Building a mixer would actually be a great electronics project, if you're interested.

Basic design:
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/bui … an-audio-mixer/
http://www.all-electric.com/schematic/simp_mix.htm

A little more complicated:
http://www.circuitlib.com/index.php/tutorials … -an-audio-mixer

gdjacobs wrote:

Building a mixer would actually be a great electronics project, if you're interested. […]
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Building a mixer would actually be a great electronics project, if you're interested.

Basic design:
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/bui … an-audio-mixer/
http://www.all-electric.com/schematic/simp_mix.htm

A little more complicated:
http://www.circuitlib.com/index.php/tutorials … -an-audio-mixer

Thanks dude, thank u for ur help, but be honest, this is something out of my touch already..... I got no idea and not even a single piece of knowledge on building any electronic circle...

But thanks anyway, It could be the ultimate solution for me in the future but not now.

Currently my setup is something similar to what you've tried. I run my MIDI modules through an 8 channel audio switcher (4x stereo) to the line-in on my SoundBlaster Z and then mix in the sound card. I don't have the noises issues you appear to be having, although that could be a consequence of it being a newer card.

A basic compact mixer is probably the next best solution. There are compact multi-channel stereo mixers available (for example things like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/331962 … ereo_Mixer.html). This might be your best option.

Most traditional audio mixers (i.e. the kind used by musicians or sound engineers) would probably be overkill for just mixing sound modules.

Shponglefan wrote:

Currently my setup is something similar to what you've tried. I run my MIDI modules through an 8 channel audio switcher (4x stereo) to the line-in on my SoundBlaster Z and then mix in the sound card. I don't have the noises issues you appear to be having, although that could be a consequence of it being a newer card.

A basic compact mixer is probably the next best solution. There are compact multi-channel stereo mixers available (for example things like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/331962 … ereo_Mixer.html). This might be your best option.

Most traditional audio mixers (i.e. the kind used by musicians or sound engineers) would probably be overkill for just mixing sound modules.

Thanks bro! That seems to be a nice solution. BTW, I found this on internet, the Behringer MX400 Micromix 4 Channel Line Mixer, and think it as a cheap ($25) and available choice on Amazon Japan (I'm living in Japan now).
Link: http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behring … /MX400/p/P0390#
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T39UquF2rSI

But there is no any basic knowledge of mixer in my head, could u give me some comments on this little device? Are those "4 Channels" the stereo channels or mono ones? Thanks you very much if u can help me on this.

A good stereo mixer is basically the only way to deal with this. I use this one:

1x Microphone input (useless)
3x Stereo inputs (SB - GUS - MIDI)

this way you can fine-tune audio levels on the fly - something really really really handy 🤣

Saotome Ranma wrote:

Thanks bro! That seems to be a nice solution. BTW, I found this on internet, the Behringer MX400 Micromix 4 Channel Line Mixer, […]
Show full quote

Thanks bro! That seems to be a nice solution. BTW, I found this on internet, the Behringer MX400 Micromix 4 Channel Line Mixer, and think it as a cheap ($25) and available choice on Amazon Japan (I'm living in Japan now).
Link: http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behring … /MX400/p/P0390#
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T39UquF2rSI

But there is no any basic knowledge of mixer in my head, could u give me some comments on this little device? Are those "4 Channels" the stereo channels or mono ones? Thanks you very much if u can help me on this.

That particular mixer you listed is mono. You'll ideally want one specifically with stereo inputs.

A mixer with 4x stereo inputs is technically an 8 channel mixer.

mixer is definite the best option, but maybe its just a crap audio cable causing the interference?
Got another computer or laptop with line/mic in you can test with?

Also don't connect the MIDI module's power lead to the same outlet box as your PC, moving parts in the PC such as fans can be a cause of interference...

As for mixers with lots of channels, you can find second hand pro-audio mixers for as little as 1000-2000 yen on Y! Auctions Japan. Keep in mind that if you buy a mono mixer (with stereo out) you need to divide the number of input channels by two if you want to use it for stereo devices.

Shponglefan wrote:

Saotome Ranma wrote:

Thanks bro! That seems to be a nice solution. BTW, I found this on internet, the Behringer MX400 Micromix 4 Channel Line Mixer, […]
Show full quote

Thanks bro! That seems to be a nice solution. BTW, I found this on internet, the Behringer MX400 Micromix 4 Channel Line Mixer, and think it as a cheap ($25) and available choice on Amazon Japan (I'm living in Japan now).
Link: http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behring … /MX400/p/P0390#
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T39UquF2rSI

But there is no any basic knowledge of mixer in my head, could u give me some comments on this little device? Are those "4 Channels" the stereo channels or mono ones? Thanks you very much if u can help me on this.

