Traktor S4 + Audio Kontrol into speakers

[jeanlucwu]

Hello, long time reader, recent shopper, and first time poster of DJTT.

I am looking for an inexpensive solution for a little problem I have.

Currently, I have my 2 dual balanced TRS cables coming out of my Audio Kontrol from my producing setup going into my speakers (KRK VXT6). After recently purchasing my laptop/S4 combo, I also wanted to somehow route the output of my S4 to my speakers.

Really all I need is a simple switch, so I don't have to plug and unplug cables all the time causing unecessary wear, but am also looking for something cheap.

Now, I know a mixer will solve the problem, but I don't want to pay $200 or more for a mixer with balanced outputs just for this. It's not like I will be producing and Djing at the same time. I've found some audio input selector boxes, but they go for $70.

Now I am not looking for a Y-cable, because I've heard having 2 inputs going into 1 output could potentially cause some serious harm to your equipment, but maybe if there is some sort of Y-cable with a switch, that will do for me.

Cheers,
Jean-Luc

[inov8]

Is your production done internally or with outboard gear?

[DvlsAdvct]

Get phono Y-cables at Radio Shack.

[inov8]

Get phono Y-cables at Radio Shack.

How would this work? I'm guessing you'd have to put one phono in each of the AK1 inputs and then connect the L channels of the S4 and Production Out to one Y-cable and the R channels to the other. Or am I missing something?

How about something like this?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Phonic-AM120-MKII-Stereo-Compact/dp/B0032TN184"]Amazon.com: Phonic AM120 MKII 1 Mic/Line 2 Stereo Input Compact Mixer: Musical Instruments@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uu8iF%2Bh6L.@@AMEPARAM@@51uu8iF%2Bh6L[/ame]

[DvlsAdvct]

Yeah that board will be fine.

Essentially, for the cables, what you'd do is plug the 1/4" male into the back of each speaker, and run one cable from the S4 and the Audio Kontrol to each female connection. You can get the same thing for 1/4" male with two 1/4" female on the other end of the cable.

[jeanlucwu]

Get phono Y-cables at Radio Shack.

Unfortunately that won't work, since it's just TS (tip + sleeve) versus TRS (tip+ring+sleeve)

TS is for unbalanced connections and TRS is for balanced connections (which means less noise)

Essentially there is a balanced output left channel and a balanced output for the right channel for both my audio kontrol 1 (audio interface) and my traktor s4 that I want to go to each individual left and right speaker that accepts balanced inputs (TRS or XLR).

Also, combining 2 inputs to 1 output is a very dangerous thing to do electronically

[DvlsAdvct]

I'm sure there are balanced options, but you raise a valid point.

The board is probably your best bet.

[jeanlucwu]

How would this work? I'm guessing you'd have to put one phono in each of the AK1 inputs and then connect the L channels of the S4 and Production Out to one Y-cable and the R channels to the other. Or am I missing something?

How about something like this?

Amazon.com: Phonic AM120 MKII 1 Mic/Line 2 Stereo Input Compact Mixer: Musical Instruments

That might do. I might have to shop around for reviews. I was trying to stay away from having to use a mixer, as it means more clutter, but it probably is my only solution. But the 2 balanced L/R channels and the balanced outputs was exactly what I was looking for if I had to do a mixer.

Cheers