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Device to mix stereo sources?

davmol

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Aug 16, 2024
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Currently I'm sing a windows pc for audio, outputting by usb to DAC and headphone amp. I picked up a Wiim mini for streaming, so I can listen when the pc is off, but then I realised I can either use the Wiim OR listen from my pc over USB. I would like to mix the outputs, so when my pc is on I still hear calendar reminders etc, while streaming music to the Wiim, and if I were to turn my pc off I can continue to listen to music uninterrupted and without changing inputs on the DAC.

Would this require something like this:
Stereo mixer

Firstly, would a device like that degrade or distort the audio (other than gain / volume)?

Secondly, is there any other device to consider that could do this, maybe even one that is cheaper? Maybe even the Wiim already has some way to mix sources that I'm not aware of?

I realise I could switch between windows app streaming and Wiim streaming when the pc is off, but I'm looking for a solution that isn't an either / or scenario, if one exists. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
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Firstly, would a device like that degrade or distort the audio (other than gain / volume)?
It shouldn't degrade the sound audibly.

ALL analog electronics generate SOME noise and it's probably measureable, but probably not audible unless you are using the microphone preamps, which can have gain of 100-1000. The gain amplifies any noise fed-in, plus any internally generated noise. With little or no gain you should be OK.
 
Currently I'm sing a windows pc for audio, outputting by usb to DAC and headphone amp. I picked up a Wiim mini for streaming, so I can listen when the pc is off, but then I realised I can either use the Wiim OR listen from my pc over USB. I would like to mix the outputs, so when my pc is on I still hear calendar reminders etc, while streaming music to the Wiim, and if I were to turn my pc off I can continue to listen to music uninterrupted and without changing inputs on the DAC.

Would this require something like this:
Stereo mixer

Firstly, would a device like that degrade or distort the audio (other than gain / volume)?

Secondly, is there any other device to consider that could do this, maybe even one that is cheaper? Maybe even the Wiim already has some way to mix sources that I'm not aware of?

I realise I could switch between windows app streaming and Wiim streaming when the pc is off, but I'm looking for a solution that isn't an either / or scenario, if one exists. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I'm sorry to tell you that all the cheap options are going to introduce high background noise.
The option you propose @RayDunzl gives you more play, maybe you'll become a mainstream star XD.


The PRO option could be any of these two previous beauties
Another option that I wouldn't rule out would be this one:
Cuanto menos componentes utilices, menor será la degradación de la señal.

OPT 1

OPT 2

Regards
 
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Just a note to posters: if you get a long crazy attachment link delete the first ? and everything else to the right of that first ?. Then hit preview to check and most times you will up with a summary box in your post, FYI.
 
Although the thought of being an internet starlet is my ultimate dream, for now I just want to mix in my windows calendar reminders with a music stream :D

I've decided to take a punt on this one:
LiNKFOR 4 Channel Stereo Audio Mixer CX400

It's cheap, has a lot of good reviews and the input/output are RCA so I don't need to buy a bunch of new cables. So basically it will go USB into DAC into mixer, then Wiim Mini into mixer, with the output going to a headphone amplifier. Side benefit being Amazon, so I can return it shoud it turn out to be terrible.
 
Although the thought of being an internet starlet is my ultimate dream, for now I just want to mix in my windows calendar reminders with a music stream :D

I've decided to take a punt on this one:
LiNKFOR 4 Channel Stereo Audio Mixer CX400

It's cheap, has a lot of good reviews and the input/output are RCA so I don't need to buy a bunch of new cables. So basically it will go USB into DAC into mixer, then Wiim Mini into mixer, with the output going to a headphone amplifier. Side benefit being Amazon, so I can return it shoud it turn out to be terrible.
Hello good.
I think it's the right decision.
I have used some Linkfor optical duplicators and they work ok, the construction is good even though it is cheap.
Tell us your final experience with him.
Greetings.
 
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