Cacophony Forums
Unofficial Mackie User Forums => DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers => Topic started by: PeterKorg on October 11, 2015, 06:32:20 PM
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Last night we did our 67th gig with with the DL1608, my client had a request to connect his own Ipad to do his own playlist for background music, and I thought OK as I have a selection of cables, including 1/8TRS to XLR.
However when we connected his IPad it was very distorted , we tried another device and other similar cables and it was equally poor, so reverted to a back up (I got him to send me his playlist via Dropbox, so had it on my iPad.) So all was ok in the end, but wasted 1/2 an hour messing with cables etc.
So has anyone any experience of connecting an iPad via cable. Is there an interface or similar that gives a more solid reliable connection to ipad
Any advice appreciated
Cheers Pete
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1/8TRS to XLR.
That's a BALANCED MONO 1/8" trs to XLR cable - you need something like an UNBALANCED STEREO 1/8" trs to DUAL 1/4" cable like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Hosa+CMP153&tbm=shop
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This might be a different thing than you experienced, but when I have a presenter that wants to plug in their laptop or phone into the DL, once it's connected I always get them to turn down their devices volume to 5. That way I can boost or cut their device volume levels as needed and avoid distortion. I sometimes have to even back the appropriate pre's off from the 12:00 position.
And always with an unknown laptop I use an unpowered direct box so I can connect to the board using XLR cables to avoid noise and run longer cable lengths to the mixer if needed. Haven't had an issue yet, fingers crossed. I really prefer to get the audio files ahead of time and use my own devices for playback. Of course that's not always possible for sure.
I hope this has helped and apologize if it's not even remotely related to your problem. 8)
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I use an iPod touch with Spotify at the board for break music. I have heard distortion at times, and always on the same songs. What I have found is sometimes the distortion is the Spotify recording itself.
I've tried different cabling methods and always end up with the same results. I use one channel for the music, so it's a stereo signal combined via cable or transformer type combiner. I've found that the distortion can be heard on my home stereo using a stereo cable as well.
I have and use all of these - with exactly the same results, so I now am back to simply using a Y cable (bottom link):
Most expensive - http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/di_boxes/product/av_direct/
Cheaper - DjMate (no longer on the web, but a transformer 1/8 stereo to XLR
Cheapest: http://www.radioshack.com/gold-series-adapter-mono-phone-jack-to-phono-plugs/2740880.html
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Oh yah - I also use one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190948278382
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Oh yah - I also use one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190948278382
That's the DJ Mate that I referenced. Too bad the cable is so short.
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Oh yah - I also use one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190948278382
That's the DJ Mate that I referenced. Too bad the cable is so short.
You can add an XLR cable to it and make it as long as you want ;) .
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Very useful guys, thanks for the advice
Cheers
Pete
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I use this:
http://www.audiopile.net/DBRC-2A
Also, their cables are the best value in my opinion. Hundreds of gigs and not one failure.
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Hi Peter,
I believe RoadRanger nailed your primary issue.
When combining two channels to one, at minimum you want resistors in the circuit so the signal from one channel doesn't damage the circuitry on the other channel.
The best, most flexible interfaces have each channel transformer isolated.
Interfaces that combine two channels to one are often useful when channels are running short.
Keep it stereo if playback is critical.
There are a number of physically small interfaces that have tiny transformers in them.
Physics say these are nearly worthless at lower frequencies.
I like the Radial Stagebug5.
It can be used as two balanced TRS channels, or one combined mono XLR channel.
http://www.radialeng.com/r2011/stagebugsb5.php
Modest price, very good quality.
The one thing that could be improved is the 1/8" plug.
With some phones, you have to remove the case to plug in the 1/8" connector.
Some of these units come with skinny/extended connectors that allow the phone case to be left on.
I ordered some 1/8" skinny/extended plugs to put on these units.
Amphenol KS3PC-AU
The 1/8"TRS to dual 1/4" cable is the cheapest way to go.
Keyboard Magic - most portable devices are pretty modest output and you will get best signal-to-noise ratio running them wide open.
The transformers in those direct boxes are definitely a good idea.
SteveGarris - see first note about using a circuit with resistors.
Your equipment may not die immediately, or may be robust enough to withstand the drive voltage, but I prefer not to gamble...
The DJMate doesn't have a detailed enough description for me to tell how good it is.
Transformer has to be tiny.
You definitely DON'T want to be running it at the stereo setting in to a mono XLR input.
If you are going in to a +4 balanced input the Whirlwind IMCOML line level combiner has very low signal loss.
Thanks and good health, Weogo
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Hi Weogo
Thanks for that very thorough answer, I took advice from RR and ordered one of those for 10 English pounds
I do like the look of the Radial Stagecraft SB2 so I will search for availability in the UK, an excellent tool for my leads box.
Cheers
Pete
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I mounted a RAPCO direct box underneath the DL1608 inside the case. That way it's always there. Works great with no distortion. Strips out any phantom power too.
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The Radial Stagecraft SB2 arrived and tested it works a treat, also have the connector lead suggested by RR as a back up
Thanks for the help guys
Cheers
Pete
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Waiting for the Radial BT-Pro Bluetooth Interface.. Might fix several of our issues.. http://www.radialeng.com/pdfs/Intercom-Fall-2015-web.pdf
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Waiting for the Radial BT-Pro Bluetooth Interface.. Might fix several of our issues.. http://www.radialeng.com/pdfs/Intercom-Fall-2015-web.pdf
That looks like a very cool device! Might be nice to add it to the toolbox. :thu: :thu:
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Looks great but the price tag seems a bit steep.
I have been able to connect my iPod thru the apple airport express.
Maybe not the greatestt solution, but seems to work pretty well for background music between sets
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KM I'd try to stay away from 30 ft. class 2 devices. As far as I'm concerned these people don't seem to get the real world applications. To be sure the components are plenty-full and cheap. 60 ft. would be the minimum I'd settle for.