices like your interface, keyboards, hard drives, etc. To answer your question, yes I personally think your suffering a large compromise in quality by … I started with the audio interface. Navigate to Protools, Setup menu and click I/O. First, why would we want to be The keystone of a studio containing outboard gear is undoubtedly the audio interface. I know mine are XLR > TRS with the XLR end going to the monitor and the TRS going into the "monitor" jacks on my interface. I have my JBL LSR 308 studio monitors set up on a switch and can use them with my PC if I wanted to (I have only tested with them and the PC and find my 2.1 PC speaker system is really all I need). So i will try to buy things little by little. Now, this might be kind of hard to do if you don’t have dedicated stands. Thank you. If you’d rather find speakers that emit the filtered audio that you are used to hearing, computer … My Studio Speakers. How to connect a monitor. The more common route is powered studio monitors, and most of the studio monitors that you will see on most of the major online stores will be powered monitors. I was looking to use a cable like this to connect the speakers to the stereo port of the laptop: The rest of this section will provide a step-by-step tutorial on dialing in a monitor mix using a Studio 192 or Studio 192 Mobile. The next step is to set your digital audio workstation (DAW) up to use your interface. A lot of producers just put their monitors on their desks. VGA and DVI are older connections, whereas HDMI, DisplayPort, and especially USB-C are newer. Make sure your audio interface comes with a digital port (such as USB) that is compatible with your computer. Regardless of the type of signal processor or recording system you’re using, you have the option of connecting your processor directly into the channel strip (called a line effect or insert effect) or routing it through your aux […] If you are planning on composing but not recording live audio, I think the advice everybody else gave you is correct. And opinions vary dramatically regarding which ones sound the best. Audio interfaces have the ability to convert and process audio signals at a much faster rate than a typical computer. Studio monitors are mostly active, which means they employ their own amplification, and require a power source to do this. Find a DAC and a monitor controller if you don't have any need for an interface. For an effects processor to work on your sound source, you need to connect the processor properly. I recently tried a set of Sennheiser HD-650s using the headphone output of a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface and completely agree. If the monitors you’re looking at don’t have XLR inputs, but for some reason that’s the only available output type on your interface or console, it’s time to make another choice. But I've used the "PreSonus Eris E4.5 Powered Studio Monitors" for over three years, and they're still sounding great. PreSonus Eris Studio Monitors. We often hear from musicians and recording engineers who need to boost listening volume of their headphones. For the example below I'll be using Logic Pro X, but the steps will be nearly the same for Pro Tools, Garage Band, FL Studio, Ableton, etc. They’re fairly cheap and work great. Connecting MIDI Keyboard to Computer through MIDI HUB There is another option for connecting your midi keyboard to the computer. But seriously though, get some monitor stands like these. Your going to want a volume knob other than the macbook at the very least. Tech Tip: How to set your Pro Tools Playback Engine. I was just wondering if I could use this setup to play around with the AudioBox and Studio One till I acquire Headphones and Monitor Speakers. Presonus Audio does properly support the use of the approved Apple Thunderbolt to firewire adapters on PC and Mac systems: An audio interface bypasses your computer system’s audio device, connecting your instruments, microphones, studio headphones, and monitors to your DAW directly. My 3.5mm jack on the PC doesn't work so is there a way to connect the monitors through one USB port or optical input on PC? Between your main monitors, a pair of minimonitors, and a studio-quality pair of headphones (such as the Sony MDR-7509 or Ultrasone Proline 750), you can construct a clear picture of how your mix will sound in the real world without ever leaving your studio. Pro Tools Troubleshooting Guide USB to Firewire, (e)SATA, or other methods of connecting devices do not work correctly. I've owned a lot of studio speakers over the years. The above interfaces allow you to directly monitor the signal you’re recording using the Direct Monitor switch. This procedure will set Pro Tools I/O to correspond with the Audio Device or Interface selected in Pro Tools Setup > Playback Engine at the time. It looks beautiful! It converts analog signal to digital signal and vice versa, meaning you require an audio interface to connect analog equipment to your computer. Find the monitor's connector cable. It’s crucial to match the inputs on the studio monitors you’re selecting with the outputs available on your audio interface. Direct monitoring allows a user to listen to the input signal of the interface with near-zero latency. Connecting Analog Mixer to Audio Interface Knowing how connecting an analog mixer to an audio interface is very important to a recording studio or home recording studio! That’s what the volume knob on your audio interface is for. If you opt for active monitors, they usually offer jack, XLR, phono, digital and/or USB connections, which are designed to be hooked up directly to your audio interface or computer. Make sure you first select your Interface in Playback Engine. It … When i use a phone or other device with the speakers there is no static. Should you decide to go for a higher cut-off frequency, it might be good to connect the subwoofer and the satellites individually to your audio interface. If your interface has balanced outputs, opt for your monitors’ balanced XLR or jack input to reduce noise. directly to the computer, but use the hub for smaller stuff like your computer’s mouse and keyboard. Once installed, launch the Focusrite Control app to configure the Scarlett’s settings and create custom monitor or headphone mixes. With smaller speakers / studio monitors, higher cut-off frequencies might be advisable (appr. Connecting to a USB hub may not provide enough power for your Behringer interface, especially with passive hubs, that don’t use a power adapter. Step 1: Gain Staging. The Fat Channel processing, however, is unique to these products. I have 2 Fostex PM0.5 speakers on my desk which when connected to my computer make a constant static sound. Larger studios may actually need to use multiple audio interfaces depending on how much outboard gear they have. 2i2 and Solo interfaces are class compliant on Mac computers. Configure the Scarlett interface to connect analog equipment to your computer of connecting speakers. Outputs available on your sound source, you can set the input level of your interface over years! That you have to get an external monitor controller at additional cost do not work correctly than with an mixer... Everything perfectly, yes i personally think your suffering a large compromise in by... 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