Simple audio mixing

[KennyR]

I have three computers on my desk but only one set of speakers. I was wondering if there was a cheap hardware mixer that could simply mix these outputs with a minimum of amplifying?

I've been searching for weeks. There are plenty of mixers and amps out there, but they are too expensive and/or have features I don't even need. I don't need bass, treble or anything like that. In fact I don't even need volume control - my computers can do that. And I don't need a powerful amp, seeing as I have good quality speakers with their own output.

So basically what I need is - 4 inputs, 2 outputs (one for headphones), no amplifying, ABSOLUTELY NO FANS, and costing less than $70 or so.

Does anyone know a mixer like that?

[KennyR]

I got 20% for the engineering part of my chemistry course. This alone should tell you how good I am at electronics and soldering. ;-)

[KennyR]

Yeah, that's the problem, xeron - I don't want to have to leave a computer on to have sound, or I'd have used my Pegasos "sound card". I'm just looking for that same functionality in a small, portable device.

[KennyR]

@kgrach and cyberus

I have soldered a *lot* in the past, and have come to one conclusion - I never should be allowed to do it again. I break everything I solder. I make big dirty solder splashes everywhere. I fry chips. I singe PCBs. I melt wires. I burn myself and set fire to my carpet. There's really no way I could build even anything this simple myself. I hate electronics, I never could figure out how an op-amp worked, and I can't solder to save myself.

On the other hand, I'm good with credit cards... ;-)

[KennyR]

@madgun

A switcher is not what I'm after. It's just too inflexible. Not only do I have to operate it manually, I couldn't do the things I want - like play mods on the Amiga while using my Pegasos, while having my PC make audible reports for my UPS and other things. I really need a mixer, not a switch.

[KennyR]

Well, thanks to everyone for suggestions, but it seems that I'm not going to get what I want unless I build it. Oh well, I better go daisy chain these computer audio outputs to each other's sound cards now... ;-)

[KennyR]

@floid

Interesting links, thanks.

The problem with "mic" mixers is that they're always mono - microphones don't need stereo output, of course. The ST-MX3 looks very promising though, even if it doesn't take the usual audio jack or double coaxial. :-(

The 5.25" bay mixer on compgeeks looks very interesting - but it needs its host computer to be on, sort of defeating the point. I suppose I could always put it in an external HD case, but then where would I put the backplate? ;-)

I'm sure I'm not the only person who just wants a simple computer output mixer in a box with a minimum of features. But it seems nobody makes such a thing. :-(

[KennyR]

@madgun

This looks like what I'll have to do. But since I don't run all of my machines all of the time, this is not what I wanted. Turning off my Pegasos (or if it crashes) will kill sound on all other machines this way.