Plugging in multiple inputs to speakers

[Sam Mallery]

It’s obvious that they put both XLR and RCA to give the user more input options. I’m not sure what you’re disagreeing with.

[Ty Ford]

Sam,

Perhaps if you read the entire string you’d understand. The question was whether or not it was advisable to plug a Mac output into the unbalanced inputs and Pro Tools into the balanced inputs….at the same time.

That’s not why powered speaker mfgrs put multiple input jacks on gear.

lets close this one out. To the OP, please contact the mfgr. and ask them the question. If they have provided the proper circuit protection, they’ll tell you and you’re good to go.

Regards,

Ty Ford

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[Patrick Simpson]

Thank you both for your input, it’s been helpful!

Patrick

20″ Intel iMac, 2.66 GHz, 4GB ram
View my reel – http://www.youtube.com/patrickdsimpson

[Sam Mallery]

Gee whiz. I did read the entire string. I offered my two cents because your advice was simply NO with a link that did not provide any information as to why you said it can’t be done.

[Ty Ford]

Sorry Sam,

This didn’t do that for you?

Ty

——–
With all due respect, Sam, doing this will directly connect the outputs of the Pro Tools hardware with the outputs of the computer’s audio out. Those outs are not designed to be connected.

As for the manual not saying anything about NOT doing it, it probably also doesn’t say anything about not licking the power outlet.

I wouldn’t do it. But hey, go ahead, smoke test ’em. If you smoke either or both, my guess is the mfgrs will say you voided the warranty by doing something with the gear that was never intended to be done. I’d agree.

Regards,

Ty Ford

PS. Did I mention DON’T DO IT?

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[Ron Lindeboom]

Having read this entire thread and considered everyone’s questions and answers, I would have to agree with Ty’s warning. Neither set of monitors that I have, whether they be the Event Opals or the Tannoy Reveal, are intended to create an arcing circuit as Ty warns.

I sure wouldn’t do it and while some have argued that Ty’s response was a tad too direct, I think that he saw that he needed to make it quite clear that this could blow out a system by creating an electrical arcing circuit that the manufacturers never intended.

From many years of supporting users online, I would agree with Ty that there are times when you have to be direct and if people take offense at it, then so be it. The fact is, if you do not put a foot down and say what’s what, people may do something unintentionally stupid and destroy their equipment and void their warranty and be left without recourse.

Once again, I have to say that I agree with Ty, which should come as no surprise — he is the Master.

Ron Lindeboom
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