switching between 2 stereo sources

[Atari]

Hi,
I'm responsible for the audio setup in a club where I always hang out. Now I would like to renew the cables. I had a setup in mind where we can switch the inputsource for the amplifier. The thing is that the input line has to be splitted in 2 and one of the 2 stereo lines will always be an open lines. So I thought to place a switch so the line will be shut of when not in use. I thought I 'd heard something like; "when you disconnect just one wire of a balanced signal, you'll still have a signal, it'll only be -6dB". This means that I 'll have to interupt 2 wires in one balanced signal, right? So if I want to switch between 2 balanced stereo signals I'll have to switch 4 wires right?

[RichHead]

Maybe I'm out of line here man...but how's about getting a mixer? Assuming your input source is some turntables or CD players or something....

[Atari]

You don't understand. The mixer is mounted in a replaceable case. I want to install 2 points in the hall where you can just plug in the outputs of the mixer and their brought right into the inputs of the amplifier. But if the mixer's connected at one point the other point will be an open line. That's why I need a switch to choose at wich point the mixer is connected.

[RichHead]

Ok, so your sources are already coming in through a mixer...you have two amplifiers then? or just an amp with four inputs...only two of which you use at any given time...Am I understanding you correctly? Maybe elaborate on your chain a little more.....

[Atari]

I got a mixer with sources and an amplifier with one stereo input. But I want to connect the mixer to the amp at 2 different places. So actually the input line must be splitted in 2 and if one side is used the otherone must be shut of and vice versa.

[RichHead]

LMAO.....So you have two inputs then.....how can you connect in two different places, on the same amplifier, if you have only one stereo input? Are you saying you want to split the input signal so that something else BESIDES your mixer can tap into that amp? Or you want to have two (basically mono?) channels that you can control individually....Sorry...I'm trying to understand you here

[Atari]

There you got it!
But we have only one mixer, so actually it's just one input wich you can acces at two points in the room. If one point is used, the other one will be shut off.

[RichHead]

Hey! I GOT I!

Ok, so I am assuming that, for whatever reason, this second source cannot be plugged into your mixer be it physical limitations or whatever.

Could you use a signal splitter (Radio Shack) and just turn the mixer down when you don't need it?

[Atari]

Yes, but the mixer will be connected to the two connectionpoints, but not at the same time. So if he's connected at one point the other point will be an open line(with noise as a result). thats why I don't just want to split it but instead place a switch in the circuit. Wich can switch between the two connection points.

[RichHead]

See, that switch you are talking about, sounds like a mixer to me ....As far as I know, you would have to build a switch like that. Not that I am a Behringer fan or anything, but you coudl pick up a Mx802 for about $80 that has two stereo inputs on it. They are fairly small too. Maybe look at a Spirit Folio or something like that too. I am sure there have to be some small mixers out there