Cable Question in connecting mixer to soundcard at DVinfo.net

Dale Nicholson · March 2nd, 2007, 01:46 PM

In order to connect my mixer (Tapco Mix.60), I need to use TRS cables out to my line-in on my soundcard (on the PC). That means I need one cable: two male 1/4-inch ends (for the mixer's Left/Right main out) to one male 1/8-inch to go in the soundcard input. I can't seem to find something like this at Radio Shack, etc. What specifically is this cable I need called?

Thanks.

Jon Fairhurst · March 2nd, 2007, 02:00 PM

There no name for such a cable, other than a "patch" cable. But that's generic, and doesn't describe the specifics.

You might need a combination of cables and adapters to get from here to there.

BTW, the TRS output is balanced, but the 1/8" input is unbalanced. The bottom line is that standard Tip-Sleeve 1/4" connectors will do the trick. Just keep the cable as short as possible to avoid hum.

You might consider upgrading your soundcard. Both the M-Audio Audiophile 192 and the Echo Audio MIA MIDI cards have 1/4" TRS balanced inputs. I've used both and they sound much better than typical PC soundcards. They're not boutique A/Ds though. Sky's the limit on those.

Dale Nicholson · March 2nd, 2007, 02:08 PM

Thanks. I was concerned that there was such a thing as a "Y" cable---one that has two 1/4-inch males on one end.

Dale

Steve House · March 2nd, 2007, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Nicholson

In order to connect my mixer (Tapco Mix.60), I need to use TRS cables out to my line-in on my soundcard (on the PC). That means I need one cable: two male 1/4-inch ends (for the mixer's Left/Right main out) to one male 1/8-inch to go in the soundcard input. I can't seem to find something like this at Radio Shack, etc. What specifically is this cable I need called?

Thanks.

Your mixer's main output can be connected to either a balanced or unbalanced line. What you need is called a 'Y' cable, dual 1/4 male TS to 3.5mm stereo TRS. Something like this one from Hosa would do the trick, probably available from B&H, Full Compass, or Markertek.
http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/product...3_cmp-159.html

You could also use the tape in and out connectors with RCA to 3.5 stereo cables ...
http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/products/cmr-200.html

Dale Nicholson · March 2nd, 2007, 02:17 PM

Thanks! That's the one.

March 2nd, 2007, 01:46 PM	#1
Dale Nicholson Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 133	Cable Question in connecting mixer to soundcard In order to connect my mixer (Tapco Mix.60), I need to use TRS cables out to my line-in on my soundcard (on the PC). That means I need one cable: two male 1/4-inch ends (for the mixer's Left/Right main out) to one male 1/8-inch to go in the soundcard input. I can't seem to find something like this at Radio Shack, etc. What specifically is this cable I need called? Thanks.

March 2nd, 2007, 02:00 PM	#2
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	There no name for such a cable, other than a "patch" cable. But that's generic, and doesn't describe the specifics. You might need a combination of cables and adapters to get from here to there. BTW, the TRS output is balanced, but the 1/8" input is unbalanced. The bottom line is that standard Tip-Sleeve 1/4" connectors will do the trick. Just keep the cable as short as possible to avoid hum. You might consider upgrading your soundcard. Both the M-Audio Audiophile 192 and the Echo Audio MIA MIDI cards have 1/4" TRS balanced inputs. I've used both and they sound much better than typical PC soundcards. They're not boutique A/Ds though. Sky's the limit on those. __________________ Jon Fairhurst

March 2nd, 2007, 02:08 PM	#3
Dale Nicholson Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 133	Thanks. I was concerned that there was such a thing as a "Y" cable---one that has two 1/4-inch males on one end. Dale

March 2nd, 2007, 02:17 PM	#5
Dale Nicholson Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 133	Thanks! That's the one.