6) Cheap Wires Fail

“Use good quality cabling & a make sure any cables are tethered to the stand or table if possible (I use velcro loops) computers & their connectors were never designed for live use so treat them with respect.”
 
Good advice there, I’ve seen a few shows where the magic has been broken by a crackly lead or a signal that keeps cutting out. Remember, you aren't in the studio, you can't just do another take - or you can but it doesn't look good. By the way many MacBook models have an optical output on the mini-jack output. We use that here to get the cleanest sound directly out of the computer, when we aren’t using an external sound card. You can buy relatively cheap TOSLink to S-PDIF converters if you have something which will handle a digital input.
 

7) The Key
“Always carry a USB key with the relevant software installs & a database of serial numbers & challenge responses should you need to re-install anything.”

 
Wise words from Robbie Bronnimann, with 6+years of running shows from a laptop you would do well to take heed them take your show on the road.

Robbie Bronnimann is currently touring Internationally with Howard Jones as well as co-writing for the elite of the dubstep scene such as Metrik, Seven Lions & Camo & Krooked & also working on his solo electronic album & co-writing filmscores.

More Information

• Howardjones.com