Shponglefan wrote on 2026-04-03, 14:33:

CM-series modules are a bit harder to come by. Back when I bought mine, I set up saved Ebay searches, then got lucky when a coup […]
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DustyShinigami wrote on 2026-04-02, 19:44:

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks. Looking on eBay UK doesn't appear to come up with... anything. Plenty of power cables though.

CM-series modules are a bit harder to come by. Back when I bought mine, I set up saved Ebay searches, then got lucky when a couple popped up for sale at the same time.

I'm just not sure what the best affordable mixer would be. I'm guessing I'm going to need one even if I have just two sound modules...?

It depends what you are mixing. If you're combining both external sound cards and internal sound cards, then I'd recommend a mixer. If you're just switching between external sound modules, then an audio switcher is another option.

For mixing, I use Edirol (Roland) MX-10MX mixers. I like them because they are compact and can support up to 5 stereo devices (10 channels). They also have a mix of 1/4" and RCA jacks for inputs, and separate headphones and digital outputs.

The attachment Edirol M-10MX Mixer.jpg is no longer available

Ah, okay. Yeah, I usually have searches saved on eBay. Have some for rare games, too.

I mean, I do have two internal sound cards that I can try combining in some situations. Though a switcher might be a good temporary solution.

Whilst on the subject, I've been struggling to get recommendations of a modern but affordable 2.1 speaker set up for my main PC. The last one had the option for optical audio and I could switch between two sources - one for the PC and the other for the PS3/4. It looks like a lot of modern 2.1 speaker setups don't have optical, for some reason. A lot seem to be Bluetooth. My consoles have basically shared my second PC monitor and speakers. I'm not quite sure what to do with that situation. Whether to wait and hunt for one that does have optical or would a mixer work best? Or a switcher?

I've found one of those Edirol mixers. From Japan for about £95. I think going for something more basic would be a good starting point. And especially if I do need to get two - one for my PC > console situation and the other for the retro PC.

Decisions decisions...

DustyShinigami wrote on 2026-04-03, 14:37:

Cool. Thanks. I haven't actually bought anything from AliExpress or Temu before. I have heard mixed things about them...?

I've had the odd package not arrive and I've bought hundreds of things over the years, especially from AliExpress. If the package doesn't arrive in the allotted time, you get a full refund. Not sure in the UK, but in South Africa, Temu has free shipping for all items. Shipping usually takes 1-2 weeks, it would be a lot quicker if our customs weren't so useless.

They're available on EBay as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/366265760001?_skw=6+ … ABk9SR4Sn982qZw

This one is in the UK

https://www.ebay.com/itm/206180257151?_skw=6+ … ABk9SR4Kn982qZw

orcish75 wrote on 2026-04-03, 19:46:

They're available on EBay as well. […]
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They're available on EBay as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/366265760001?_skw=6+ … ABk9SR4Sn982qZw

This one is in the UK

https://www.ebay.com/itm/206180257151?_skw=6+ … ABk9SR4Kn982qZw

Oh nice. Thank you. 😀

Is there any particular benefit for having 10 channels?

orcish75 wrote on 2026-04-03, 19:39:

DustyShinigami wrote on 2026-04-03, 14:37:

Cool. Thanks. I haven't actually bought anything from AliExpress or Temu before. I have heard mixed things about them...?

I've had the odd package not arrive and I've bought hundreds of things over the years, especially from AliExpress. If the package doesn't arrive in the allotted time, you get a full refund. Not sure in the UK, but in South Africa, Temu has free shipping for all items. Shipping usually takes 1-2 weeks, it would be a lot quicker if our customs weren't so useless.

I see. I was going to use them at one point to get a replacement back panel to a laptop, but they all seem to have gone. But I'll have to check both again.

DustyShinigami wrote on 2026-04-03, 20:18:

Is there any particular benefit for having 10 channels?

Probably overkill for most scenarios, a 6 channel one should be more than ample, it'll give you headroom if you ever decide to get Yamaha, Korg, SC-88 etc. modules in the future.

I bought the 10 channel one as I've gone completely overboard with my sound modules and soundcards. Probably gonna buy a 6 channel soon to daisy chain to the 10 channel! 😀

DustyShinigami wrote on 2026-04-03, 20:18:

Is there any particular benefit for having 10 channels?

The benefit is you can plug in 10 audio sources (potentially from multiple computers)

Gotcha. Makes sense. Probably will be overkill for my needs. I did find this 6 channel one. A mini mixer:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/397299325784?_skw= … ABk9SR-Kov9aqZw

Avoid the passive ones if you can, as they are quite touchy without the buffers in powered mixers. Changing the volume on one dial affects the volume on all the others because they all electrically interact, and not always in the same way depending on the impedance of the devices it's connected to.

Also by the time you get everything balanced in a passive mixer across multiple devices the output will be very low compared to an active mixer

NeoG_ wrote on 2026-04-03, 22:35:

Avoid the passive ones if you can, as they are quite touchy without the buffers in powered mixers. Changing the volume on one dial affects the volume on all the others because they all electrically interact, and not always in the same way depending on the impedance of the devices it's connected to.

Also by the time you get everything balanced in a passive mixer across multiple devices the output will be very low compared to an active mixer

Ahh. Right. So it’s an active/powered mixer I need. Thanks.

