Audio Swicher and Volume Control

One issue that I ran into in the new video editing suites is that I had no way to switch audio sources for the powered speakers that we purchased. If I connected them to the computer the video sound would be out of sync with the NTSC monitor and if I connected them to the VHS output you would not be able to hear audio from computer applications such as iTunes or the sound effects from iMovie. Also If I connected the speakers directly to the VHS there is no volume control and the line level out to the speakers is very loud.


My solution was to get a passive pre-amp (really a limiter) with 2 sets of stereo inputs, one set of stereo outputs a switch to be able to toggle between the 2 sources and a volume dial. Unfortunately all I could find was very expensive and complicated passive pre-amps (they are popular with audiophiles because the add no extra noise or distortion to the audio.)


Luckily for me I found this schematic online and I have a very handy coworker named Neal who was able to create one for me using the exact connections I needed (RCA stereo and TSR 3.5mm mini inputs and stereo XLR outputs)


The sound quality is excellent, it is easy to use and it looks great.

Read more