Quote:
Originally Posted by matthew858
Quote:
Originally Posted by decryption
Out of interest, why would you want to combine the sounds of multiple iPods together?
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... I have other things in mind  . |
Then tell us exactly what you are wanting to do, or trying to achieve, then we can recommend the right solution. I hate trying to give half-arsed solutions for half-baked questions.
Anyway ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by matthew858
... an adapter that allows 2 different streams of audio to be combined into one stream, then into a set of headphones ... all ports 3.5mm.
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My guess is that you have two computers (or other audio outputs) and you want to combine the outputs because your amplifier or headphones only has one input, and you want to be able to hear both without having to switch betwen them, yes?
If so, then your simplest solution is to run the output of the first device into the input of the second, and from the second to your amp / phones. This is the solution I use at my own desk, I have the output from my G4 going to the line-input on the soundcard in my Windows machine, and then a cable from the line output jack on the soundcard to the auxilliary input on my amplifier.
If you are lacking suitable line-level inputs on one or both devices, then you are going to need a self-powered mixer. Whilst it is possible to build a simple two-into-one adaptor, electronically this should not be used to mix two sources into one output as this could cause damage to one or both output circuits, and if both outputs are going at once, could overload your amplifier's input and cause damage there.
A suitable stereo mixer will set you back $50-$150 new, plus another few dollars each for suitable cables to go from the 3.5mm stereo (TRS) output jacks to the inputs of the mixer. Most mixers use dual RCA connectors for inputs, so stereo 3.5mm to dual RCA cables can be had from just about anywhere.
The simplest (and smallest) solution is the
Behringer MON800 Stereo Monitor Matrix Mixer which can be had for about $80.
This little unit can correctly merge up to four stereo inputs, has its own headphone amp, and can send the mixed signals out to one, two or three outputs simultaneously.
You could always scout eBay and Gumtree for people selling old stereo-capable mixers, such as this
Genexxa unit currently on eBay for $35. It'll do what you need, it just takes up a power point and a fair bit of space.
