Windows volume question

Skipjacks · 11-20-2006, 07:24 PM

I just spent 90 minutes searching the internet and came up empty...

I need a program, or a peice of hardware (I don't care which) that will let me increase the Windows volume through an onboard sound card.

Does such a thing exist?

Here's why...

When i switch between radio, CD, and carputer on my head nit, the carputer sound level is below the CD and radio. So a normal volume for the radio turns into really quiet for the carputer.

I need to find a way to output more volume from my on board sound car to the head unit to equalize the two.

Does anyone know of software that will do this? Or of any other sollutions to this?

I don't want to get a second sound card unless I absolutely have to due to space issues. (Plus I'm a cheap bastard and I don't feel like buying one, but mostly the space issues)

nserpa9248 · 11-20-2006, 11:56 PM

Thats a common thing with car-audio..different components make different strength signals.

I belive a line out from a computer is 1.5v (someone correct me if im wrong)

Whereas a head unit is usaully 2v or more...

I would see if you could get something that wouldnt make one thing louder or softer, but all the same (mayb a crossover or something could work for you?)

Jahntassa · 11-21-2006, 01:19 AM

You need a line-level amplifier. You can spend some money on a soundcard with better outputs, but you'll be spending lots of money.

I got a line-level amp for about $20 from Logjam electronics. It worked wonders for my system.

2k1Toaster · 11-21-2006, 01:24 AM

I thought what he was saying is that the actual sound coming out of the soundcard was low because the program did that. Meaning good volume for 1 sound file (radio), and then the other file (mp3) is too low, or whatever.

So a software based solution that when the frontend screen is switched will raise the volume by a certain amount, or lower it by a certain amount so that the output from the card is equal.

I think...

Jahntassa · 11-21-2006, 01:39 AM

"I need to find a way to output more volume from my on board sound car to the head unit to equalize the two. "

He needs a Pioneer with input level adjustment, or a linelevel amp. If he has his WAV and master volume up, there's nothing else software can do.

2k1Toaster · 11-21-2006, 01:41 AM

Oh, I thought he had all computer. I didn't realize he was using a HU.

Yeah, just a pre-amp on the carpc and it will be good.

0-0-7 · 11-21-2006, 01:46 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

You need a line-level amplifier. You can spend some money on a soundcard with better outputs, but you'll be spending lots of money.

I got a line-level amp for about $20 from Logjam electronics. It worked wonders for my system.

do you know the model # or link to the unit that you baught ?

right now all line amp on that website are $89.00 or something.

Skipjacks · 11-21-2006, 09:11 AM

Thanks guys! These pre amps...can I power them off the computer's PSU?

DarquePervert · 11-21-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Skipjacks

Thanks guys! These pre amps...can I power them off the computer's PSU?

Considering that they are designed to be powered off a car's electrical system, why would you?

Skipjacks · 11-21-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Considering that they are designed to be powered off a car's electrical system, why would you?

Because I have no idea what we're talking about and havent' seen one of these hickidoos yet to know anything about it.

DarquePervert · 11-21-2006, 09:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Skipjacks

Because I have no idea what we're talking about and havent' seen one of these hickidoos yet to know anything about it.

hickidoos!!!

It's a car audio pre-amp. Car audio equipment is typically designed to operate natively from the vehicle's electrical system.

The one I'm looking into is the AudioControl Three.1. I don't believe it has the volume levelling functionality that you're looking for, though.

Skipjacks · 11-21-2006, 10:19 AM

Oh THOSE pre amps. Yeah I've got one of those for the regular audio system (Radio and CD player)

I thought we were talking about a secondary device (often known as a hickidoo) that went in line on the audio out from the sound card to the head unit that just boosted the power going into the head unit.

I've got a paid of computer speakers for my house system that have a volume knob controlled headphone output. I wonder if that would let me up the volume from the computer's regular output....

Jahntassa · 11-21-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Skipjacks

I've got a paid of computer speakers for my house system that have a volume knob controlled headphone output. I wonder if that would let me up the volume from the computer's regular output....

No. Highly doubtful at best. Maybe a little bit.. but honestly? No.

Okay, as far as the amp, I might've been smoking something on the price. It's here for $36. http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=317

It's well worth it. I've been running this unit for almost two years now.

Specs at Logjam: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pield1.html

It can take as low as 425 mV and jack it up to 3.4V of output.

Edit: And yes, this will power directly off the car's 12v. I have mine connected to the ACC line of my radio so it isn't powered up all the time.

Skipjacks · 11-21-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jahntassa

Okay, as far as the amp, I might've been smoking something on the price. It's here for $36. http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=317

Oooohhh that looks cool. And affordable! Gotta love that.

Thanks, dude!

Jahntassa · 11-21-2006, 01:10 PM

NP. I had originally got it because the output of my XM MiFi was rediculously low. I then re-used this on the output of my computer and it works great feeding into my Alpine EQ.

Quick fix, not too expensive, and not much to fuss with.