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Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 1:28 pm
by andyjingram
Hi there,
I need to sum the stereo outputs of my Proteus 2000 for mono connection to a vocoder. This is because I will be running the outs of the Proteus through a patchbay, and will lose the mono only output of the R/mono out due to constant connection of both outs to the patchbay.
My question is really fairly simple- is it possible to sum the stereo output (L and R jacks) to a single mono jack by making the correct 'Y' cable? I'm hoping it is just a case of soldering to wires to the same point...
Thanks, Andy
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 1:44 pm
by Altitude
technically yes. It will attenuate and there is a chance that you can damage the outs of the device since it will change the load on the output circuitry. To be safe, you need to add some resistors like shown here (minus the potentiometers)
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:32 pm
by Stab Frenzy
Using a Y cable to 'mix' two sources means that each output is driving the other output as well as the input. Not only is it possible to damage the output stages but it also messes with the sound.
Rather than just take the pots out of that diagram they should be replaced with fixed 10k resistors between the input and ground.
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 4:05 am
by Altitude
Stab Frenzy wrote:Using a Y cable to 'mix' two sources means that each output is driving the other output as well as the input. Not only is it possible to damage the output stages but it also messes with the sound.
Rather than just take the pots out of that diagram they should be replaced with fixed 10k resistors between the input and ground.
The resistors are already in the diagram..
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 6:19 am
by aeon
You might also consider sending the voices destined for the vocoder out one of the subouts on the P2K to a dedicated patchbay jack.
cheers,
Ian
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 11:28 am
by Steve Jones
If you use a Y cable as a mixer, the signal being electricity, takes the path of least resistance. Modern gear has low impedance outputs and high impedance inputs, so the easy path for the electricity is into the other output rather than into the input of the Vocoder. Basically the two outputs of the proteus will drive each other in preference to driving the vocoder input. Not good.
Re: Stereo sum via 'Y' cable.
Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:59 pm
by andyjingram
Thanks for all the replies. Things are never as simple as I hope!
Aeon, I think you have pointed me in the direction of the easiest route- using the sub outs as my 'main' stereo outs and using the R/Mono on the Main out will give me a full mono signal to the vocoder. It seems to mute the headphone out doing this, but I'll have a fiddle about once the patchbay is installed. Cheers!