MacBook Air (M1, 2020). Need audio output cable to RCA's

[Rhobes]

Hello-

I have a MacBook Air (M1, 2020). I have 3 audio signals downloaded to my MacBook such as this on: Track 1 - 1 kHz sine wave, L channel 0 dB, R channel 0 dB
WAV: http://musicalsurroundings.com/audio/fozgometer-test-tones/Track-1.wav

I need to output these "meter calibration signals" via this MacBook into an Azimuth Range Meter which has Right/Left input stereo RCA jacks.

I'm hopelessly lost trying to find any cables on the on line Apple Stores. Possibly a link to an Apple cable, a 3rd party compatible cable, or if an item like this is available period-

TIA,

 

[Bigwaff]

This won't work?

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Adapter-Subwoofer-Gold-Plated/dp/B01D5H8JW0?th=1

 

[DaveEcc]

Bigwaff, headphone output is not the same as line level the equipment would be expecting. It may be fine, but if they accidentally cranked the volume, it might not be.

I'd search for an audio interface that has line-outs. I know the Focusrite Scarlett Solo should work, but it's probably overkill for what you need. That said, Focusrite sells refurbs, and you get get the Solo Gen 3 Refurb for CAD$160 (~USD$116). If your next question was going to be how to get sound inputs, this would be a good option.

I see there's some M-Audio M-Track Solo interface on Amazon for CAD$50. Perhaps that's closer to what you need. No idea what quality you get here, but it's cheap and should do what you need.

 

[DeltaMac]

That "fosgometer" says it can handle direct output from a phono cartridge (before any amplifier stages), up to line level (tape output levels), so a relatively wide range is acceptable.

Musical Surroundings Fozgometer Fosgometer V2 Turntable Cartridge Azimuth Range Meter by Jim Fosgate

Specifications: Input signal: 1KHZ sine wave Input level: .3mV RMS minimum, 2.7V RMS maximum Input Load: 86.6K Power: Supplied Power Supply or 9V Battery Dimensions: 6 ½” H, 3 ¼” W, 2 3/8” D

www.amazon.com

Good idea with the Focusrite Scarlett, I think. But, would likely be fine with a simple adapter, as the Azimuth Range Meter is not too picky about input levels.

OP - @Rhobes - What exactly will you be calibrating with that meter? a turntable cartridge?
If yes, then the more important connection is actually from the turntable, not from the Mac, so more likely a simple pair of RCA cables

 

[Rhobes]

@DeltaMac I will be calibrating the Fozgometer V2 meter itself. From the Musical Surroundings website I will download 3 calibration audio files as example in 1st thread above. I need a cable from the earplug hole (I believe 1/8" dia shaft) that splits to dual RCA stereo jack plugins on the V2 meter. I can then play the sound bites from the laptop to the V2 as I calibrate it. I couldn't find a way to upload a pic of my MacBook computer plugin and which has a ~1/8" dia shaft of ~1/2" length with a slightly smaller dia.pointed tip. Also 3 white dividing bands on the 1/8" shaft.

Once calibrated I will use the V2 to read right & left stereo channel signal leakage from the turntable RCA cables plugged into the RCA jacks of the V2.This is line level output into the V2 from cartridge, un-amplified, weak signal.

Yes a "simple" pair of RCA cables but must be a compatible Apple connector on the RCA Y splitter cable. This I can't find available from Apple-

 

[DeltaMac]

Bigwaff posted a cable that will be fine for your task, in post #2.
You will see that cable does not have a third band in the 1/8-inch connector. You won't need that, a two-band (plus the tip) gives you left and right right audio output (third is for common/ground. The third band on the one you posted is for a headset, that includes a microphone connection. (That is what the thrid band is used for.) Not necessary to look for "Apple compatibility". 1/8-inch /3.5 mm, to left and right RCA plugs. it's a standard audio accessory... nothing special where Apple made a special version that is "Apple-compatible"

 

[Rhobes]

@DeltaMac OK, the Apple 3.5mm connector was what made it impossible to find but as you say I don't need the extra band and will work. Now I see tons of them. But as @DaveEcc says in third post, to be safe, I'll be sure to check volume is hardly on. So thank you all and I'll go with this info-