This way, you are setting each mono channel to one side of the stereo bus.Ĭonnect the left (white) jack to the input labeled “LINE” on channel 1, and the right (Red) jack to the input labeled “LINE” on channel 2. The first thing is to locate the “PAN” knob it is usually located above the volume slider.Īfter locating it, turn channel 1 “PAN” knob all the way to the left and channel 2 PAN knob all the way to the right. Let’s say that we are going to use channels 1 and 2. If that is the case, then you need to use two separate mono channels. Some older analog mixing consoles don’t have a single stereo channel for connecting a stereo signal. I have included the following diagram for your reference.Īnother Way of Connecting a Laptop to Your MixerĪnother way to connect your laptop to a mixer is by using two mono channels, with one channel panned to the left and the other panned to the right. Use the EQ knobs to adjust the highs and lows to your liking.Play some music on your laptop and slowly increase the volume slider on the mixer until you start hearing sound coming out of the speakers.Connect the 3.5mm stereo jack to the laptop.Before connecting the 3.5mm stereo jack to the laptop, make sure there is no audio playing.Connect the Right (Red) 1/4” jack to the mixer.Connect the Left (White) 1/4″ jack to the mixer.Make sure that the volume slider for the channel you are going to use in the mixer is all the way down.I have included the image below for your reference.įollow these steps to connect your laptop to a mixer for playing music: All you’ll need is a 3.5mm stereo male to two 1/4” male jack connectors (link to Amazon). To connect the laptop, iPad, smartphone, or mp3 device to the mixing board, we are going to use the headphone output, which is a 3.5mm female jack connector. I have included a couple of different brands of audio mixers so that you have a better reference.Ĭonnecting the Laptop to The Mixer Using a Cable In the image below, I have highlighted the available stereo input channels that you need to look for when connecting your laptop to a mixer to play sound.
The two numbers mean two channels or a stereo channel. For example, you’ll see a single channel marked 9/10, 11/12, and so on. They are usually labeled with two numbers. Most mixers have stereo input channels with their EQ knobs to equalize the sound to your likings. The reason is because the audio coming from your computer is a stereo signal, meaning with a left and a right channel. When you want to connect a laptop to a mixer, you need a stereo channel. If you don’t know the basics of a mixing board, looking at one can be quite intimidating because each knob has its function, and you wouldn’t know where to start. Getting to know your Mixer’s Input ChannelsĪs you may know, mixing consoles have lots of knobs and several input channels. Another Way of Connecting a Laptop to Your Mixer.Connecting the Laptop to The Mixer Using a Cable.Getting to know your Mixer’s Input Channels.