By the look at it, I'm sure the Tape in isn't going into the AUX... The only redirection of that input is to the master outputs.
You should use 2 line ins instead.. They can be sent to the master out and the Aux outs..

PCRecord - Thanks for the reply. I've taken the line out from the computer, using a 1/8" adapter cable to 2 female RCA's. Then, using a standard red/white analog audio cable, I bring the feed to the Mixpad and plug the 2 R/W RCA males into the Tape/CD in jacks on the Mixpad. I've tested the connection and I'm receiving all of the audio from the computer into the mixer, no problem.
With that working successfully, I wanted to do the reverse. I have another 1/8" mini ->2 RCA females adapter cable. I plugged the 1/8" into the Line In port of the computer and, as I said in the first post, here's where my problem is. The cable I'm using for this connection is a pro audio that we had previously used on the first radio show. It has two analog 1/4" jacks on one end and two RCA males on the other. We did the exact same thing in 2000, but I can't remember what jacks on the Mixpad 12 we used for the 1/4" side of the cable to send the Mixpad output to the same computer. I've attached a photo to help clarify.
Thanks again!
Steve

Attached files

First, you need to investigate if the audio going out of the computer could be redirected in your podcast software internally in the computer.. They sometime have a what you hear option...

If not, I say it again, the RCA inputs signals goes to the main outputs ONLY.. if you want to send something to the AUX, you need to use mic/line channels..
you can take another 1/8" mini ->2 RCA females adapter cable and put RCA to 1/4'' adapters and then plug that to line ins of your mixer then the other end (1/8) goes to the line it of the computer.

Another solution, use the MainOUTS to send back to the computer and use AUX to power your monitors...

My concern here is, that even if you figure out the routing you're going to cause a deafening hardwired feedback loop trying to route the output of the same computer to its own inputs - unless you have the means to monitor it independent of it's built-in speaker/headphone circuitry.

If you've given an accurate inventory description, here's how I'd get the signal into and out of the Mixpad **

START BY TURNING ALL THE VOLUME KNOBS DOWN AS LOW AS THEY WILL GO - AND IF YOU HAVE HEADPHONES ON, PUT THE PLUG IN YOUR POCKET - THEY MAY ACT AS HEARING PROTECTION IF THIS GOES SIDEWAYS ON YOU.

1. Connect the ⅛" to RCA Females cable to the computer's ⅛" output
2. Connect the RCA Male to ¼" cable to the Female RCAs of that first cable
3. Connect the ¼" males to 2 separate channels of the Mixpad (you'll have much better control using channel inputs rather than Tape Ins)
   [ That should get you the best audio playback available out of Computer #1 into the Mixpad ]

   To get the sound into Computer #2 just

   1. Connect the RCA Male to ⅛" cable from the RCA Tape Outputs of the Mixpad to the input on the 2nd computer (the relatively low -10dB consumer level should work in your favor going into a generic sound card).

      If your meters in Audacity indicate the signal is too cold, use the ¼" Main Outs.

      My advice would be use a 2nd computer for the capture / podcasting.

      **Again, you could carefully try this with a single computer, but you have the potential problem of creating an ear-splitting, speaker killing, feedback monster - in an attempt to avoid using a 2nd computer, or more suitable audio interface. So go slowly with the 'Trim" and Volume knobs until you're sure it's stable.

OH yeah ! Forget to mention the feedback risk.. good catch dvdhawk !!

Thank you both very much. I'm going to print out your suggestions and head into the office to follow through and test the recommendations. PCRecord, for right now, I'm just planning to use Audacity. I was interested in using the demo of ePodcast Producer, but it appears that the company, IndustrialAudioSoftware no longer exists. I attempted to send email to both their sales email address and the support email address, however they both were bounced back as undeliverable! Plus, I've done little "electronic" audio editing over the years. Many, many years ago, when I was in radio, I edited plenty of audio tapes with REAL cut and tape on an editing block. Digital editing is a whole new ballgame for an old fart like me.
But I do sincerely appreciate your advice and will give it a try and let you know what happens.
Thanks very much,
Steve

"Connect the RCA Male to ⅛" cable from the RCA Tape Outputs of the Mixpad to the input on the 2nd computer (the relatively low -10dB consumer level should work in your favor going into a generic sound card).

If your meters in Audacity indicate the signal is too cold, use the ¼" Main Outs." [END QUOTE]

Hawk,
I caved and found an older Gateway laptop that is working OK on Windows 7. The first part of your advice worked well, I assume, (I know, I know), because the second part of your advice, quoted above, is not correct for the layout of the Mixpad 12. I took the output of the older XP computer and using the pro cables of RCA-to-1/4" jack, plugged them into channels 7/8. However, your second suggestions advises me to use the RCA Tape OUTPUTS if the MixPad. The problem is, if you look at the previously enclosed photo, the only RCA jacks on the mixer are the two female RCA marked as Inputs!

So there are still the two "main out-Balanced" jacks which take 1/4" plugs or the two Aux outs. I have the second cable and adapter ready to go as soon as you can let me know where to plug it in.

Thanks!
Steve

Sorry, the picture is too small for me to see that much detail. Main outputs then would be the way I would go, for two reasons; your signal will be in stereo, and your channel EQ will affect the signal being broadcast. But to accomplish that, it seems you'll need an additional pair of RCA female to ¼" TS male adaptors plugged into the ¼" Main Outs L/R of the mixer, and the RCA males from there to ⅛" into the computer's input.

dvdhawk, post: 433848, member: 36047 wrote: Main outputs then would be the way I would go, for two reasons; your signal will be in stereo, and your channel EQ will affect the signal being broadcast.

