Good point Matt. I should have (clarified in my case) from my desk top or lap top systems, for that matter, I use Firewire to connect to either my Edirol or Presonus units. Plus, the units are in an environment (within a rack roll-around case), that don't expose any cables other than a power cable and heavy duty signal cables to the exterior of the case. In addition to the audio (TRS/XLR) distribution, they all go through a patch panel (studio or mobile).

If someone really does need to use the mini-jack audio out from a lap top, then I recommend they use a cable with a mini-jack on one end and TRS, XLR or ? at the other. And, tape/secure the mini-jack at the laptop to help prevent it coming loose. Mini-plug adapters (e.g, non-cable), in my opinion put too much strain on an already fragile laptop connector.

Richard