Hooking up PC to powered speakers with XLR?, How to connect to pro-audio gear? Options

[TooSteep]

Hello all:

I believe I am about to come in to possession of a pair of powered DJ speakers. I believe they have XLR connectors on the back.

What is the simplest method of connecting my PC to them and controlling the volume from my desk, strictly for playback (no recording)?

Right now, I have an external 24-bit USB box, with analog RCA outs that I run into my amplifier that sits on a shelf at the side of my room. The amp has a simple little remote control that I use from my desk to control the volume on my stand-mounted monitors. I keep the volume control in Windows and on Foobar set to maximum - assuming (hoping?) that it gives me maximum bit depth for the music.

Is there a 'de facto' standard method around here for hooking up to Active pro-audio gear?

Thanks.

[dumdidum]

well, there are volume controls for studio monitors (e.g., tc electronic level pilot). there are also variations of these that come with a remote.

however, the problem with those volume controls/monitor management devices from your perspective is that they come with balanced ins and outs. i mean, you could go from your 24-bit interface into a DI box to a volume control and finally to your monitors. but that's a bit convoluted as a solution, you'd have to add two pieces of gear.

alternatively, you could purchase an audio interface with balanced outputs. or maybe the monitors have RCA inputs. (in fact, most DJ monitors do.) also, some DJ monitors include a volume control (e.g., pioneer s-dj05/08)

[punkrockdude]

however, the problem with those volume controls/monitor management devices from your perspective is that they come with balanced ins and outs. i mean, you could go from your 24-bit interface into a DI box to a volume control and finally to your monitors.

Isn't a DI box' intention to convert a high Z to low Z?

This post has been edited by punkrockdude: Feb 9 2012, 20:41

[dumdidum]

Isn't a DI box' intention to convert a high Z to low Z?

yeah, usually it takes high impedance unbalanced and converts to low impedance balanced. they're also used to break ground loops. is there something deeper behind your question? that is, are you trying to say my suggestion of using a DI box is unreasonable?

[punkrockdude]

Isn't a DI box' intention to convert a high Z to low Z?

yeah, usually it takes high impedance unbalanced and converts to low impedance balanced. they're also used to break ground loops. is there something deeper behind your question? that is, are you trying to say my suggestion of using a DI box is unreasonable?

Did I make you upset?