It's been a while since I tried a passive mixer, but I think that they have problems with volume depending on how you've my fixed each channel. A powered mixer is much more consistent and isn't much more expensive. A passive mixer is only really useful if you're tuning a mix that will remain otherwise stable (you're not constantly fiddling with the knobs as you switch between synthesizers, etc.)

If you can get your greasy mitts on one of the old ROLAND/EDIROL mixers, they are a sure thing for MIDI usage.

RetroGamer4Ever wrote on Yesterday, 13:54:

If you can get your greasy mitts on one of the old ROLAND/EDIROL mixers, they are a sure thing for MIDI usage.

I would love to, but the ones I’ve seen look to be quite pricey.

Kahenraz wrote on Yesterday, 13:37:

It's been a while since I tried a passive mixer, but I think that they have problems with volume depending on how you've my fixed each channel. A powered mixer is much more consistent and isn't much more expensive. A passive mixer is only really useful if you're tuning a mix that will remain otherwise stable (you're not constantly fiddling with the knobs as you switch between synthesizers, etc.)

I see. Okay.

I did see this one, which is very basic. Not sure how appropriate this would be…?

https://amzn.eu/d/09uXypbK

Failing that, there’s this one:

https://amzn.eu/d/0borRZTw

DustyShinigami wrote on Yesterday, 15:29:

I see. Okay. […]
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I see. Okay.

I did see this one, which is very basic. Not sure how appropriate this would be…?

https://amzn.eu/d/09uXypbK

Failing that, there’s this one:

https://amzn.eu/d/0borRZTw

Either one should be more than fine. I can't see pricing as they won't ship to me. But the similar items below it are in the $18-23 USD range. If they are similar, then ya go for it.

They won't be amazing for a recording studio, but for retro devices it will be more than enough. You can also get experience with the mixer and upgrade to something better or that supports more devices if needed.

This is the one I use. I decided that spending a little extra for 6 channels would be worth it rather than having to buy a whole new mixer again later. I do use the entire mixer now, so it worked out. I also have one hidden behind the TV that mixes my cassette decks, CD charger, and Bluetooth receiver. Works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CY57D93G

SScorpio wrote on Yesterday, 15:43:

DustyShinigami wrote on Yesterday, 15:29:

I see. Okay. […]
Show full quote

I see. Okay.

I did see this one, which is very basic. Not sure how appropriate this would be…?

https://amzn.eu/d/09uXypbK

Failing that, there’s this one:

https://amzn.eu/d/0borRZTw

Either one should be more than fine. I can't see pricing as they won't ship to me. But the similar items below it are in the $18-23 USD range. If they are similar, then ya go for it.

They won't be amazing for a recording studio, but for retro devices it will be more than enough. You can also get experience with the mixer and upgrade to something better or that supports more devices if needed.

Cool. Thanks. Yeah, recording studio is definitely not on the agenda 🤣. But yeah, something basic to begin with could lead to something better later on. I'm hoping I don't get more sound canvases after the MT-32, but I would think that 4 channels would be plenty if I did. Whether it's an MT-32 (new) or one of those CM series.

Kahenraz wrote on Yesterday, 16:09:

This is the one I use. I decided that spending a little extra for 6 channels would be worth it rather than having to buy a whole new mixer again later. I do use the entire mixer now, so it worked out. I also have one hidden behind the TV that mixes my cassette decks, CD charger, and Bluetooth receiver. Works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CY57D93G

Great. Thanks. I may even get one of the £30-range ones. We'll see. 😀

DustyShinigami wrote on Yesterday, 16:47:

Cool. Thanks. Yeah, recording studio is definitely not on the agenda 🤣. But yeah, something basic to begin with could lead to something better later on. I'm hoping I don't get more sound canvases after the MT-32, but I would think that 4 channels would be plenty if I did. Whether it's an MT-32 (new) or one of those CM series.

I'd suggest rather getting the 6 channel one, no real difference in price. You never know what you'll decide in the future, a bargain Yamaha MU50 or SC-88 might fall in your hands and you'll be able to connect it without issue. Once you start this rabbit hole, you'll see how deep it goes. I also started with an MT-100 (pretty much the same as an MT-32 new), a while later I picked up an SC-88 Pro for a bargain, then an SC-55, then a JV-1080, then another SC-55, then a Korg NX5R. The addiction gets real. What is really cool with that mixer is you can layer the different modules for some whacky soundtracks. Good fun!

orcish75 wrote on Yesterday, 18:37:

DustyShinigami wrote on Yesterday, 16:47:

Cool. Thanks. Yeah, recording studio is definitely not on the agenda 🤣. But yeah, something basic to begin with could lead to something better later on. I'm hoping I don't get more sound canvases after the MT-32, but I would think that 4 channels would be plenty if I did. Whether it's an MT-32 (new) or one of those CM series.

I'd suggest rather getting the 6 channel one, no real difference in price. You never know what you'll decide in the future, a bargain Yamaha MU50 or SC-88 might fall in your hands and you'll be able to connect it without issue. Once you start this rabbit hole, you'll see how deep it goes. I also started with an MT-100 (pretty much the same as an MT-32 new), a while later I picked up an SC-88 Pro for a bargain, then an SC-55, then a JV-1080, then another SC-55, then a Korg NX5R. The addiction gets real. What is really cool with that mixer is you can layer the different modules for some whacky soundtracks. Good fun!

Okay, you've convinced me. I'll get that one. :p

EDIT: Although it looks like it would have to be imported from the US. Amazon UK don't seem to actually sell it.