Mixing audio from multiple computers

[Chris Smowton]

Hi, I've got three computers in the same room sharing a hi-fi amp,
which is ideal most of the time, but there are times when I'd like to
hear audio from more than one at once.

Is there any such thing as a small, cheap (under £30 or so) mixer
which will simply take a few minijack inputs and allow me to select
which channels to hear?

TIA

Chris

[Ron Hardin]

Chris Smowton wrote:
>
> Hi, I've got three computers in the same room sharing a hi-fi amp,
> which is ideal most of the time, but there are times when I'd like to
> hear audio from more than one at once.
>
> Is there any such thing as a small, cheap (under £30 or so) mixer
> which will simply take a few minijack inputs and allow me to select
> which channels to hear?
>
> TIA
>
> Chris

Behringer mixers are pretty cheap. I use them instead of switches
(the old MX series)

The newer UB series, beware, generates RF hash from its switching
power supply, so can't be used for AM radios. Or even in the room
with one.

The thing about mixers is that the price of 1/4" phone plugs and cables
and adapters to 1/8" that you have everywhere exceeds the price of
the mixer very fast.

--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.

[Ron Hardin]

Ron Hardin wrote:
>
> Chris Smowton wrote:
> >
> > Hi, I've got three computers in the same room sharing a hi-fi amp,
> > which is ideal most of the time, but there are times when I'd like to
> > hear audio from more than one at once.
> >
> > Is there any such thing as a small, cheap (under £30 or so) mixer
> > which will simply take a few minijack inputs and allow me to select
> > which channels to hear?
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Chris
>
> Behringer mixers are pretty cheap. I use them instead of switches
> (the old MX series)
>
> The newer UB series, beware, generates RF hash from its switching
> power supply, so can't be used for AM radios. Or even in the room
> with one.
>
> The thing about mixers is that the price of 1/4" phone plugs and cables
> and adapters to 1/8" that you have everywhere exceeds the price of
> the mixer very fast.

Also, I should add, you'll need some kind of isolation transformer in the
lines to break the ground loop that you otherwise get between any two things
that are plugged into the mains themselves. That means you need 1/8" to
RCA phono adapters as well.

Eventually you get ahead of the adapter curve and all is well, but it's not
a small investment.

--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.