How “bad” is it to use my MBP’s (Macbook Pro) build-in output to use software sounds?
So far I am getting great sound. But is there a drawback to this (on stage)?

Thanks

Tee

Uh, forgive me, but what is an MBP?

Ah sorry, too much into Apple. MBP stands for Macbook Pro.

:-)

I though MacBookPro was the short version (Macintosh Notebook Professional Computer) lol?

I guess in a pinch you can use the built-in audio if you are only playing back… Drawbacks? I can think of a few. A stereo 1/8” mini-plug adapter is not a secure connection (at all). And what are you going to adpat it with and connect it to… ?

I’ve done it when in a hurry, and I was only demonstrating quickly to someone how particular function worked in a DAW (playback only)… I never considered using the built-in audio stuff in a Mac for anything serious. I’m not saying you couldn’t but if you are asking is it risky… I’d say yes
Is it going to be full of latency, er, yes (this may not matter because you are playing back only, right?)

I don’t know about the audio specification - of the built-in system (never seen any specs on it)

I’ll simply put it this way… it would be really simple to improve upon using built-in audio system, that is for sure!

The MBP output is OK for non-critical live use, although like Bad Mister wrote a 1/8” connection is not physically very secure. The built-in sound on Macs is high enough quality and you can get low enough latency with it.

There are so many inexpensive audio interfaces out there that you’re not saving a lot of money and you gain things like a master volume knob and in most cases a MIDI interface as well. Some interfaces also support separate cue outputs which can be useful if you need a click track.

Pay attention when shopping, some of the smallest interfaces like the Apogee One and the NI Audio 2DJ also have only 1/8” outputs!!!!