Tascam Us 428 - Altec Lansing Atp3 2.1 Speakers, Compatibility question Options

[salparadise99]

I want to plug my Altec speakers directly into an IO port on the Tascam US 428, and then the 428 into my Mac. This will keep me from having to purcahse a new portable stereo system to use as monitor playback, since my current stereo doesn't have a RCA inputs. However, someone told me the other day that I need to find out if the US 428 (or possibly the Mac?) will be able to amplify to the speakers. I don't know the answer. I am also open to other possible set up configurations since I haven't bougt anything yet.

[bjkiwi]

as yukulele said you can adjust the gain into the 428 via it's trim pots (I don't know the 428 but I assume they are input level controls) as the fender will give u a line out at standard line levels. A dummy load is basically a bunch of resistors and possibly a heat sink so that the amp 'thinks' it is feeding a speaker and can release it's 'energy'. The resistor must match the impedance of the speaker so as not 2 'confuse' and damage the amp. I'm a guitarist and not a tech so my advise is to talk 2 a techie or guitar shop to make sure u do it right. It's the same principle that the 'power soaks' use 2 run amps really hard but keep the level down

Having said that, if u are getting your line out from the fx loop on the amp (if it has one...some newer ones do I think) then u can keep the master vol. down and still get the pre-amp tone coming out the fx send loop to feed into the 428. Then plug a jack, with no lead on it, into the fx return and that will break the connection to the power amp section and hence no signal will be sent to the power amp that feeds the speaker. This way u won't have 2 disconnect your speaker but the neighbours won't even know u'r home.

If u don't have an effects loop on your amp then get good advise from a techie or post your question on the fender forum, a great forum for all guitar/amp stuff (fenderforum.com) good luck