Plugging iPod into PA system at gig
September 9, 2010 8:30 AM Subscribe
Looking to use my iPod at music gigs.
Want to output an iPod instrument while onstage at a gig -- what sort of cable will do this for me? I tend to plug my instruments in through DI's -- is that what the sound guy will prefer for the iPod, or something else?
Want to output an iPod instrument while onstage at a gig -- what sort of cable will do this for me? I tend to plug my instruments in through DI's -- is that what the sound guy will prefer for the iPod, or something else?
I don't know anything about rigging up a stage sound system, but you should use the dock line out rather than the headphone jack if possible because the sound quality of the dock connection is much better. A cheap cable will convert the proprietary dock connection to a mini line out.
posted by burnmp3s at 8:48 AM on September 9, 2010
posted by burnmp3s at 8:48 AM on September 9, 2010
This is really common to do. The standard is to get a Mini-Jack -> 2x Mono Jack and run those into a pair of DIs that run to the Front of house.
I have done this in the past with something like this.
http://www.cabling4less.co.uk/products/93/3.5mm_stereo_to_2_x_6.35mm_jack_mono_cable/
you just have to pad the DI a bit cause the iPod signal will be pretty hot.
posted by mary8nne at 8:51 AM on September 9, 2010
I have done this in the past with something like this.
http://www.cabling4less.co.uk/products/93/3.5mm_stereo_to_2_x_6.35mm_jack_mono_cable/
you just have to pad the DI a bit cause the iPod signal will be pretty hot.
posted by mary8nne at 8:51 AM on September 9, 2010
oh yeah using a Line out via the Dock into the DI would be better as its lower signal and also I assume the Volume on the iPod will be fixed line level. (as you don't want to accidentally change the volume halfway through a gig.)
I'd still run that Line Out into DIs though.
posted by mary8nne at 8:53 AM on September 9, 2010
I'd still run that Line Out into DIs though.
posted by mary8nne at 8:53 AM on September 9, 2010
Another option is to use a 3.5mm Stereo -> stereo RCA then use two RCA -> 6.5mm adaptors. that way you have one cable that is more flexible - should you need to plug directly into the RCA inputs on a DJ mixer.
posted by mary8nne at 8:55 AM on September 9, 2010
posted by mary8nne at 8:55 AM on September 9, 2010
you just have to pad the DI a bit cause the iPod signal will be pretty hot.
Make sure the sound guy at the venue knows exactly what you're doing well beforehand. iPods don't output at the same level as normal professional music gear, and he needs to know to compensate for this.
(He'll also likely tell you that using an iPod at a live gig is a bad idea. I concur -- there's quite a bit that can go wrong, and for some reason, iPods always sound a bit crap when run through a DI. If there's a good CD player at the venue, I'd recommend using that instead if at all possible. If you're still going to do this, and have a dock, use the line out connection like mary8nne suggested.)
Alternatively, this gizmo looks like it'll do all of the hard work for you. For ambient venue music and on-stage mixing, it's a pretty nice setup.
Also, this should go without saying, but never adjust the volume during the performance -- that's the sound guy's job, and never, ever DJ off of an iPod in a professional capacity.
posted by schmod at 9:24 AM on September 9, 2010
Make sure the sound guy at the venue knows exactly what you're doing well beforehand. iPods don't output at the same level as normal professional music gear, and he needs to know to compensate for this.
(He'll also likely tell you that using an iPod at a live gig is a bad idea. I concur -- there's quite a bit that can go wrong, and for some reason, iPods always sound a bit crap when run through a DI. If there's a good CD player at the venue, I'd recommend using that instead if at all possible. If you're still going to do this, and have a dock, use the line out connection like mary8nne suggested.)
Alternatively, this gizmo looks like it'll do all of the hard work for you. For ambient venue music and on-stage mixing, it's a pretty nice setup.
Also, this should go without saying, but never adjust the volume during the performance -- that's the sound guy's job, and never, ever DJ off of an iPod in a professional capacity.
posted by schmod at 9:24 AM on September 9, 2010
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You might consider going ahead and getting RCA adapters as well. I wouldn't hurt to have a ton of assorted cables and adapters just in case the venue can't accommodate one particular fitting.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:44 AM on September 9, 2010