Master outputs to 1/8" line input?

[PurpleGuy]

Hello,

This must be easier than it seems... I'm trying to send my master outs from my TD-10 to a 1/8" line-level input to my computer's soundcard.

I went to RadioShack, the salesman didn't have a clue, so I found for myself what looked like it would take the two, 1/4" L/R inputs (that is, the outputs from the TD-10) and consolidate them into a single 1/4" stereo output; and from there I could use a typical 1/4-to-1/8 adapter to plug it into my soundcard.

But whatever I bought doesn't work: only the left channel comes through.

Anyone have an idea of what I did wrong, or what I should go buy instead?

Thanks!

[GRRAVEE]

first of all.make sure your 1/8 has two rings.be they black red green whatever.1 ring=mono....2 rings=stereo.it sounds like you are on the right track but you are dropping a feed in the process.capiche? good luck.

[Boingo]

Re: Master outputs to 1/8" line input?

Originally posted by PurpleGuy
... But whatever I bought doesn't work: only the left channel comes through.

Anyone have an idea of what I did wrong, or what I should go buy instead?

Wouldn't an insert send/return cable work for this application? They run about $6-8.




Sounds like you bought a headphone adaptor. You plug in 2 stereo headphones and it has a male stereo end. If you plug in 2 mono 1/4" males, you will only get one side.

[PurpleGuy]

Thanks for the replies.

GRRAVEE, I think you're right that I've been using mono cables. I'll see if switching to stereo feeds solves the problem.

Boingo, can you just tell me a bit about what an "insert send/return" cable is? Is that something I can just ask for by name at the store?

[Boingo]

Originally posted by PurpleGuy
Thanks for the replies.

GRRAVEE, I think you're right that I've been using mono cables. I'll see if switching to stereo feeds solves the problem.

Boingo, can you just tell me a bit about what an "insert send/return" cable is? Is that something I can just ask for by name at the store?

It's typically used with amps or mixers where you want to use outboard effects. You plug the TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) end into the amp or mixer. The two TS (tip-sleeve) ends work to send the amp signal to the effects unit through one and the return it from the effects unit back to the amp. (Of course your equipment has to have these features - not all do). It sure seems to me that one of the TS ends is wired to the right side of the TRS end and the other TS end is wired to the left side of the TRS.

So plug the mono TS ends into your master outs. put a 1/4 to 1/8 adaptor on the TRS like you said earlier and plug the TRS end into your sound card.


I think this will work. Someone will say so if I'm wrong .

[Shep2112]

That will work, or what may work better is a pair of 1/4" connectors on 1 end and a pair of RCA connectors on the other. Then get a stereo RCA to stereo 1/8" adapter.. Both are available at Radio Shack or music stores.. I usually get HOSA brand cables.. Most music stores sell them, and they're much thicker than average wires are.. Much more durable/most likely less noise (not that I've heard any noise in cheaper 6' cables anyways =)

The advantage here is you're not putting all that weight/leverage on your sound card's input jack.. It's a smaller adapter and smaller wires going into it..

Your module's output should be around 3/4 or so, and then bring up the gain on the computer.. Make sure you're going into the line input and not the mic input, or it'll sound like dookie..

[wlkjw]

Similar/Related Problem

Question related to the connections between computer and a TD8...

The "related" problem that I am experiencing is that I am trying to connect the computer sound card's line output to the TD8's Mix Input.

This setup provides playback of MP3's to the module's mix in, which provides an endless practice ability.

When I connect the two like this, I get alot of HUM. I built a ground lifting cable and this eliminates some hum, but does not cure the entire HUM problem. I can hear the HUM in both headphones and on the amp setup.

The setup includes:
Computer
Roland TD8
Roland PM3

This equipment is all on the same electrical circuit.

1. Could this be a ground loop problem?

2. What suggestions will help the HUM problem?

3. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

[Boingo]

Originally posted by Shep2112
The advantage here is you're not putting all that weight/leverage on your sound card's input jack.. It's a smaller adapter and smaller wires going into it..

That's a good point. The weight without strain releif can eventually cause loose connections. In fact, I have a couple of the connector type you are referring to. I use them to hook up a tape deck or HD Recorder to my sound card. I resorted to making my own connectors lately so I can avoid the adaptors but they are never as pretty as those from the stores.

While I'm at it, the TD-10 at our Church had to have the headphone connector repaired due to constant signal disconnects. This was caused by 3 yrs of constant strain from the headphones. I bought a small stick-on clip I attached to the TD-10 to eliminate the constant downward pressure. See below pic. This keeps all strain off my headphone and mix in connection.



Go here if you want to see some of what's available in cables and connectors. http://www.hosatech.com/product_page.html

[Shep2112]

Nice idea Boingo..

Wlkjw, are you sure it's a LINE output, and not a powered speaker output you're using? Which sound card do you have? Are you using a shielded cable between the 2? It COULD be a ground loop, but it shouldn't be terribly loud if so.. Unshielded cable would sound really loud.. Is your cable short-free? Maybe use a voltmeter and test the continuity between the tip and ring, tip and sleeve, ring and sleeve, and make sure you're not getting a little bleed between any of them..

Tried turning your mix in waaaaaaaaaay down and putting the computer's out to about 3/4? (maybe higher would be acceptable too, all cards are different).. Get the highest signal to noise ratio this way..

If your cd-rom drive has a headphone jack, try that.. it's powered, so it won't be 100% clean (don't turn it up past maybe 4 or 5).. you can narrow down the hum source this way.. or try a walkman's headphone jack.. or the cable into the brain without the other end attached.. should only REALLY hum if you touch your finger to the tip or ring on the open end..

lemme know if these help..

[wlkjw]

" Tried turning your mix in waaaaaaaaaay down and putting the computer's out to about 3/4? (maybe higher would be acceptable too, all cards are different).. Get the highest signal to noise ratio this way.. "

Shep...

Thanks, my gain structure was really messed up. After setting it the way you described, everything fell into place...

Shep 'da man!

[PurpleGuy]

Boingo, I think this is the Y cable that you were referring to, right?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020806072251012107125029581472/search/g=rec/detail/base_id/39047

Looks like it should do the trick.

Thanks again.

[Boingo]

Originally posted by Harlock
Not Boingo, but that's right!
That's a Hosa sandard insert cable...

Thanks Harlock. Haven't had much time available to check in like I used to. Correct on the insert cable. I think people need to be careful of what you call these things. There are Y-cables that don't do the same thing.

Harlocks example on the bottom left is similar to what I am using on the Mix-In of my TD-10 pic above. It has a 1/4" TRS going directly into the TD-10 and RCA phono plugs at the other end. These feed into my stereo system (CD/tape). I also use what he shows on the bottom right to connect to an amp, mixer and other equipment. It avoids having to change out cords since I have them were they are not easily accessible (behind my PC). There are a lot of adaptor options out there. Check out Hosa, CableUP, Radio Shack and other catalogs.

[Shep2112]

Wlkjw, glad I could be of service.. Been off for a few days, sorry on the slow reply..

A better quality sound card will have an external 'breakout box' with the analog to digital converters in that.. That eliminates the noise when recording.. Will also eliminate the noise playing out of the computer too.. Is your noise problem all taken care of now, or just better than before?