Audio Selector

[E2theNth]

In my first attempt writing this it turned out to be too much of a novel, and quite frankly a bore. So to be succinct:

I bought this 2 channel selector (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049644) a while ago; bottom line: it's cheap.

I don't want cheap anymore, I need more inputs, and I'm slightly worried about signal degradation inside the selector.

Partsexpress has this (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=180-002&ctab=4#Tabs), but it's got way more than I need with all that video crap. I really just need audio (which is probably impossible.)

I would even be willing to do a DIY in a project box if that's the better route.

Any suggestions? :scratch2:

[avionic]

What exactly are you going to be switching?

[Tapehead47]

Have you looked into preamps?

[Mark W.]

Scare up a DBX-200 or 400 Program Switcher they show up on ebay quite often VERY high quality my DBX400 will switch in and out 3 sound processors 3 tape decks (or other line level sources) and 2 Noise reduction units.

Depending on how you connect it you may even be able to use the Sound processor inputs for line level devices

[The Reverend]

If all you are looking for is a switch, go here and modify as needed:

http://www.mb3k.com/socram.php

I built it and it seems fine!

[motorstereo]

A kenwood 8011 or 4011 denoiser will do the trick as well. 4 inputs, 2 outputs, as well as a tape loop. You can bypass the denoise circuit or use it and it has really nice looking set of meters. I tried giving away my 8011 and no one wanted it at a swap meet last year. I needed the switcher capability recently and I'm sure glad I kept it now. These appear now and then and usually aren't too pricey either.

[Fred Sanford]

There are lots out there, JVC used to make them, Radio Shack had some cheapie plastic ones, Extron made some very good ones.

Go all-out and get the Presonus Central Station:

http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=1

Looks like fun to me...

je

[HomerJ]

Son, I say son, what the heck d'you need this foh?

[The Reverend]

I built mine as part of a tube preamp project I am working on. I figured that the more modular my system is the easier it is to swap in new gear and do new projects. Mine is currently 4 inputs and 1 out, but I it ready for a second output. All it is is just a switch and some wires hooked up to RCA jacks. I am planning on connecting more sources to the AUX input on my current preamp and switching from the separate switchbox I built when I want to.

[E2theNth]

thanks for all the advice.

avionic, I'm basically trying to switch everything into an analog to digital converter I picked up a while back that goes into my computer for digital recording. The analog input into the computer had a horrible hum from the line exposure to the computer EM field. It was nasty, but now I can record crystal clear digital.

thanks for the preamp thought tapehead and the denoiser idea motorstereo, I have something between the 2 that might just fit the bill (don't ask why I didn't think of it sooner.)

as for those links, 1 word: ridiculousness. But awesome nonetheless.

[fiddlefye]

I'll second the dbx units. I have two 200's and I can't imagine dealing with all of my sources without them. They don't seem to degrade the signal to any extent that I can hear and the self-cleaning switches are a plus as well.

[CharlieBee]

They sell a male-male RCA adapter plugs at Radio Shack. Buy two, less than $5. Put a pair of short RCA female-female cables to the AUX out of your amp or Receiver. Put a pair of RCA female-female cables to all your CDs, tape, Phono players you want to switch in.

Then use the male-male RCA adapter plugs to hook up the cable on the AUX to the one you want to hear. Label each cable with a tag and group them all along side the receiver, near the front where they will be handy.

Works for me where the rear of my receiver is out of reach and I do not have room for a fancy switch box.

Charlie