I agree Main outputs are easier to work with.. But, one could use both Aux output and ajust levels to retain stereo content.. Not ideal but doable ;)

dvdhawk, post: 433848, member: 36047 wrote: Sorry, the picture is too small for me to see that much detail. Main outputs then would be the way I would go, for two reasons; your signal will be in stereo, and your channel EQ will affect the signal being broadcast. But to accomplish that, it seems you'll need an additional pair of RCA female to ¼" TS male adaptors plugged into the ¼" Main Outs L/R of the mixer, and the RCA males from there to ⅛" into the computer's input.

The pic is of the original config when I first replied this morning. So again, thank you both very much for your advice.
The main outs are the two in the top right corner. So, I'm heading over to Sam Ash to pick up another couple of the RCA->1/4" cables, another couple of the RCA-females -> 1/8" mini and....I also dug out a pair of Roland self-amplified monitor speakers. The audio inputs are on the right speaker, either a single 1/8" mini or a standard RCA two-header. As far as I can tell, I will need to take the audio feed from the output of computer #2, unless, you guys have another option where I can take it from the board.
I apologize for picking your brains all day, but I haven't had this kind of fun in a long time and I've always loved this small niche of work I've done over my many and varied careers.
Best regards,
Steve

pcrecord, post: 433850, member: 46460 wrote: … one could use both Aux output and ajust levels to retain stereo content.. Not ideal but doable

That occurred to me PC, but I found a picture large enough to read the markings (and the manual) Aux 1 looks like it is locked in as Pre-Fader / Pre EQ.

Hawk - Thanks and BTW, plugging the line out from Computer #1 into Aux-1 is pre-fader. I'm hoping to get out later today or tomorrow to pick up the various cables and will advise after I re-try.
BTW- Did the manual you pulled up only have 2 pages?
Thanks,
Steve

I'm trying to keep this simple for you.
I've already put more effort into researching this than you have, and given you ample advice, and then BTW you're going to try to find things to nit-pick? I know Aux1 is Pre.

Why on earth would you want to plug anything INTO >> Aux 1 for your application?

OK, you got me. That's more of a cut sheet than manual, which was more than sufficient for someone who knows an input from an output. And BTW the manual is on the same webpage that provided the big photo and cut sheet but I'm done spoon-feeding you information.

I'm done. Good luck.

To me just the output and back thing isn't apealing.. I'm sure many software would allow to play music from the computer and receive a signal from a mic.
Virtual DJ does it ! I'm sure many others do too...

The best thing you could start with is an audio interface with a better quality than the integrated one you have. . .
A entry level will have inputs/outputs via USB and some have realtime mixer built in..
Check Focusrite and Presonus

dvdhawk, post: 433868, member: 36047 wrote: I'm trying to keep this simple for you.
I've already put more effort into researching this than you have, and given you ample advice, and then BTW you're going to try to find things to nit-pick? I know Aux1 is Pre.

Why on earth would you want to plug anything INTO >> Aux 1 for your application?

OK, you got me. That's more of a cut sheet than manual, which was more than sufficient for someone who knows an input from an output. And BTW the manual is on the same webpage that provided the big photo and cut sheet but I'm done spoon-feeding you information.

I'm done. Good luck.

I apologize for any miscommunication. I was not "nitpicking," your comments and/or assistance. I misunderstood your comment about Aux-1 being pre-fader, and after trying it to verify, my comment was in confirming what you had advised. The question about the manual was, just that...a question. I had found the Samson site with the information including the photo you referenced and the brief manual. Prior to your reply, I had searched online in ManualsOnline.com to see if perhaps there was a more detailed version.

Funny thing is, as a PC consultant to consumers and small businesses, as well as a teacher, I find myself "spoon-feeding" friends, neighbors and occasionally, strangers, about their problems, all the time and gratis. They often make the same mistakes over and over again. I'm very current with the issues for PC's, because I work with them all the time. I believe I mentioned in my original post, that I have not worked with this equipment in about twenty years. I'm way over 60 and have lost many of those precious brain cells I had when I was 20 years younger. Looking back over my responses to both you and pcrecord, I voiced my appreciation to both of you each time I replied. I was polite and yes, inquisitive, turning to people that I believed might be more experienced than I and being on a public forum, which in my experience with them since 1985, are for people to share ideas, ask questions, and provide advice.

So again, I am still very appreciative of the assistance and advice you provided. I would not be as far along as I am if it hadn't been for your help.
If, in your opinion, my original question and replies violated the rules of this forum and common decency, I would suggest you report my user name to the Administrator so as not to allow the same thing to happen to another member here.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Steve

pcrecord, post: 433869, member: 46460 wrote: To me just the output and back thing isn't apealing.. I'm sure many software would allow to play music from the computer and receive a signal from a mic.
Virtual DJ does it ! I'm sure many others do too...

The best thing you could start with is an audio interface with a better quality than the integrated one you have. . .
A entry level will have inputs/outputs via USB and some have realtime mixer built in..
Check Focusrite and Presonus

pcrecord - Thanks for the suggestion. I really would have preferred to have purchased a new mixer that is equipped with a USB 2.0 connection. As a matter of fact, even after going through all of this, when I was just up at Sam Ash to buy the balance of the cables I needed, I looked at several 8 and 12 channel units with USB. Unfortunately my wallet and my desire could not arrive at a settlement that would have been equitable for both. I knew from the start that a new board would have been a much easier and faster setup.

And thanks for your assistance. It is very much appreciated. And with the advice from both of you, it appears I'm about finished with the setup.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Steve

I appreciate the clarification, and I hope you didn't lose any sleep over it. There comes a time when you just have to tag out, and it was that time for me. If it seemed harsh, I apologize for that.

I sincerely hope it goes well for you.