RCA splitter to convert stereo to mono?

[pennylane]

Hi,

Is there any danger in using an RCA splitter to convert a stereo signal into a mono one?

ie, left and right output from a source -> RCA splitter -> mono input of receiver

Would that work?

 

[sdifox]

you don't need to do that... just connect the right channel and you got mono.

 

[pennylane]

If I connect just the right channel, both channels will be going through it?

 

[kornphlake]

If you just connect the right channel you only hear the right channel, it is mono though.

It depends on the content, there are several classic rock albums I wouldn't want to listen to without the left channel, there are instruments and vocals that wouldn't be heard at all on some songs, broadcast television or typical top 10 pop/rock probably doesn't loose much just listening to one channel.

 

[sdifox]

Combining the 2 mono source into one mono source can be done, but like kornphlake said, for most of today's crappola music stereo=mono :biggrin:

So, go ahead and use that mono to stereo cable as stereo to mono cable.

why are you using mono anyway?

 

[Matt1970]

Using an RCA splitter to convert a stereo signal into a mono one will just cancel one side or the other if your lucky and can actually cause damage to your components. You really need a mixing device to sum the 2 signals.

 

[pennylane]

Using an RCA splitter to convert a stereo signal into a mono one will just cancel one side or the other if your lucky and can actually cause damage to your components. You really need a mixing device to sum the 2 signals.

This was my concern. Thanks.

 

[Modelworks]

L+R = same thing a center channel would output
L-R = rear surround left
R-L = rear surround right

we used to do this all the time before surround sound decoders were popular and cheap. Doing this at line level, isn't an issue, the output and input impedance are too high 1K+ so no damage will occur. Can also be done at speaker level if the amp is not class D

 

[Matt1970]

Actually Modelworks is right. You should have no problems combining line level outputs.