Ask Slashdot: Affordable, Functional Audio Mixers?

hfcs asks: "I'm looking for sources for an affordable, 4-6 channel, compact, stereo, line-level audio mixer. In my office I have 4 PCs (Linux, W95, NT, Mac) and CD player, each demanding their own speakers for audio output. Low end pro-sumer stuff (Radio Shack & the like) start at $200 for this, but it's huge. Decent mixers start well above that. A master volume would be nice, but since each device can do it's own output level, so I don't need channel level control. I just want to be able to hook everything up to one nice set of amplified speakers rather than 4 independent mediocre sets without damaging any of the sources. Any suggestions?"

Comments

stereo tuners

[Trepidity]

I just run all my stuff into my stereo system's tuner (you know, the thing that does radio reception). Most of the good ones will have RCA jacks on the back to plug in stereo components, and you can get 1/4" to RCA converters at radio shack. I have my TV, CD player, tape deck, radio, turntable, and computer all going through the same set of speakers. It's some Sony thing, around $400, not sure of the model number.

Now a question - why is it that everybody's been recommending mixers? What's the advantage of a mixer over a setup like mine (a component-based stereo system with some AUX inputs for the computer).

Don't need a mixer

[Local Loop]

I don't think you need a mixer unless you want
to *combine* one or more sources. Just get
an input selector... Or build one with $15
in parts from radio shack.

If you want to be super geeky, you can get
a patch bay for $80 or so.

Call Full Compass (800 356 5844) and explain
what you want. They have the best prices and
knowledgeable sales people.

-Loopy

Build one

[Bastard Child]

An audio mixer is one of the simplest circuits you can build.

With a bunch of RCA or 1/8 audio jacks, a blank copper clad perfboard, and a few resistors you could do this. Add a pot, or even a small audio op-amp for level control. Could be built for less than $20. Make it $40, and you could put it in a small case.

Don't go to Radio Shack for parts, they're insanely expensive.

Build one

[Bigman]

Dont geeks do electronics these days????
Dont splice the wires together because you'll blow up the soundcards.. just use resistors:

pc1 --------/\/\/\/---\
pc2 --------/\/\/\/---*----/\/\/\---- out to spkr
pc3 --------\/\/\/\---/

This scheme should work for as many pcs as you like - the resistors should all be 100 - 1000 ohms. You'll need 2 of these (left and right channels). At a pinch you could use one of those screw-connector blocks to connect the wires to the resistors and wrap the lot in insulation tape to protect it - no soldering burns!!

B^)