SB Live Inputs

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Bluesman

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I have a soundblaster live soundcard and would like to record with two microphones at the same time, one for my voice and one for the guitar. I would like to record these as separate tracks so that I can use my N-track mixing software to add effects etc. It appears that I can only record from one source at a time. Can I use a splitter on the mic input and achieve this effect? Or is there some other way?
 
Yes you can.

You have a few options. Use a mixer, or buy/rent one. Plug 2 mics into the mixer, and send the signals out through the main left right or inserts or however you like. I built a box a few years ago, it consisted of 2 1/4" inputs on the front, and a 1/8" stereo output to plug into the soundcard... doesn't cost more than $20 or less.

If your not using a mixer, then you could again - Have an adapter that will take 2 1/4" inputs and convert them to 1 stereo 1/8" jack. This is where a mixer is an advantage - XLR mic's are possible.

Emeric
 
I hate to break in on your topic, Bluesman, but I was going to post THE IDENTICAL question. I bought a bunch of different connectors from Radio Shack (i.e. stereo to mono 1/4" and 1/8", Y adapters, etc), but could never get it to record two channels simultaneously. The SB Live card manual makes the statement that the microphone input is a stereo jack for use with a mono microphone input (??). That's the part that confused me. I think Emeric is right. You need some way of sending a distinct left and right signal, and a mixer makes sense. I also like Emeric's idea of building a separate box. That would be cheap!

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the info Emeric, it's been very helpful.
Michael, it appears that we are having the same problem getting two mics to record at the same time to separate tracks on an SB Live Soundcard. I have also been to Radio Shack and bought some splitters/connectors but without solving the problem.
So if I understand correctly all we need to do is get an 1/8" stereo plug and connect two 1/4" connections to it. There are two leads coming from each of the 1/4" connectors. How would these leads be atached at the 1/8" plug? Is there two, three or four places on the 1/8" plug to make the connections of the 1/4" leads?
One last question. Is there an inexpensive mixer that I can buy that would perform this function and also be a preamp that I could use for compression?
I'm trying to get away cheaply for now. I plan to invest some money after I learn about recording equipment and techniques.
 
Hey guys, just sneaking into your topic... I went myself with the same question and found a solution... make a 1/8" stereo male to 2 RCA female cable and plug it into the line in, ´cos the secondary jack in the mic input is for powering the mic... just like phantom power... but i´m not sure it could act as a phantom... Get a pair of RCA male - 1/4 female and you are done. You will need a mixer with insert points and with good mic pre-amps... try the Alesis 12R... Hope this helps... CYA


[This message has been edited by DeathWarrior (edited 08-12-1999).]
 
Sorry it took me so long to get back to the topic Bluesman.

You would wire it like this:

(I had an ascii diagram but it got all messed up so, I drew one up)
http://www.magma.ca/~eloan/schem.jpg

Bad drawing but..

So all the grounds are together, and one wire from the right female goes to ring of the 1/8" male and one wire from the left female goes to the tip of the 1/8" male.

Emeric



[This message has been edited by Emeric (edited 08-13-1999).]
 
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