Thread: 3 Sources into 1 Output plus Linedriver - Possible?

Mitch's audio switcher should work great and it has more inputs for the future, however if you get a cheapo usb sound card you should be able to use it with the winamp line in plugin (you may have to leave it running on the background if you're not using RR). I basically do that but I use an input device that Mitch also made (basically a USB sound card with just one input). The quality and audio volume will vary based on the brand/quality of the device. Lastly you will have no volume control of that device (in RR at least), so it is basically whatever you can set (and leave configured) in the windows mixer. Awhile back I looked into trying to find some cheap 2-IN to 1-OUT audio mixers and could not find anything useful. In my previous carpc I just ran a cable to the CD-IN input of the motherboard (most computers have that) - this generally also works very well for 1 extra audio input (on the other hand, the "mic in" input is awful for music).

For the line driver its not necessary as the gain on most amplifiers can be adjusted to match source units with outputs as low as 200mV. Most motherboards put out 1-2 V which is acceptable.

Before you invest in another piece of equipment try properly setting the gains on your amplifiers.

That being said if you still want one, most (good) line drivers can boost that 1V output to well over 7V. This is very useful for an amp with an unregulated power supply to try and squeeze more out of it, but above what most of your commercial amplifiers with regulated power supplies can handle.

It is also a good way to clip the audio signal if the gain is not adjusted properly. In order to properly adjust a line driver you need an oscilloscope. I have not found a feasible way around that.

In order to adjust the gains on your amplifier ideally you would set those with an oscilloscope as well, but you can get those fairly close with a simple DMM.

Long story short a line driver probably isnt going to do much to help. If you are dead set on getting one, there are two ID recommend for different budgets. The cadence CEQ-773 Is a nice unit with a built in EQ and can be had for around 40. It also has an additional line in Or the Audiocontrol unit (the model number escapes me right now.) The audiocontrol unit is much better, however is in the 300 dollar price range.

The CEQ-773 has a convenient clipping light which is nowhere near as accurate as setting it via an oscilloscope, but will get you to a relatively safe setting easily without buying an expensive scope.

Thank you for the information guys.

I went with a $25 P.I.E. SW-2 aux switcher that had an auto-sensing feature that automatically switches to the second input when music is being played, and reverts back when the signal is lost. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_....-RCA-SW2.html

Price is great, and does exactly what it says it does. However, it degrades the audio being fed thru it. Meaning if I hook up my HD radio directly to my mother board it sounds great, when it is being fed thru this box it doesn't. No static or anything, just doesn't sound the same as it does by itself. Very disappointing.

So my next step is probally going to be getting mitchs switcher. I just hope it automatically switches inputs from Centrafuse