Rapco Horizon LTIBLOX Laptop Interface Device

I'm a professional audio guy. I do allot of A/V work and own a few of these. I also own other similar items from other manufacturers. This adapter is perfect for tying in any PC computer, iPod, iPad or similar devise to a pro audio sound system and works like a charm at doing so. Rapco Horizon is a good company that makes quality products here in the USA. I also have the other model from Rapco listed below with the ground lift switch. It's kind of a nice feature to have. But with my experience, I usually find myself flipping that ground lift switch to get rid of the noisy interference. So instead, I'm an electrician and electronics guru. I just saved myself the money and have been buying this Rapco model without the ground lift switch and have been opening up the item and disconnecting the ground wire from pin 1 of the XLR connector where the ground lift switch would be in place of and permanently leaving the ground in the lifted position. I also bypassed and removed the potentiometer "volume control knob" on my PC DI's because it would usually add confusion to the presenter when they are having a sound problem and are trying to trouble shoot without a sound tech present. I like to set the audio level of the laptop computer output to 75%, then adjust the mixes input gain and volume. That typically works pretty well and leaves the presenter some wiggle room for volume adjustments on the PC. Other great products to use of similar type. Rapco Horizon LTIGLBLOX Laptop Interface With Ground lift Rapco Horizon- LTIGLBLOX "With Ground Lift Switch" This is the second most cost effective solution out of the four different types listed on here. What I like about the model listed is they have the 1/8" stereo wire permanently attached and won't walk off or become detached accidentally during use. A great value and built well. Switchcraft 318 Mini AudioStix Switchcraft - 318 AUDIOSTIX Another great choice. Doesn't have the 1/8" Stereo wire permanently attached like the Rapco products listed above. But a Black 4 foot 1/8" stereo to 1/8" stereo cable is included. This is the more expensive adapter of the four products I have listed here. Whirlwind Isopod Whirlwind - Isopod I like this model for certain uses because it doesn't have the volume control on the adapter. When people are doing presentations and aren't getting audio for one reason or another, a volume control can confuse them and they end up turning it down creating a chain reaction of events of audio issues. But on a negative side. The 1/8" Stereo cord can become unplugged. I do like that option sometimes depending on how I'm using it and placing it in the system. For Example. If run a combo VGA / 1/8" Audio cord from Laptop to the Projector. At the end of the VGA cable plugging into the projector. I'll hook up the other end of that 1/8" Audio connection to the Isopod and convert to the XLR run to the Audio Mixer. Please remember, all of these DI adapters only support Mono operation and not stereo. Meaning it's taking a Stereo connection from the Laptop or Tablet and converting it to a Mono connection. If you need stereo operation, then you will need to go with some other PCDI interconnects. Try looking up Whirlwind PCDI for starts.

I love this little DI for laptops and small devices. The volume control is so nice for presentations where all of the sound cues or videos are of slightly different volume. It is easy enough for the presenter to use since he or she can anticipate volume drops and spikes and adjust the potentiometer as needed. The cord is a decent length to allow for flexible positioning. The volume pot moves smoothly. The only repair I have had to make to this box is the tightening the nut on the volume knob. Somehow it got loose over the years. Nevertheless, it was quick and simple to pop this thing open and lock it down. I added a right angle neutrik plug to mine since I always feel like the jack could bend or break so easily sticking straight out of the device. This being the second one I have purchased, I noticed that the newer ones have a slightly longer box. It is only a half inch longer, so the compact nature is not affected. The only issues I have ever had audio wise are when I left this sitting in my car during the summer. Upon using it, I noticed the potentiometer had built up some oxidation. Using it and exercising the pot cleared up this problem. I also have attached one of these devices to my Hercules iPad holder as a DI for my iPad at gigs. I secured it with some velcro straps, and it fit perfectly. This would allow me to have a little control over volume without using the buttons on the iPad which can be tricky, and it allows me to move the mic stand around easily without having to drag a DI around on the floor.

This is the proper way to integrate any consumer 1/8" stereo plugged device into your balanced or unbalanced pro audio system. Do not believe the myths that it is safe to simply plug a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter into your system. The wiring on your mini plug is completely different than a balanced 1/4" TRS or unbalanced 1/4" mono plug. This device is awesome and allows on the fly, immediate, volume control without having to go straight to your mixer controls. We use this for our laptop integration into our sound system at church, and it works great. Highly suggested.

I use this thing as an interface between a laptop and a 35000 watt sound system. It goes from my headphone out on my laptop and converts it to an XLR that my board wants to see. It's small and works great in fact I use 3 of them.

Great product. Arrived quickly.

This box takes a stereo line or headphone level signal and has an isolated, balanced, mono output at microphone signal level. Plugged into a laptop allows a presenter to adjust volume with a convenient knob instead of fiddling around with menus and stuff like that. Should have bought this sooner. Likes: sturdy box Volume knob is large and easy to use short, attached cable is just right length for most situations Audio quality is good enough for MP3 or video playback. Dislikes: Output level is pretty low, even for a "mic-level" signal. Low quality mic inputs really struggle to bring the level back up without adding a lot noise. A slightly lower transformer ratio would be a very welcome improvement. Knob on top makes it hard to stick in a toolbag pocket. But it also makes it easy to use. Can't have it both ways. No markings for volume max and min. Most of the time, it really doesn't matter, just turn up or down to suit. Easy enough to add some marks with a silver sharpie.

Best way to connect a phone, iPad, or computer to a sound system. The volume control is easy to use and very handy. I can quickly adjust the volume between songs when the recorded levels are different. When setting it up, adjust the gain on the sound system with the volume knob set just past the half way point. This will allow you to make any adjustments you may need. I keep my iPad on full volume with no distortion.