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Best way to get 5.1 Surround on 2013 Mac Pro?

I've got a 2013 Mac Pro (the ash tray looking one) and I want to setup Surround Sound with Final Cut Pro. I don't have optical out on this older Mac, so I'm wondering what my options are and if anyone can recommend some specific hardware?


Thanks,


-Brian

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 10:21 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 11:42 AM

According to the spec's, the 2013 Mac Pro does support Optical Digital from the Headphone port.


https://support.apple.com/kb/sp697?locale=en_US


Audio

  • Combined optical digital audio output/analog line out minijack
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack with headset support
  • HDMI port supports multichannel audio output
  • Built-in speaker


Which would simply require a Toshlink cable with a 3.5mm adapter on one end.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 11, 2020 11:42 AM in response to Brian Greenstone

According to the spec's, the 2013 Mac Pro does support Optical Digital from the Headphone port.


https://support.apple.com/kb/sp697?locale=en_US


Audio

  • Combined optical digital audio output/analog line out minijack
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack with headset support
  • HDMI port supports multichannel audio output
  • Built-in speaker


Which would simply require a Toshlink cable with a 3.5mm adapter on one end.

Jun 12, 2020 10:35 AM in response to Johnb-one

I eventually figured it out: apparently using HDMI is the way to go in order to be sure to have low latency and preserve all of the channels correctly. Most new surround receivers have HDMI input, and some have Toslink. Then using the Apple MIDI Setup tools (or whatever its called) you can configure each channel for the sound system. It's a bit complicated but should work. Too bad that YouTube still doesn't support Surround sound, however.

Jun 12, 2020 11:12 AM in response to Johnb-one

Yup, you can use a Toslink cable and a 3.5mm adapter or a Toslink cable with 3.5mm plug on one end.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2SWQXZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?

https://www.amazon.com/FosPower-Toslink-Digital-Connectors-Strain-Relief/dp/B00T8HWVEY/ref=asc_df_B00T8HWVEY/?


Sadly Apple has dropped digital optical output from the Headphone ports on newer Mac's.

Best way to get 5.1 Surround on 2013 Mac Pro?

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