XM to Mic = Too high level?

**Sh4d0w** · 06-11-2006, 05:23 AM

I've got a carpc setup using an old laptop which only has a mic in and not a line in. I've turned off the mic boost, but my xm still sounds pretty asstacular. The lower the mic volume is set in the control panel the better it sounds, but then it doesn't go very loud.

Is there something I can buy that will adjust the levels from the line out of the XM so that it'll work better for mic in? I don't want to buy a usb soundcard unless I have to

**Jahntassa** · 06-11-2006, 11:30 AM

You might be able to find some sort of attenuator to bring down the line level to a mic level, but keep in mind that signal-wise, a microphone input is expecting a -60db signal, instead of the 0db your linelevel is putting out.

Simpler would be to find a soundcard with a line-in.

**GizmoQ** · 06-11-2006, 12:27 PM

A simple fix (well not a fix but a patch) is to buy an inline volume control from radio shack I remember I used one when I first setup my system. It allowed me to reduce the volume of the signal going into the carpc to match the volume levels of the other input signals. Problem is a cheap one reduces sound quality and can induce noise.

**Jahntassa** · 06-11-2006, 12:51 PM

Also not all mic-inputs are stereo, so it might only get one channel.

**Sh4d0w** · 06-11-2006, 09:04 PM

Hmmm, i'll try a volume control. The input is stereo so its ok in that regard

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-12-2006, 11:53 AM

keep in mind that the signal from XM and Sirius is pretty asstacular to begin with.

I'd recomend listening to Xm (since you have it) on a normal set-up so that you have a base line to go off of so you will know when you have reached a point where you're getting the best sound you're going to get out of XM...

not sure if you're even remotely close or not, it's just a thought.

**Sh4d0w** · 06-12-2006, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

keep in mind that the signal from XM and Sirius is pretty asstacular to begin with.

I'd recomend listening to Xm (since you have it) on a normal set-up so that you have a base line to go off of so you will know when you have reached a point where you're getting the best sound you're going to get out of XM...

not sure if you're even remotely close or not, it's just a thought.

Will do, i'll run a cable into my house or something, don't really want to rip the reciever out again.... I was under the impression XM/sirius were supposed to be pretty good quality?

**RedGTiVR6** · 06-12-2006, 12:22 PM

do a quick search on this forum about the quality issue.

It's nothing to brag about for sure, and it's no where near CD quality.

It's all in how picky you are. For the vast majority, they will never notice or complain. However, a lot of people dropped their subscription (including ourselves) because of the poor quality.