How to use the sounds from a notebook in a concert?

[joaomadeira]

I really need help!

I have some sound effects I need to play during a concert with my band, and they are all in my notebook. Also, I have a keyboard software I use to simulate a keyboard. But I don't know how to amplify the sound from the notebook so that the crowd can hear! It has to be really loud, we will play for 500 people. How can I do it?

My notebook does not have a line out, only headphones and mic in jacks. I thought I could use a 3.5mm-1/4" TSR cable from the headphones input to the mixer, but I imagined the volume would be too low. Would there be risk in doing that?
Alternatively, could I use a 3.5mm-1/4" TSR cable to connect the notebook to a Direct Box (I'm buying a Behringer DI8000) and from that to the mixer? i'm figuring it would amplify the signal, but would there be no risk of damaging the computer?

If anyone knows any of this, please help! If you have another solution, please let me know!

Thanks,

John

 

[rexter]

I don't think it'll ruin your laptop as I've seen a friend of mine did it.

But If your are worried about damaging the laptop then get a distribution unit then connect it to your mixer.

 

[Ares_]

You want your laptop to be directly connected to the mixer. The only exception would be if you had a preamp/dac which would bring the signal to a Line-out. The mixer will act as a preamp and you can control levels, at this point it will output it to the mains with an acceptable level. I assume that the mixer is hooked up to a decent PA system, if it is you will be fine.

EDIT: the Behringer DI8000 should be hooked up before the mixer, but this setup is redundant.