Speakers / monitors /soundbar audio interface for MacBook advice please

Ojustaboo

Hi all, here’s an how long is a piece of string question, please bare with me.

Without repeating everything said elsewhere, I have my main studio setup with desktop PC s88 mk3 etc

I’m recovering from two major operations and for quite a few months will spend a lot of time sitting in my armchair.

I have a MacBook Pro M1 16” (well I will have next Sunday as not allowed to play with it anymore before my birthday) which sits on a table that’s on wheels and I can pull over my armchair ( a bit like the over the bed ones you get in hospital)

I also have a Novation Launchkey 37 mk3.

The Launchkey fits nicely on my lap/armchair

I’ve installed Studio one, Komplete 14 CE, Arturia V8 and Pigments onto my laptops external SSD.

The plan is, when I’m in my armchair, I can still play music, record ideas, learn synths inside out, do some music theory courses I have bought etc.

I am NOT going to be finalising/mastering anything, it’s more so a that I can still have a bit of fun while I’m not well enough to spend ages at my main Studio.

I also don’t want to be wearing headphones all the time (have headphones for when wife’s watching tv etc)

Finally, the whole setup has to be easy to move as I also use the table to eat off.

At the moment I’ve set it up using the laptops internal speakers. Obviously I need some sort of external speakers and an audio interface however, my budget is currently very tight.

Everything has to fit on the table too. Here’s a pic.

Obviously I can move the SSD to wherever.

I have only 17 cm / 6.75” from the back of the laptop to the metal bar at the back of the table (I’m presuming the laptop is at the front edge of table, unlike in the pic)

I was thinking maybe for this specific use a soundbar might be better than two speakers?

All suggestions greatly appreciated

Can’t use audio interface from studio as it’s too big (Focusrite Saffire pro 40)

There’s also an extra bit of table to the right I can use if needed (would rather keep it for my coffee etc but if needed, can use it) as in this pic

many many thanks

Ojustaboo

I've bought the Persons 3.5, reviews seem good, I'll let you all know tomorrow (presuming Amazon delivered at a sensible time)

Maciej Repetowski

Creative Labs has some small soundbars with built-in audio interface which are cheap and work via USB C with PC, Mac and PS5. They are driverless so with Mac you would be using Core Audio driver.

For example this one: Sound Blaster GS3

In UK, it retails for around £50.

Ojustaboo

Thanks.

I’ve gone for the soundbar linked below, main reason being, I want it behind the laptop and hopefully this is wide enough for the laptops screen not to block the sound, but if the screen does block it, the soundbar can be separated into two individual speakers.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ULTIMEA-Detachable-Bluetooth-Soundbar-Adjustable/dp/B0CL6MP57J/ref=sr_1_9? 

Ojustaboo

Just sent speakers back, didn't like the sound at all, internal speakers sound better. Tried with it in one piece and as two speakers.

Think I will buy some cheap active monitors, probably the PreSonus Eris 3,5 wired (too much lag with bluetooth)

RaphGetsHelp

Im 11 and a tech geek, so this might not be the best. I recommend two bookshelf speakers with pretty good reviews on amazon. If your looking for a soundbar though, they do cost a little more and are not much difference, (In my opinion)

RaphGetsHelp

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/156188#Comment_156188

Oh ok. But question what laptop do you have? Speaker quality differs on brands. Dont do too cheap though make sure its a decent one for a decent price

RaphGetsHelp

Im sorry if im all wrong

Ojustaboo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/156191#Comment_156191

2021 MacBook Pro with M1 Pro processor. This is my secondary system that I'm using for music while recovering from operation, so don't have to have the sort of sound quality that I have on my desktop.

To be honest, the built in speakers aren't bad (not great bass obviously) one if the reasons for buying external speakers is I don't want to damage the laptop ones, rather than the laptop ones not being good enough for what I want.

Ojustaboo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/156190#Comment_156190

I'm 60 today, so 49 years older.

Your advice is fine, it's good to see the younger generation having this sort of interest.

Ojustaboo

I've bought the Persons 3.5, reviews seem good, I'll let you all know tomorrow (presuming Amazon delivered at a sensible time)

Ojustaboo

That's much better