Hello folks,
I'm used to using a drum sampler at live gigs, next to my drumset. Usually no problem; just two jacks out via a di-box. But for coming shows I want to play some parts that are not so easy to reproduce with a sampler, like time changes, filter movements, string section parts, etcetera.
So I consider using pre-recorded tracks instead. I can play them with a portable cd player, or an mp3-player. They generally have a mini jack output. Would that be a problem, soundwise? Otherwise, I could look for a portable digital multitracker.
Can I use mini-jack?
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- KVRian
- 713 posts since 1 Jul, 2002 from Haarlem
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- KVRian
- 587 posts since 22 Nov, 2005 from Music-journalist/freelance audioengineer from Helsinki, Finland
mostly depends on the cable, theres so much noise in the air live so that possible minor buzzes don't really matter
Basic EQ tip: highpass all that don't hit subs, usually all but bass and kick
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- KVRAF
- 16866 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
The minijack itself is no problem. I use minijacks all the time with portable MD / CD players with live gigs. Just use a standard minijack -> RCA cable with 1/4" adapters on each RCA, then put those in a DI. No quality loss whatsoever!
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 713 posts since 1 Jul, 2002 from Haarlem
Okay, thanks. Reason I asked is that I read some user reviews on Sonicstate.com of gear with mini jacks. Some stated that mini jacks aren't suitable for serious live use.
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- Banned
- 487 posts since 14 Nov, 2006
While not ideal yes it will work. Don't turn the volume up too high or you'll get distortion.
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- KVRian
- 1055 posts since 19 Feb, 2003
Live is usually no problem.
I wouldn't use a mini-jack for studio work though.
Sound-On-Sound did an article on connectors last year; they found that 1/4, RCA and XLR had roughly the same surface area and resistance, but mini-jacks had 1/3rd the surface area and much higher resistance than the others.... another good reason to stay away from gamer soundcards that only have mini-jacks!
I wouldn't use a mini-jack for studio work though.
Sound-On-Sound did an article on connectors last year; they found that 1/4, RCA and XLR had roughly the same surface area and resistance, but mini-jacks had 1/3rd the surface area and much higher resistance than the others.... another good reason to stay away from gamer soundcards that only have mini-jacks!
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- Banned
- 487 posts since 14 Nov, 2006
It's not a conductivity issue, it's a matter of the hp output not being the proper impedance.
XLR has more than double the surface contact of TRS, the SOS article was completely off base.
XLR has more than double the surface contact of TRS, the SOS article was completely off base.
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- KVRAF
- 16866 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Excuse me, where, but on the devices I use with minijacks I AM using proper line outputs, never headphone outputs. It DOES exist!!
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- Banned
- 487 posts since 14 Nov, 2006
Fabulous, but the poster isn't.
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 713 posts since 1 Jul, 2002 from Haarlem
Well, actually, I use the line output of my cd player. But my mp3 player indeed doesn't have one. I want to use the mp3 player, because it's better shock resistant, smaller and it's easier to get the music into.