|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
I’m helping a friend shop for a laptop for BIAB. And I don’t know much about laptops.
The intent is to have BIAB output go out of the lappy directly to the amplifier and speakers of a digital piano (Clavinova), no audio interface. We’ve done this using a desktop - all OK.
Now when I look at laptops in the store, from the cheapest to the grandest, it seems they all have only one audio output - a headphone jack. I know it is possible to run the headphone out of the computer to the Clavinova (Did that too. OK but volume seemed low). But I was expecting (hoping) to see other outputs like “line-out” , “audio-out”, etc. in the laptops.
So, my questions are -
1. Is there any downside to simply using the laptop’s headphone jack (I’m thinking output voltage, EQ, etc. of a headphone jack may be different than an “audio-out”)?
2. Do all laptops have only a headphone jack as and audio out or do some come with a more robust offering (like audio-out)?
3. Short of investing in a USB audio interface, what are some other options (headphone amplifier, ...)?
4. Any other recommendations or experiences?
Thanks.
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 |
I have a Toshiba lappy that I use for BiaB and RB. Before I got my Echo Indigo io card I used the lappys mic in and headphone out to a mixer without any problems. The mixer mains out to powered speakers. I know some people will disagree with me but I found the setup to work fine.
The volume control for the headphone out will work like a gain control to set the level to your amp.
Having said that I do admit the echo cards output is better. The signal to noise ration is far superior and for recording this makes a difference. However, if it's for live play I bet no one could tell the difference.
Anyway give it a try, it can't hurt the hardware. If it doesn't suit your requirements you can get an audio interface later.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
I use the headphone jack for live performances which sounds just fine to me. For backup purposes, I have a USB D/A in case the laptop headphone jack dies.
Some audio folks here stress to make sure the volume(s) on the laptop are all at max. If still not adequate, there are plug-ins that can be used to accomplish this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Headphone out is fine. I use it for my small setup.Make sure it's turned up full & control volume at the amp.A lot of built in sound cards have audio processors as well built in and can be of value for sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,705
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,705 |
Ditto to Racheal . . .
Been using it for years for live gigs, no issues whatsoever.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
I used the headphone out before getting a usb interface and it worked fine except for hum, so I had to buy a suppressor from Radio Shack that took care of that issue. Might not be a problem with your setup - just a heads up to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I tried the headphone jack, but I like my usb UA-4FX a lot better. Of course I'm running an ext synth off of it, too. My speakers are powered though because we practice using them and need the volume that they put out. It's a logitech 3 speaker system.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The headphone output jack is electrically identical to an unbalanced line output.
All you need are the proper cable and Y adaptor to fit the inputs of your amplification system.
And be sure to turn the software mixer playback faders all the way up and adjust volume using the physical controls on the amplifier for best full sound.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,082
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,082 |
I use an Yamaha Audiogram USB Soundcard/Mixer with my laptop. No noise, humm etc . . .
Works great with the PG products as well.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Quote:
The headphone output jack is electrically identical to an unbalanced line output.
All you need are the proper cable and Y adaptor to fit the inputs of your amplification system.
And be sure to turn the software mixer playback faders all the way up and adjust volume using the physical controls on the amplifier for best full sound.
--Mac
Plus one on that.
I am totally laptop for everything. I do have a Tascam US-122 Audio/MIDI interface but I really only use that for recording purposes. The headphone output into my PA works fine for karaoke/DJ roadshows
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207 |
Hi
I use a laptop for all my live gigs, and use the headphone output. Unlike all the previous people who've posted here, I find I get the best sound with my laptop volume set rather low (about 25%), letting the PA do the work. Perhaps it's the laptop's soundcard that's different, I don't know.
Mike Laatz
Cape Town
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108 |
Hey Kelso,
Adding my 2 cents,
This all depends on the computer. In laptops, the audio chipset is normally right on the motherboard thus the audio signal can thus suffer from interference from other things on the board (like hard drive activity). This interference is easiest for me to hear in my experience in a low noise environment if I turn up my amp a bit. Some computers have better built-in audio SNR (signal to noise ratio) than others, so some will be fine for a gig and some won't - you will have to do a bit of testing to be sure. Most of the time even if the noise is audible it'll be masked by ambient noise anyway so it's usually not a big deal, but it depends on the gig and system.
The only work-around is an audio interface. The SNR is much better on these devices as it's something that's prioritized when they're designed.
Others are spot on in recommending the highest level possible from the computer - think of it this way, your noise level is always going to be the same, and if your audio signal is quieter, it means the noise level is closer in level relative to your audio signal, so when you amplify your noise will be even more noticeable.
HTH,
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Weekend Hours
Our Customer Service hours this weekend are as follows:
Friday, April 18: 8:00 - 4:00
Saturday, April 19: closed
Sunday, April 20: closed
Monday, April 21: Regular hours
Thank you!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Get the latest update today!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.
Check out the forum post for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics83,888
Posts771,806
Members39,473
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean