CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[brenwaterys]

This isn't quite home theater audio but I figure someone here should be able to help me out.

My parents purchased an expansion for their catering business that has an audio system I am trying to figure out how to add a few things to and I am looking for a couple of suggestions.

1. Would it be possible to adapt an xlr microphone input to take an ipod or laptop signal. There is currently a microphone set up in a stage location where we would like to be able to use a laptop / projector for presentations.

2. Is there a length limit to 3.5mm audio extension cables? Another option for the laptop / projector setup is to run an extension cable but I am worried about the signal loss due to the ~30' distance to the main audio unit.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Curt Palme]

You're asking questions that are right up my alley.

Yes, you can input a line input to an XLR connector with a DI box. Get that at a music store or on eBay for $30 or so for a cheapie. It drops the volume level of your source to mic level.

THe only thing is that the XLR connector is mono, and the source is stereo. Use 1 channel only, if you Y the audio output together, you'll get strange phasing issues. You can build a custom Y cables, but you need to add resistors inline to get rid of the phasing.

Keep the XLR cord long, and the cable from the source to the DI box short. If you want a mic and music at the same time, get a small mixer with a mic output level. Mackie, Rolls, etc all make those.

[Curt Palme]

You're asking questions that are right up my alley.

Yes, you can input a line input to an XLR connector with a DI box. Get that at a music store or on eBay for $30 or so for a cheapie. It drops the volume level of your source to mic level.

THe only thing is that the XLR connector is mono, and the source is stereo. Use 1 channel only, if you Y the audio output together, you'll get strange phasing issues. You can build a custom Y cables, but you need to add resistors inline to get rid of the phasing.

Keep the XLR cord long, and the cable from the source to the DI box short. If you want a mic and music at the same time, get a small mixer with a mic output level. Mackie, Rolls, etc all make those.