That particular mixer you listed is mono. You'll ideally want one specifically with stereo inputs.

A mixer with 4x stereo inputs is technically an 8 channel mixer.

With buses for left and right channels.

I got this mixer a while ago: http://www.phonic.com/mixers/am-240d/

The way I currently use it is going in are:

- AWE 64 Gold
- CD Audio (I built myself a rear bracket thingy with RCA ports)
- MIDI device (I used to use a switcher, now I just plug in what I need and when I need it)

Outputs I have for headphones and speakers are Creative Gigaworks II.

Such mixers aren't cheap, but they last forever and are handy to have.

I have researched various alternatives for mixing audio as I am using multiple systems and soundcards. The best and most affordable audio mixer I found was the DAP Audio Compact 8.1. It enables using my standard RCA audio plugs and I remember paying about 200 dollars for it. No professional brand or quality but it offers a lot of flexibilty.

I use a Rolls MX41B and it works like a champ:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolls-MX41B-Stereo-4- … =item5b2b1e3592

PhilsComputerLab wrote:

I got this mixer a while ago: http://www.phonic.com/mixers/am-240d/ […]
Show full quote

I got this mixer a while ago: http://www.phonic.com/mixers/am-240d/

The way I currently use it is going in are:

- AWE 64 Gold
- CD Audio (I built myself a rear bracket thingy with RCA ports)
- MIDI device (I used to use a switcher, now I just plug in what I need and when I need it)

Outputs I have for headphones and speakers are Creative Gigaworks II.

Such mixers aren't cheap, but they last forever and are handy to have.

Thinking of this right now. Let's see whether I can get a cheaper second hand one on Yahoo Auction Japan.

Thanks dude

keropi wrote:

A good stereo mixer is basically the only way to deal with this. I use this one: […]
Show full quote

A good stereo mixer is basically the only way to deal with this. I use this one:

1x Microphone input (useless)
3x Stereo inputs (SB - GUS - MIDI)

this way you can fine-tune audio levels on the fly - something really really really handy 🤣

I don't know why but such kinds of simple stereo mixers are very rare in Japan. Here is full of those expensive and professional mixers.

Tim1075 wrote:

I have researched various alternatives for mixing audio as I am using multiple systems and soundcards. The best and most affordable audio mixer I found was the DAP Audio Compact 8.1. It enables using my standard RCA audio plugs and I remember paying about 200 dollars for it. No professional brand or quality but it offers a lot of flexibilty.

This is something out of my budget... I want a solution within $30 some, but thank u all the same

badmojo wrote:

I use a Rolls MX41B and it works like a champ:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolls-MX41B-Stereo-4- … =item5b2b1e3592

I can't find it on Amazon Japan or Yahoo Auctions.... Damn it

As far as mixers go, buying a used one with better features in my view is always better than buying a new cheap one. The first mixer I ever owned was a Behringer and aside from poor interface design, it had no on off switch, which was unbelievable and caused issues.

If you're in JP I bet there are tons of used mixers on Yahoo Auctions.

Spikey wrote:

As far as mixers go, buying a used one with better features in my view is always better than buying a new cheap one. The first mixer I ever owned was a Behringer and aside from poor interface design, it had no on off switch, which was unbelievable and caused issues.

If you're in JP I bet there are tons of used mixers on Yahoo Auctions.

Yes, there are, but most of them are over 40~50 dollars and even far more expensive, which is obviously out of my budget.... I'm a poor guy here.... 😐 😐 😐

Saotome Ranma wrote:

Spikey wrote:

As far as mixers go, buying a used one with better features in my view is always better than buying a new cheap one. The first mixer I ever owned was a Behringer and aside from poor interface design, it had no on off switch, which was unbelievable and caused issues.

If you're in JP I bet there are tons of used mixers on Yahoo Auctions.

Yes, there are, but most of them are over 40~50 dollars and even far more expensive, which is obviously out of my budget.... I'm a poor guy here.... 😐 😐 😐

Hopefully this works: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/category/list/%E … e&s1=cbids&o1=a

Anyway, if it doesn't, you need to look in the professional audio category and then in the mixer category. When sorted on lowest price first, there are at least 3-4 pages of cheap second hand (rack) mixers. Look for one that hasn't been abused too much and that has been tested by the seller. It's also a matter of waiting for a deal, which may take some time, but there's good stuff to be found.