5.1 Surround Sound On MAC - Logitech X 530

I have the Logitech X 530 sound system but can not connect it to my mac as it only has one audio input socket.

Is there some type of splitter/adapter to get 5.1 surround sound to work on a mac?

Thanks!

You'll need a 5.1 audio card that is Mac-compatible.. Something like this: Muse Pocket LT - Sound Cards - Hercules

Those are great speakers by the way, I had my set for over 5 years, and only the the stand off the center-channel busted off.

Nonsense! You don't need a card or brick. This is all you need, and it's actually made by Logitech for their 5.1 setups.
Logitech 5.1 Adapter
I have that hooked up to my Logitech X-540 and it's awesome!

Ooh yeah, I forgot about that! I used to have one of those.. however, I don't think it actually broadcasts in "true" 5.1, it just divides the signal amongst the 5 speakers..

For true 5.1, you'll need an external sound card.

Yes the seem awesome and I only have 3 speakers working

The sound cards all look expensive.

The "Logitech 5.1 Game Console Adapter Convert Rca Plugs To A Single 1/8"

How does that connect to your mac once you plug the three cables from the speakers into one end?

Cheers

You guys that have these Logitech speakers, do they only have analog connections on them? Are they 3 or 5 wire connections? And am assuming no Pro Logic or Pro Logic II?

That would be correct, the adapter merely splits the stereo source into the 5 channels - no true 5.1 there.

Mine has three cables to connect to the computer/sound card.

I would get sound out of all 5 speakers though? And the red and white cable how do they connect to a mac? :S

jamiek said:

How does that connect to your mac once you plug the three cables from the speakers into one end?

Cheers

Click to expand...

Something like these Belkin Audio Splitter Cables. Belkin Splitters

I had the same set up once running through my MB and i had ALL speakers working and annoying the Neighbours lol


Cheers

OK so I need the adapter and a 3.5mm to rca converter?

Making sure before I hit the purchase button!

To go from your Mac to RCA you need a stereo mini plug to RCA cable - here's a quick search on Amazon. You should be able to find this at any of your local electronics stores (and for under $10).

Sorry its this one .....

Dam I can easily get a rca to 3.5mm but they only sell the Logitech 5.1 Game Console Adapter in America and i'm from the UK just my luck

Mate go into any electronics shop that sells audio and you will be able to pick one up. I picked my Belkin Adapter up from **** Smiths in Australia ...... You will get one somewhere

Cheers

jamiek said:

OK so I need the adapter and a 3.5mm to rca converter?

Making sure before I hit the purchase button!

Click to expand...

Are you absolutely sure your didn't come with it? I upgraded from the 530 to the 540 and I now have 2 of these because my last 530 had one! This is what I use on my setup.


The green connects to the audio connector on the mac, and the red/white connect to a male white/red coming out of the "logitech adapter."

TattooedMac said:

Mate go into any electronics shop that sells audio and you will be able to pick one up. I picked my Belkin Adapter up from **** Smiths in Australia ...... You will get one somewhere

Cheers

Click to expand...

I thought ebay.co.uk would of some but I have tried searching "5.1 to rca" and no results. If ebay doesn't have them I have no chance.

idrinorbarsaku the image is not loading properly it only shows a small strip.

If you could post a working picture I would appreciate it, thanks!

jamiek said:

I thought ebay.co.uk would of some but I have tried searching "5.1 to rca" and no results. If ebay doesn't have them I have no chance.

idrinorbarsaku the image is not loading properly it only shows a small strip.

If you could post a working picture I would appreciate it, thanks!

Click to expand...

That would be the wrong search. You are looking for:

stereo mini-plug to RCA

or

stereo 3.5mm to RCA

Those are both names for the same thing

For a working picture, click on either one of the links - in my post or in TattooedMac's post above.

The pic works for me, both on my MacBookpro and iPhone. Try a different browser maybe.

bobtomay said:

That would be the wrong search. You are looking for:

stereo mini-plug to RCA

or

stereo 3.5mm to RCA

Those are both names for the same thing

For a working picture, click on either one of the links - in my post or in TattooedMac's post above.

Click to expand...

I see, yes I can find the 3.5mm to RCA but its the 5.1 to RCA I cant find as I need both don't I?

The logitech 5.1 rca adapter I can't find in the UK :/

found this one by searching for "uk logitech 5.1 adapter"

Game Console Adapter Logitech buy Game Console at DiscoAzul.co.uk

Although, it does appear to be pretty slim pickins.
Seems as though no one has it in stock.


edit:
Here ya go - the Logitech parts store

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/349/4875?pcid=4872

The game console adapter works great. I have one.

Like I said, it just splits the signal, it's not true 5.1 audio. If you're content with that, then it'd be the cheaper option. You could also make your own if you have the know-how (it's pretty simple).

If you want TRUE 5.1, however, you'll need a soundcard capable of doing so.