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Author Topic: Pre-Amp for "line in" on a computer soundcard? Adam Fraser Master Film Handler Posts: 499 From: Houghton Lake, MI, USA Registered: Dec 2001 posted 05-27-2002 10:28 PM                        We are currently doing some mixing on a computer program for our slide show audio and have been using some sources other than cd's etc and have them(tape deck, 5 cd changer(non-amplified)) hooked into the line in on the computer soundcard. The levels are coming through a bit low and I was wondering if there is some sort or preamp that can be used on the line in input of a computer soundcard without damaging it or adding major amounts of noise to the sound. Any help would be appreciated. Computer: Custom built Pentium 4 Soundcard: Sound Blaster Live (only a few weeks old) ------------------ Adam Fraser www.pinestheatre.com  |  IP: Logged Nick Catalano Film Handler Posts: 30 From: Whitefish Bay, WI, USA Registered: May 2002 posted 05-27-2002 10:41 PM                     What are your line-in/microphone volume settings set at? Make sure those are all good before talking about preamping :-)  |  IP: Logged Sean M. Grimes Expert Film Handler Posts: 247 From: Lunenburg, MA Registered: Apr 2000 posted 05-28-2002 04:35 PM                        Adam, Couple of quick questions for ya, what program are you using for recording?, and are you mapping your sound through the "Microsoft Wave Mapper" or directly through the sound card... that can be changed in the control panel, and can make a huge difference on sound input and output... also if neither of these make a difference, which version of the Sound Blaster Live are you using?  |  IP: Logged Phil Hill I love my cootie bug Posts: 7595 From: Hollywood, CA USA Registered: Mar 2000 posted 05-28-2002 05:08 PM                  Adam, You mention you have multiple audio sources...but it is unclear as to how these are connected to the line input of the sound card. Hopefully you are only connecting one at a time or are using some sort of an active mixer and not just paralleling the source outputs. If you parallel the outputs, they will try to drive and load one-another and will lower the overall audio output level. The amount depends on the output impedance of each source and will still load if the device is not used and/or turned off. For a cost effective solution, Radio Design Labs' "Stick On" series may come in handy here as they make both active mixers and line amps. >>> Phil  |  IP: Logged Adam Fraser Master Film Handler Posts: 499 From: Houghton Lake, MI, USA Registered: Dec 2001 posted 05-28-2002 10:51 PM                        Thanks for the replies. We seem to have the problem fixed. The CD changer had a line out volume control that wasnt turned up high enough and it wasnt noticed. FWIW we are using Acoustica Audio Mixer to record the tracks to the computer. It looks as though our home made slide show advertising is going to end up very good and we will have more flexibility for our customers who will buy these ads than the advertising firm that was handling them before. (which hopefuly will be a selling point when we get it up and running) Other theatres out there thinking of doing this themselves should contact Arion USA at www.arion-usa.com and get the Show Wizard digital audio player that also controls the slide cues via information downloaded to a Compact Flash card. ------------------ Adam Fraser www.pinestheatre.com  |  IP: Logged

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