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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
USB will be the preferred connection of your mixer/audio interface to your Mac mini. The Behringer has a USB-B port that allows a direct digital connection to your audio gear including speakers.
To connect your mini you need a USB-B to USB-C cable. If you search Amazon you'll find many.
Once connected you'll need to configure the Sound and MIDI settings on the mini to recognize the mixer as an audio output. Depending on the DAW that you use, whether Logic, GarageBand, Ableton or other, you may also need to configure the settings for that also to recognize and use the Behringer as an input/output device.
For example, here is Apple's guidance for Logic Pro:
Using audio devices with Logic Pro for Mac overview - Apple Support
Configure audio devices to use with Logic Pro for Mac - Apple Support
Guidance for GarageBand: Set an input source for guitar in GarageBand on Mac - Apple Support
And guidance for Ableton: Setting up an Audio Interface - Ableton
If you are using something else, refer to the manual for that.
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.
I’ve got a Behringer Xenyx X1622USB as my studio mixer which is also the audio interface for my current iMac - am seriously considering giving my whole studio an overhaul, up to the 2024 Mac Mini M4 Pro (which is going to be quite the leap from my current Intel 2017 iMac - how it’s still working at all is beyond me but, my goodness it’s slow now…..) Anyway, I’m utterly clueless when it comes to such things as USB/Thunderbolt. Can I just get a USB-B (Behringer Xenyx) to USB-C (Mac Mini/Studio Display) and carry on enjoying the new snappy Mac Mini, or would that be too easy?
This is to IainMarley, My studio is currently spread all over the floor. I've moved up from my laptop to a Mac Mini. I'm planning on using my Presonus Audio Box into the USB port (I've got a powered USB hub for more inputs- I've heard that powered is the way to go). Why not try the Behringer straight into the USB input on the Mini? You can always go to the C adapter if that doesn't work, but I bet it will.
I've got two Behringer mixers, one for keyboards, and one that I use a a master for the out of the keys mixer, my guitar, and bass. Behringer gets a bad rap, but I like their stuff.
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?
