This is great guys, really appreciate the input!

I'm hearing two take-aways here: use MP3's and use an USB audio interface rather than the computer's headphone jack.

Notes Norton's excellent write-up is based on his use of Lenovo laptops. That makes sense to me: running from the laptop to an audio interface. I like the idea of getting away from the computer all together as I only have a desktop computer. But that brings up a few more questions:

1. Can anyone make a recommendation on MP3 player units...I know nothing about these.

2. How are you running an MP3 player into your audio interface or are you going from the MP3 player directly to a small mixer or bluetooth to a mixer by passing an audio interface altogether.

Appreciate everyone's advice.

Jeff

Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3