What do you all use for input?

  • Thread starter Thread starter blipndub
  • Start date Start date
B

blipndub

New member
Wondering what configurations of cables, wires, adapters devices etc. you all are using for audio input to soundcards.

For my SB Live Value, I have to run everything down to a 1/8" jack which is a real pain. Do people use mixers or direct boxes, what else?
 
A mixer is the way to go... couldn't live without it...

It solves routing issues, the need for multiple inputs to be available easily, has preamps with phantopm power for mics...
 
Currently optical i/o soundcard to mixer VMpro - prodif+.
I keep a darla in line for 16bit mixing - rca's aren't to bad to deal with. I agree with AlChuck, consider a mixer of sorts for simplifying your situation.
 
where do you guys get this stuff?

Found some heavy-duty rca/1:8" cable and rigged them through my 4 track which for now gives me some mixer capability and keeps me from having to reach behind the box everytime I want another input. A pretty low tech remedy, but working well enough.
 
Yeah, but you still use the 1/8" jack?

I don't get it. Sure, a mixer helps, but when you run out from the mixer, do you still plug into the 1/8" jack? I can't stand the thing. This site says:
"Well, guess what, 98% of the time there's a MIDI interface hidden in this connector. You need a special $20-or-so joystick-to-MIDI conversion cable to access it, but then you can hook up keyboards and all kinds of stuff right to your sound card."
If anyone can actually tell me where to locate one of these, what to look for, how they work, whether or not you can hook up 1/4" or XLR inputs, I would be VERY grateful.

I appear to have a 15-pin MIDI/joystick interface on my Creative SoundBlaster AudioPCI 64V that came with my Dell. Please don't tell me I have to run out and buy a $200 sound card...I realize that I'd get better sound, but I just want to get the basics down first. I simply want to be able to load up sound from 1/4" or XLR, or even RCA jacks without using the stupid 1/8" line in or mic jacks on my sound card.

Hope y'all can help, sorry for the frustrated tone...
mike d
 
The card has a 1/8" jack. So it seems to me all you can do is (a) use it, (b) take out the card and make a do-it-yourself pair of RCA jacks or 1/4" jacks or XLR jacks :) or (c) buy another card.

The MIDI port will only allow you to send MIDI messages back and forth to MIDI devices. No actual audio data passes through the MIDI port.
 
Re: Yeah, but you still use the 1/8

md_gis said:
I don't get it. Sure, a mixer helps, but when you run out from the mixer, do you still plug into the 1/8" jack? I can't stand the thing.

I agree it's a frustrating reality that the only way to run into the SBlive Value SC is through a measly 1/8". And I think I'm getting really low input levels as a result (does it work that way?). But i don't now what other options there are except as described above to get another damn soundcard (mine's brand new too) or customize the thing. The cables are available and maybe something better than the HOSA i got would be preferred. Radio Shack makes some nice gold tipped RCA cables for home theatre, maybe they make some with the 1/8" / rca.

I actually have four 1/8 jacks on my SC, one in one out and two that i don't understand at all. And I'm finding it's somewhat difficult to get a good owner's manual for Soundblaster. Website is mostly downloads etc, very little helpful information.
 
Back
Top