Audio from PC to Mac Mini M4 to stereo amp.

[wONKEyeYEs]

Hello.
I just purchased my first Mac. It's a 2024 Mac Mini M4.
Licking, liking it so far.
I must say, as a spurious observation, that's one nice power cord.

Would like to send audio from a PC, optical, HDMI, USB outputs, analog if I must.
To the M4 which outputs audio to a stereo amp by PC-USB, which apparently is also MAC-USB.
I would like to have audio from the M4 and PC sent to the stereo amp simultaneously.
This way the M4 could play music while the PC audio is also sent to the stereo amp.

Currently I have the M4 and PC hooked up to the stereo amp through separate inputs so it's either or.
I have been looking at some docks for the M4, those can get expensive,
but have found none with an audio input.

AI recommended Sonobus streaming as another possibility, I don't know if this would do what I want,
I would prefer a simple hardwired connection.

Thank you for any suggestions.
A Mac noob.

PC specs-
Motherboard-https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-X570S-CARBON-MAX-WIFI
GPU-https://www.powercolor.com/product-detail210.htm
Sound card-https://ca.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-z-se

Stereo amp-https://rotel.com/en-ca/product/ra-1572mkii

 

[MacCheetah3]

What you’re basically looking to do is aggregation. Some resources:

Set up MIDI devices using Audio MIDI Setup on Mac

In Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac, describe the configuration of your MIDI devices.

support.apple.com

Create an Aggregate Device to combine multiple audio devices - Apple Support

With an Aggregate Device, you can use audio inputs and outputs from different devices at the same time with Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, and most other Core Audio-compliant applications.

support.apple.com

Aggregate Audio Devices and Drivers for PC and Mac - SweetCare

In this guide, we will explainn how to use aggregate audio devices on PC and Mac. Click here to learn more and get started!

www.sweetwater.com

 

[zarmanto]

You seem to be describing multiple scenarios. Are you actually trying to send sound from the PC into the Mac, or is your objective really to just mix the sound from both the PC and the Mac into your amp?

If the former (PC -> Mac) you could probably accomplish your task from the standard line-out jack on the PC into the line-in jack on the Mac. Yes, it's analog -- but it's honestly the simplest solution.

If the latter, you're likely going to want to look for an audio mixer. I have an ancient component stereo system from Radio Shack* that has the type of mixer I'm thinking of; it's vaguely similar to this mixer, but not the exact same one. It accepts inputs from two sources, allows me to adjust the equalization of the mixed audio and than outputs the final product to an input on another device -- or alternatively, looped back to the main head unit itself. For your use case, you could probably get away with something a lot simpler, such as this audio mixer on Amazon.

* If you remember Radio Shack, you probably have an idea of how old my stereo is. If you don't remember Radio Shack... than my stereo is probably older than you.

 

[wONKEyeYEs]

@MacCheetah3 Thanks, I think the aggregate device might be useful,
once I can figure out how to input PC audio to the Mac.

@zarmanto Thanks, I am aiming to go PC to Mac to amp.
As far as I know the 2024 Mac Mini M4 has no 1/8" audio in, just an outie.

I think that I may have found something useful,

Cubilux USB C Optical Audio Capture Adapter (NOT for Playing Audio!), TOSLINK to Type C Line-in Adapter for Recording, SPDIF Input Receiver for Laptop Tablet Android Phone

Cubilux USB C Toslink Line-In Receiver is capable of receiving stereo optical audio stream from amplifiers, mixers etc. and input to Type C PCs, laptops, mobile phones for recording and streaming.

www.amazon.com

So I'm thinking PC optical out to Cubilux to Mac USB C?

​

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

My opinion only, and I'm not an expert with audio. I've used audio interfaces in the past for recording and music production.

There's no decent analog input on the m4 Mini.

You can get audio "into it" via USB (or thunderbolt), but it seems to me that trying to run audio from different sources into and then out of the Mini may not work as intended (or work at all).

Why not just run the PC audio to your amp/speakers directly?
And same for the Mini (just to a different input on the amp)?

You might be able to use some kind of analog mixer (with a USB output) between the PC and Mini. But I'm thinking the quality of the audio is going to be affected "by the process".

Last thought:
Have you visited the forums at gearspace.com ??
That's where "the audio guys" hang out...

 

[zarmanto]

... So I'm thinking PC optical out to Cubilux to Mac USB C? ...

Might work. Mind, there are quite a few disclaimers in that listing; while that could possibly give you the digital audio connection you're seeking, personally I'd still be tempted to favor an analog solution. Perhaps something like this, from the same company:

Cubilux CB5 USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, USB to 3.5mm Sound Card with Stereo Microphone Input, Line-In, Line-Out & Headphone Jack for Monitors, Support Windows & Mac OS

Cubilux HLMS-C5 USB to 6.35mm quarter-inch converter turns the USB port into a stereo line-in jack, a mono MIC jack and a headphone output jack, allowing you to introduce background music from mixers or AMPs or connect instruments like guitars or keyboards, connect dynamic microphones or lapel mi...

www.amazon.com

 

[wONKEyeYEs]

@Fishrrman Thanks. I'm not interested in analog.
I have great hopes for my aforementioned solution, it should arrive in a week.
@MacCheetah3 had a good suggestion concerning aggregate audio device.

I want to output audio from both sources to the amp simultaneously.
Separate inputs would be either / or, and I agree with not wanting a mixer.

Thank you, I will check out gearspace.

@zarmanto Thanks, yes there are disclaimers, but for no audio signal
from USB to optical. Only from optical to USB, which is what I need.
That CB5 interface only has analog inputs, not digital.