XLR reference speaker hookup to MacPro help

[HCK]

I need to hook up 2 reference speakers that have XLR and 1/4" jacks on the back to my MacPro. Since the MP has a 1/8 jack and Digital out options, would I need to run the digital out to a mixer and then connect the speakers via XLR?

Got any ideas?

 

[slu]

As far as I know, you answered your own question. 1/8 inch out to mixer and in via two mono 1/4 inch cables (I have one of these cable for hooking my 8 track into my Mac, but it will work the other way as well). Then probably 2 1/4 mono outs to XLR....depending on your mixer.

Something like this (but not necessarily Monster, it was just the easiest to find online).

I don't know if there are are mixers that will take in optical audio. I'd imagine there would be, but that they would be more expensive.

 

[HCK]

Digital mixers will accept digital audio in. Thanks for the help! I wanted to make sure I was on the right track.

 

[AviationFan]

Or, if you want to make the best use out of your reference speakers, get an audio interface (USB or FireWire, or even a PCI card). Look for one with balanced XLR or TRS (phone plug) line outs. Even the cheaper ones should easily outperform the Mac's built-in line-out, which - let's face it - wasn't designed for high-end audio work.

[Edited to add: Oh, now I see you want to run a digital out to the mixer. I guess that's a little different, and with good DACs in your mixer I guess you should be fine.]

- Martin