audio summing

[ballroomBoom]

I have two channels of analog RCA audio that I want to sum into a single RCA channel. What's the best approach? I've read about various summing boxes out there, and also just using a splitter backwards. Is the latter advisable?

Thanks!

P.S. In case anyone wonders... The reason for doing this is to take my audio output and feed it into a subwoofer that only accepts a single RCA. This wouldn't be a problem if the sub accepted L&R.

 

[markw]

No, you don't want to just use a splitter in reverse. aside from the fact that everything, everywhere will be mono, you just may damage the amp.

Here's a handy little article for you: http://www.rane.com/note109.html

 

[ballroomBoom]

Thanks for the quick response, markw. I got delayed by the holiday spirit. :-D

I am struggling to find a reputable off-the-shelf product that can do exactly as the resistor schematic indicates. Suppose I could get a mixer to combine the two channels, but many mixers don't output a mono channel.

 

[markw]

If you google "stereo to mono summing box" you'll get some results. I can't vouch for them since I've never used one.

 

[Seth=L]

I've never heard of a problem of using any adapter to converge stereo preamplifier outputs into one for use with a line level input on a subwoofer. Am I mistaken?

 

[TLS Guy]

I've never heard of a problem of using any adapter to converge stereo preamplifier outputs into one for use with a line level input on a subwoofer. Am I mistaken?

Yes, as everything will be mono, because I have never heard of preamp outs that are buffered.

 

[Seth=L]

Yes, as everything will be mono, because I have never heard of preamp outs that are buffered.

For clarification you're saying that it could damage the preamp?

 

[TLS Guy]

For clarification you're saying that it could damage the preamp?

No, it will do no damage, just make everything after the preamp mono. The Y will act as a mono switch from that point on.