Mac Mini Audio Problems and Recomendations

gogdoggogdog
Posted:
in Current Mac Hardware edited January 2014
I just got my new Core 2 MacBook, so I'm moving the PPC Mac mini out to the living room to stream videos from our other desktops.



Unfortunately, now Im getting this buzz from the audio. I have troubleshot it, and it happens when I plug it into any TV or sound device, but strangely, not with headphones. It seems like a power issue, but I don't really know what to do about it.



I guess my main question is this: Is there a fairly cheap external USB or firewire audio device that I could connect that anyone recommends that is Mac compatible?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by GogDog


    I just got my new Core 2 MacBook, so I'm moving the PPC Mac mini out to the living room to stream videos from our other desktops.



    Unfortunately, now Im getting this buzz from the audio. I have troubleshot it, and it happens when I plug it into any TV or sound device, but strangely, not with headphones. It seems like a power issue, but I don't really know what to do about it.



    I guess my main question is this: Is there a fairly cheap external USB or firewire audio device that I could connect that anyone recommends that is Mac compatible?



    It looks likes a ground loop problem. One way to bypass it is to use optical audio cable.
  • Reply 2 of 4
    gogdoggogdog Posts: 37member
    I was thinking the same thing about it being a ground problem. The PowerPC mac minis don't have optical, right?
  • Reply 3 of 4
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by GogDog


    I was thinking the same thing about it being a ground problem. The PowerPC mac minis don't have optical, right?



    Sorry, that was a brain fart on my port, I forgot the PPC minis didn't have optical.



    It's a little pricey, but this might do the trick:

    http://sewelldirect.com/Xitel-Audio-...p-Isolator.asp
  • Reply 4 of 4
    fasteddyfasteddy Posts: 13member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    It looks likes a ground loop problem. One way to bypass it is to use optical audio cable.



    Yes ... cheaply = M-Audio USB Transit with the SPDIF digital optical output.



    For better quality (24 bit 96K or 192K DAC) you need to spend about 2X or more and go with FireWire.
Sign In or Register to comment.