two stereo sources into one input?

[Jenova314]

as far as i know, you should never use splitters to plug two stereo outputs (two soundcard outputs) into one input (receiver input) since the voltage spike from one source could easily short itself onto the other source. my dad tried this and almost fried his dvd player. anybody know how i could get around this though? are there things i can buy to allow me to have two audio sources going into one single input safely?

 

[watdahel]

You should be fine as long as you don't use both outputs at the same time. You will get distortion if you do.

 

[Jenova314]

that's the thing, i want to hear both sources at the same time

 

[watdahel]

The chances that your computer's soundcard will cause your receiver to go haywire is highly unlikely. Referring to your dad almost frying his DVD player: either he fried it or it didn't. How can you almost fry it?

I wouldn't be too worried about connecting two audio sources into a single input.

 

[kd7fhd]

Buy a stereo switchbox at radio shack for $15.

No possible way to have both input devices active at the same time then.

Use software to mix your two input sources: record one, record the second one, mix with something like cool edit.

 

[mattyrug]

Why not?? I do this all the time. I take a Tape Deck and CD Player output into one channel of a Mixing Board using 'Y' cables. Works fine here. Works fine on the Inputs of my Computer Speakers too. Line out of 2 computers next to each other, into 'Y' cables in the back of the line input on the speakers. If it's line level output, it won't hurt anything, but you won't have volume control over either (unless you control it before the signal gets out), or get a Line Mixer! U could pick up a cheapie one at radio shack for about $20. or you could go for a fancier one (w/ balanced inputs, and better pre's) for a lot more dough. I'm too lazy to link, but do a search on google for Line Mixers.