Audio Setup
Basic Configuration
The basics are PC -> PC speakers, which works fine in most cases.
Cases Where PC Speakers Are Insufficient
- You want to output 3 or more channels of audio (e.g., environmental sounds)
- You want to play loud sounds (though loud sounds are difficult at graduation exhibitions...)
- You want to produce deep bass (though deep bass is also difficult at graduation exhibitions...)
- You want to freely arrange the speaker layout (this is the most likely scenario)
Proper Audio Output
PC -> (USB) Audio Interface -> (Subwoofer) -> Active Speakers (or Amplifier -> Passive Speakers)
- Digital audio information is sent from the PC to the audio interface
- The audio interface converts the digital information to analog signals (voltage waves)
- Lab audio interfaces: MOTU M4, MOTU M2
- The speakers convert the analog audio signal into sound waves
There are two types of speakers: active and passive. The analog audio signal output from the audio interface is very weak and needs to be amplified --- hence the need for an amplifier.
Types of Speakers
Active Speakers
Speakers with built-in amplifiers (PC speakers fall into this category)
- The lab has 4x Genelec 8010A and 2x YAMAHA MSP7
- Most active speakers have a volume knob, but the 8010A does not! Volume adjustment for the 8010A is done on the audio interface side
Passive Speakers
Speakers without built-in amplifiers (sold as individual mono units)
- The analog audio signal from the audio interface is amplified by an external amp
- The lab has about 4x FX-AUDIO- FX202A/FX-36A PRO
- The amplified signal is connected to passive speakers (vibration speakers, speaker units) via speaker cables for playback
Subwoofer
A supplementary speaker specialized for low-frequency reproduction
Audio Equipment Connectors
- 3.5mm jack (stereo mini plug)
- TRS (a larger version of the 3.5mm jack, headphone connector)
- XLR (cannon connector)
- RCA (phono plug)
- Banana plug (input/output for passive speakers)
Note
Each connector has male and female versions, so be careful when selecting cables. It is best to have cables with extra length (3m or more).