Connect laptop to Bose PA

[bourgeoisdoor]

I have a Dell laptop that I have been running my shows on using Hoster. I have been coming out of the laptop with a 3.5mm, (the headphone jack output), and into my Bose Board, I think it's the L1 or L2 board.
My output jack must be beginning to fail. I tried a new cord but the connection is not good unless you twist the plug just right.
Is there another way to connect to my laptop? I do have a lot of other connection spots on this computer. I have 2 plugins for a backup stick.
Any ideas on a solution?

Thanks for your help,
Gary

[madjim- with the Lord]

This may post help:

http://forum.mtu.com/showpost.php?p=90978&postcount=3

Jim

[bourgeoisdoor]

I thought there was a way to use a different output.
So what brand of usb do I look for and would Guitar Center be a option to purchase from, they are close and I have a gig tonight.

Thanks again,
Gary

[bryant]

Originally Posted by bourgeoisdoor

I thought there was a way to use a different output.
So what brand of usb do I look for and would Guitar Center be a option to purchase from, they are close and I have a gig tonight.

Thanks again,
Gary

Any external usb sound card will work, you can get an inexpensive one perhaps at radio shack.

[RIKKI TIKKI]

[quote=bourgeoisdoor;93248] I have been coming out of the laptop with a 3.5mm, (the headphone jack output), and into my Bose Board, I think it's the L1 or L2 board.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/docum...=99371&index=3

Here is the L1 Classic, view of the uncovered control panel. You are probably right to suspect the 3.5 is the connection that is failing, and a new usb soundcard would be the cheapest way to solve the problem.

Have you looked into the T1 Tonematch effects processor? It will improve your sound, whether you are using the L1 Model I ( Classic ), L1 Model I, or L1 Model II. I recommend this addition to the Bose PAS you have, if you do not already use it!

I also use a Lexicon Alpha audio interface, to pump up the Bose overhead, and increase the punch of the B1 bass modules.

Do you rack your show system, and just add the laptop? What I'm getting at, is that there are many connections that will wear out through constant use ( setup & teardown ), i.e. mixer, mic, effects processers, limiters, etc. The laptop 3.5 earphone connection is weaker than most, and will be one of the first connections that will start failing. Others will follow... the only Bose failure that I have incurred is a cable that had to be replaced to the B1 bass module.

Rick
Rikki Tikki Karaoke

[bourgeoisdoor]

Thank you Bryant and Rick. I ordered an AudioBox USB interface that will show up early this week from Sweatwater for $150. It is a balanced unit so it shouldn't add any noise. They did have less expensive ones but they were not balanced.
I do have the Bose Tonematch mixer and it does sound great.
Hopefully I'll be set after I receive the new interface. If not I will looking for more info.
I will follow up with an update after I get the new interface working either way.
Thanks again,
Gary

[Musicman51]

I am using an Edirol usb external interface, i go from that into a small tabletop EQ, then to my peavey FX16 board. My tabletop EQ has a tube preamp. It takes my signal out of the nasty digital realm. Makes it so warm you could hug it...lol This combination kicks serious serious booty ......
P.S. i split the signal out of the tube preamp, and run it to my rack mount Furman Punch10 bass process. Sounds much nicer, and smoother then a ordinary crossover.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by bourgeoisdoor

Thank you Bryant and Rick. I ordered an AudioBox USB interface that will show up early this week from Sweatwater for $150. It is a balanced unit so it shouldn't add any noise. They did have less expensive ones but they were not balanced.
I do have the Bose Tonematch mixer and it does sound great.
Hopefully I'll be set after I receive the new interface. If not I will looking for more info.
I will follow up with an update after I get the new interface working either way.
Thanks again,
Gary

make sure that the audiobox will work or compatible with your pc/laptop, i bought the lexicon alpha and the edirol a while back and come to find out " if your pc/laptop has windows media center, they will not work..i found out the hard way when i downloaded the software , you cant return the product once you installed the software , i sold the edirol and the lexicon is collecting dust in my garage..and also sweetwater has a list of products/software that wont work with windows media center..

[Musicman51]

I'm using the little Edirol UA-1EX, no software download needed. It works just dandy for me. I was going to purchase the less expensive Behringer interface for $29.00 from musicians friend, but everyone here, and on the karaoke forum suggested i would be happier with the edirol $65.00. Just plugged it in, my lappy reconized it in 30 seconds, i was up and going in under a minute.

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by bourgeoisdoor

I thought there was a way to use a different output.
So what brand of usb do I look for and would Guitar Center be a option to purchase from, they are close and I have a gig tonight.

Thanks again,
Gary

If you are using the Tone engine with your Bose, you only need a simple Female to male USB cord available at any Walmart, Radio Shack, Computer store. You do not need and external USB Sound Card.
The USB connects directly to the computer and Tone Engine, Set sound to USB From PC,, contoll volume with L/R Channel 4. Hope this helps.
Muzicman144

[bourgeoisdoor]

Thanks Muzicman144.
I hooked up this way, does work.
Sound is not coming into line 4/5, Just able to use master volumn to control volumn. No control over base & trebble, not in 4/5 channel.
How do I get it to come into 4/5 channel of bose tone engine?
Thank you for your help.
Gary

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by bourgeoisdoor

Thanks Muzicman144.
I hooked up this way, does work.
Sound is not coming into line 4/5, Just able to use master volumn to control volumn. No control over base & trebble, not in 4/5 channel.
How do I get it to come into 4/5 channel of bose tone engine?
Thank you for your help.
Gary

Gary, we are currently on the road and can't remember the exact sequence to get the sound controlled by Channel 4/5. Look in manual for USB from PC and the directions are pretty clear. Let me know if you don't find or can't do it and i will go over the directions for you to get it done when we get stopped for a while.
muzicman144

[bourgeoisdoor]

Thanks Muzicman144.
I found the info I needed there in the bose manual.
Works great with this hookup.
Thanks again,
Gary

[muzicman144]

I knew it was pretty simple in the directions, but this tired old brain just couldn't remember. Glad you got it straight. Much better than that ole 1/8 connection. Do you have two bass modules with your system? If not, you won't believe the difference. Great sytem.
muzicman144

[bourgeoisdoor]

Yes, I do have 2 of the bass modules and they do sound great.
I do appreciate your help.
Thanks again,
Gary