I am trying to pass audio from a laptop to a desktop via a headphone jack from the laptop to a line in on the desktop but it provides constant static. I have tried two different aux cords (new). I currently think I might need an USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter but don’t want to buy this too and have to return both if it does not work. Do I need it to be a line out and not a “Headphone Jack” or a sound card?
Thanks
This actually might be the problem. When I first read through the comments, I dismissed ground loop as the issue but on second read, this is the wrong way to test.
A Ground loop can occur due to the two devices being on the same circuit. By plugging in to the same power strip you have made sure they are on the same circuit. You test for ground loop by making sure both devices are on different circuits and checking if the noise goes away. note, that different circuits is not the same thing as different outlets. usually all the outlets in a room (and sometimes adjacent rooms) are on the same circuit.
But you have a very easy test since you are on a laptop. Unplug it and run on battery. Does the noise go away? Then it’s a ground loop issue. You need one of these:
Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car Audio/Home Stereo System with 3.5mm Audio Cable (Grey) https://a.co/d/gjElz7M
While I was switching between outlets it was on battery and static was still there.