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I'm using my Mac Mini in my music studio. I want to connect it to my mixer so I can play my virtual instruments over my monitors. I used USB on my old laptop, but I'm wondering what would be best to use on the Mini, the headphone out, USB or firewire?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Mac mini (M1, 2020)
lanstrad1 wrote:
Newer have only TB/usb-C so choice of the interface will depend on it.
The last three Mac mini models, have 2 or 4 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and 2 USB-A ports.
Mac mini - Technical Specifications - Apple
Mac mini (2018) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
The Mac mini models before those had 4 USB-A ports.
Mac mini (Late 2014) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
Mac mini (Late 2012) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support
You will ideally need an audio interface if you aim to have some decent results. Sky is the limit, but you may look for some as low as $200 or less if used.
you did not mention which mini you have. Older (like 2018) have thunderbolt, usb-c and usb3 ports. Newer have only TB/usb-C so choice of the interface will depend on it.
Typical interface will allow to connect to external monitors and headphones. With it, you eill also be able to record real instruments, microphones, and of course, playback softsynths. Some may have MIDI connectors for keyboard/controller.
Some low-end (yet excellent) interfaces: Focusrite, Steinberg/Yamaha.
Make sure the unit you chose if compatible with the macOS version you are using.
It will help if you tell us the exact make & model of your mixer and the exact model of your Mac Mini.
If you were using USB to connect your mixer to your old laptop you will in all likelihood do the same with your Mac Mini. But the USB port connectors may be different, so you may need a different USB cable.
I'm guessing that your mixer has either a USB-A (rectangular) or USB-B (square) port and your old laptop probably had a USB-A (rectangular) USB port. Recent Mac Mini models have USB-C ports (small, rectangular with rounded edges). But it's USB all the same, so you only need a cable with the correct connector on each end.
ps. Firewire has not been available on Macs for many years, so that's not an option. Headphone out would be ok if you cannot get the USB connection working. But I think the USB connection is to be preferred.
The mixer at my high school had a USB-B (square printer-style port) at the back so you could connect it to your Mac and do multi-track recording in Logic or another DAW. When buying a mixer, make sure it has this ability. Most should be plug-and-play.
FireWire is dead tech.
The Headphone jack is analog.
Use the USB same as your old laptop.
What is the best way to connect Mac mini to a mixer?
