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Message Boards

How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

tanso, modified 13 Years ago.

How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 2 Join Date: 10/20/10 Recent Posts
Hello!

Im working quite alot with Final Cut Pro on my iMac 27. It has now come to a time that I want some real speakers. I have used som Logitech's to this point.

But the thing is. How do I connect 2 genelec 8020a and a 7050b sub to the iMac? What should I do? Can I use the 3.5 plug or is it troublesome with balanced XLR to unbalanced 3.5?

Thanks!
spider, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 11 Join Date: 1/25/10 Recent Posts
What type of connectors are on the sound card installed on the Mac?
tanso, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 2 Join Date: 10/20/10 Recent Posts
The Mac has these connectors:

Headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack) 3.5

Audio line in/optical digital audio input (minijack) 3.5

USB

Firewire 800

Thank you!
ilkka-rissanen, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Hello,

You can run the speakers from the 3,5mm output, but I'm not sure what's the quality of the Mac's internal sound card. If you want to play safe, you should get an external USB or Firewire sound card.
spider, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 11 Join Date: 1/25/10 Recent Posts
Hi,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner.

Genelec makes professional studio monitors and so uses professional XLR connectors. This is of advantage to the studio market where electrical interference problems generated by the electronic equipment may be an issue. In a home environment, electronic interference is less of a concern; the XLR connectors may be more of a hassle, requiring a special cable. But you can use a 3.5mm to XLR connector without concern. The interference benefits of a balanced connection will be lost, but aren't needed for your situation. (Balanced connectors originated in the studio market to reduce noise for long microphone connections).

I'd try the 3.5-to-XLR cable solution first. Such a cable may be hard to find locally, but is readily available on the Internet if you just Google.
spider, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 11 Join Date: 1/25/10 Recent Posts
Hi : Ilkka Rissanen

Genelec videos on Youtube show an iMac in the Genelec #2 listening room. If you're permitted, information on how Genelec has chosen to connect its iMac and monitors would likely be of interest to the original poster & to me; it helps the customer feel closer to the company.posting.php?mode=reply&f=4&t=322#
ilkka-rissanen, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Yoda Posts: 2564 Join Date: 3/23/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

The Macintosh computer shown in the videos was a Mac Pro. It was connected to the speakers via Protools. At the moment we don't provide any recommendations how to connect your computer to our speakers because there are too many devices to list. Most Mac's and PC's have quite decent internal sound cards, but if that isn't enough, a number of external (USB, Firewire etc.) can be used too.
gue-, modified 13 Years ago.

Re: How do I connect Genelecs to a Computer?

Youngling Posts: 7 Join Date: 12/20/09 Recent Posts
Hi,

I regularly use Genelecs 8050 directly connected via 3,5mm to XLR adapter to
the headphone out of a MacBook. There are no concerns with the quality of
the internal sound card of the MacBook. But also my Lenovo Laptop provides
decent audio out via 3,5mm headphone out. I dont notice any problems.

YMMV,
gue