Monday, December 18, 2006

Multimedia Audio Changes

Hi everyone!
I'm looking for some ideas for our multimedia audio connections. The current setup has the DVD player with split audio to the main mixer and to the cue LCD so the multimedia people can hear their clips to cue them. The computer, VCR and laptop run through a small mixer then are split out to the main mixer and cue LCD.
The problem is the small mixer is failing and overloads easily causing really nice clipping of the audio going through it (and there are no adjustments!)

I have so far come up with 2 solutions.

1. Directly connect all of the multimedia to the main mixer,give them a subgroup (take one from the band) then return the signal to the multimedia cue LCD from the subgroup so the multimedia people can hear their cues.
Pro's - direct connections have less hum and noise, cheap ($20 for wiring), groups all media for recording
Con's - loose 2 more channels on the main mixer and one subgroup

2. Replace the mini mixer with another mini mixer that is better.
Pro's - takes up less channels on the main mixer, gives the multimedia people more control
Con's - costs more (300-500), may add noise to the mix because another device is in the signal path

What do you think?
Any input is welcome,

Thanks,
Keith