Getting 2 inputs from LiveDrive line 2/mic 2 input

sumpm1

This question applies to both the 1/4" "line in 2/ mic in 2" input on the live drive, and to the 1/8" AC97 input on the card itself (ct4760). I assumed that both of these line in inputs were stereo, and that I could use a stereo splitter adapter for each and get 2 mono inputs from each of them, giving me 6 total inputs with AC97, line 2, and Aux 2. But when I use these stereo splitters, I still only get one input from each. Take a look at the following pictures to see what I'm working with. Am I correct about the 6 inputs and being able to use splitters to get 2 mono inputs from 1 stereo input? What could be the problem here, the splitters?

Thanks

dj_stick

check the "stereo splitters"

because i don't theink they're working properly - i've used all 6 inputs on a live/live drive combo just fine

sumpm1

Hey, do you use "splitters" to get mono inputs? Or do you use a mixer or something. Because I am unable to see any seperation in my input. For example, when I insert a mono 14" cable, If I watch the peaks for left and right, they both go up at the same time, even if I slide the cable in REALLY slowly. I was under the assumption that as the cable input slid past the left and right connectors inside the jack, that I would see the left peak go up, and then the right peak go up. Hmm.

Calinerti

I've done exactly what you are talking about. I had to buy a "Y cable". I got 2 fem xlr's to 1/8th. One input from the left and one from the right. Its seemed to work fine.

sumpm1

I must just have some cheap splitters. Because I bought a bunch of them online a long time ago to suit all of my adapter needs. I tried using a 1/8" to rca splitter and it did the job. So the splitters ARE bad, thanks.

dj_stick

i have a feeling that your splitters are mono to 2xmono adaptors

how many contact points on the jack itself?

sumpm1

Yeah, I wanted to post pics, but my batteries are dead in my camera. The splitter male end looks like this one: http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/pchcables_1945_5925153.

I don't understand "2x mono." Could it be that the splitter is a 2x stereo female to male stereo? So if I plug a mono cable into each stereo female, they are both going to the default left for each female input, instead of left female going to left, and right female going to right? I'm looking for some new splitters then, and I REFUSE to shop at Radio Shack, they're too expensive. for the prices they charge, I can go online and stock up. But I need to find a splitter that goes 2x female mono to stereo male, or find a "y-cable" as Calinerti did.

I found a good site for cables and adapters. Could you guys help me decide if these adapters would work. It seems that they are "stereo to stereo."
http://store.pchcables.com/
http://store.pchcables.com/auadca.html
http://store.pchcables.com/stauviad.html
http://store.pchcables.com/1stplto21stj.html

dj_stick

http://store.pchcables.com/phyad1mapl2f.html

should work fine, but may block adjacent ports on the soundcard

Calinerti

I use two of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Bur of course it depends on what you need to plug in. Whats important I think is that one input is sent to the tip and one is sent to the ring (or is it sleeve)...

dj_stick

tip: left
ring: right
sleeve: earth/ground

sumpm1

Thanks dj. That adapter is pretty much the 3.5mm version of the ones that I have. Both female inputes are stere, as well as the male. The adapter is a "headphone splitter." And I think that may be the problem. Because if I plug a mono guitar cable into each female, each stereo female recognizes the mono input as "left" and I am still stuck with only the left input working. I got the inputs to work with an adapter such as this: http://store.pchcables.com/2rcajato13st.html. And I know that each female is mono, so that is what I really should be looking for. But there are really no adapters that go 2 mono female to one stereo male in 3.5mm or 1/4"

Maddogg6

yes - plugging a MONO source into a stereo headphone splitter - effectively 'shorts' the LEFT and RIGHT together.

Crap - I made a nice pic - but file anchor is down -
So I made a temp. google page

Hopefully that explains 'what is wrong' with splitting in this case.

For LINE2/Mic2 - What you need is '1/4" STEREO (MALE) to 'SPLIT' DUAL 1/4" MONO (FEMALE)'
For AC97 based LINE input - use a '3.5mm STEREO PLUG to split dual - 1/4" MONO Jacks'.
You may not find this - and may need to make one your self.. ?? or use multiple adapters.

Avoid 'headphone splitters' (which technically - most are NOT 'splitters'
where 'split' = divide and separate) when using MONO plugs/audio sources - such as guitars or microphones.

I hope that all makes sense... ??

Doug W

There is an example at this site

http://www.audiogear.com/Audio-Adapters-Miniplug.html

Stereo Mini Plug to 2) 1/4" Mono Jacks
(Stereo Mini Plug (1/8", 3.5mm) Left and Righted to 2) 1/4" Mono )

There are 2 or three other variations on the same page that would work.