What happens if I plug into both the line AND mic inputs on the same channel of a sound board? Will both work?

Question

My band is playing at a coffee shop that has only a four channel mixer. We need a total of 5 inputs.

Each channel on the board has both a line and a mic input jack, and so the guy who owns the shop suggested we could plug both a mic AND an instrument into one of the channels.

I think that sounds like crazy talk, and that we need to either get a mixer with more channels, or live without amplification on one of our instruments.

Am I right?

Thanks very much for all the responses. In response to Hogshead's questions, I know very little about the mixer in question, since I haven't seen it yet -- it's only been described to me. We'll be using dynamic mics, though.

Our current plan is to bring our own 4-channel PA, and go from its "tape out" into one of the inputs of the house board. That will get us plenty of inputs.

Answer 1

More information would be useful to get a good answer for this question.

Are you using high or low impedance microphones? Are you running dynamic or condenser mics? Is the extra channel needed for mic input or line input? Does the mixer have an auxiliary input or return (these are usually used for signal return from a processor of some sort, but they can be used as a line input)?

As a rule, input should not be summed, because the signal strength may over load the mic preamps. Nor should the output of a power amd be summed. Some signal processors allow for utilizing both the balanced and unbalanced outputs simultaneously but one should consult the owners manual of the equipment for a definitive answer. If a key board is in the mix, run it mono and free up a channel that way.

Add more detail and we'll be able to help out more, or contact me through yahoo IM through this site.

Addendum: Utilizing your mixer's tape out may work, but this is an unbalanced source, and may well perform poorly, although with a short cable run, even if unbalanced and unshielded (as RCA connectors), you might get away with it. If it is possible pre-view the venue and the mixer, or have a good "plan B."

You will have a floating audio ground, so Mr. Hum and Ol' Man Buzz may show up. The invitation is greater if one or both of the mixers are powered by wall warts. Be sure, if possible, all the electronics, are running on the same AC circuit to try and help head off the ground loop that may produce these audio anomalies.

Break a leg !

Answer 2

If the "line" inputs an the "mic" input are actually seperate, you can do this. Just don't plug a line output into a mic input, you will probably blow the channel!

The safest & easiest solution would be to use a "2-into-1" 1/4 inch jack adaptor and plug two mic inputs into it and send them to the same mic input on the mixer. You will lose independent level control for the two mic inputs but you won't blow anything up!

Answer 3

You are right. THe inputs are typically switched so it's one or the other. THeir is no proper summing (mixing) buss at the input to a line module. That's the whole idea of an input channel: TO have total control over the levvel and color of ONE signal at a time. There are likely exception to this in field mixers meant for location recording but for most PA and studio gear you are correct. Get more inputs or daisy chain mixers.

Answer 4

the first element i ought to do is examine administration panel > sound and audio contraptions to make effective not something is muted. in case you plug the headphones back in and also you get sound, then that's probable not the sound card. i comprehend you probable checked all of this, yet i am going to aspect out it besides... some pcs have on-board sound on the MB besides to a valid card. to that end you would have 2 a threat "eco-friendly" output ports to plug contained in the cable. make effective you're making use of the right one if it is the case. also, some modems have ports for sound also. make effective you're literally not mistakenly making use of one in all those. I had an party the position I fastened someones computing device at my domicile and each and everything worked completely. at the same time as the guy delivered it domicile he stated he had no sound. I went by each and everything back purely to make certain that the audio gadget he became making use of had a activate them to ascertain on an "enter gadget." Do your audio gadget have this kind of swap? finally, if all else fails i ought to easily reinstall the sound card drivers. if in case you've them on a disc that got here with the computing device. If not you will get them from Gateway or Realtek.

Answer 5

it makes a really weird noise.
It's cool, like a jimi hendrix sound effect, but it can't be good for it