Recievers that offer dual input sounds at the same time?

Question

I would have a use every once in a while to switch the input selection to put two sources through the same speakers.

IE: having sounds from a video game as well as MP3 music from my computer at the same time, through the same speakers

Answer 1

Some receivers do this but the cost is prohibitive. A mixer is a good idea as you will need to regulate the incoming signal to the correct level.

If the application you stated above is the main way most sound cards can already do this for you. Mix in the computer, and then output to the receiver.

More detail on exactly what your intended application is would be helpful to make a recommendation.

Answer 2

You want several sources to be heard using the same speakers right? What you need is a mixer.

A receiver is a switch - it does not do any mixing.. unless you have one of those weird karoake type receivers.. in which case you can take the "other source" and plug it into the mic jack.

If you got a mixer then you would need to hook it up the audio sources that you wanted to hear at the same time to the mixer. Then the output of the mixer would go into an input(s) of your receiver. Your receiver

Why you shouldn't do this: most mixers are STEREO you lose the surround sound. You couldn't watch your DVD in surround sound and have say your mp3 on at the same time...the exception of course is if you got a surround sound mixer.

So my suggestion? Well if you really must have an mp3 while playing video games.. wear some headphones for your mp3 but keep it low enough so it kinda "mixes" with the environment sound that you're getting from your receiver/video game.

Answer 3

It is impossible to do this through a receiver, it would overload it. What you CAN do is use a DJ mixer and then run that to any receiver. You can mix the 2 together and the circuitry in the mixer prevents overloading of the receiver. You will also be able to adjust the 2 volumes independently.