Do I need an audio interface to hook monitors to my laptop?

[skylerrivera17]

I'm getting KRK RP5's soon and was wondering how I can go about plugging them into my laptop as cheap as possible. I've been researching this for awhile and I cannot find a simple explanation or answer anywhere. My laptop only has one 1/8" headphone jack, which leads me to think that I need an audio interface with L/R TRS output jacks. The cheapest thing I found with that is the Scarlett 2i2 which is $150 (quite expensive since a pair of rp5's is $300).

Another option I found is the M-Audio Fast Track MKII but, the Fast Track only has 1 L/R RCA line outputs. How would I go about plugging two monitors into the Fast Track? This is the thing that has confused me the most because each monitor has 1 unbalanced RCA jack. Would buying a XLR male to RCA male cable do the trick? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[benjam]

You dont NEED an audio interface/soundcard but Id get one asap as your onboard soundcard isnt made for music production. Your not getting the most out of your monitors by using the shitty card in the laptop. As for audio interfaces $150 isnt much tbh.Id stay away from m-audio I had bare issues with my m-audio interface and wouldnt personally recommend them. Your krks accept trs and xlr ( balanced) and rca (unbalanced). Ideally you want to be using trs or xlr. Id go for the saffire or scarlett range from focusrite as their probably the most solid entry level interfaces and great value for money. Id also suggest doing a bit of reading before spending money on gear. Hope this helps

[skylerrivera17]

You dont NEED an audio interface/soundcard but Id get one asap as your onboard soundcard isnt made for music production. Your not getting the most out of your monitors by using the shitty card in the laptop. As for audio interfaces $150 isnt much tbh.Id stay away from m-audio I had bare issues with my m-audio interface and wouldnt personally recommend them. Your krks accept trs and xlr ( balanced) and rca (unbalanced). Ideally you want to be using trs or xlr. Id go for the saffire or scarlett range from focusrite as their probably the most solid entry level interfaces and great value for money. Id also suggest doing a bit of reading before spending money on gear. Hope this helps

It did help alot thanks! However, in the meantime while I save up for an audio interface, how would I go about plugging my monitors into my laptop without an audio interface?

[E-shed]

You can just use an RCA cable, provided its long enough to be able to split the two ends apart to reach each speaker. You could get one for like 10 pounds tops. Its what im doing at the moment. Should probably upgrade though.

[skylerrivera17]

You can just use an RCA cable, provided its long enough to be able to split the two ends apart to reach each speaker. You could get one for like 10 pounds tops. Its what im doing at the moment. Should probably upgrade though.

Thanks

[ehbes]

save up and get a focus rite...monitors are near useless with out an interface