rca question

[neomagus00]

is there a way to sum two signal inputs? i.e. can i in some way put two rca signals together to sum to mono?

[mbdyer12]

Not sure the question is too clear... could ya give another example or rephrase it?

[Joelsbass]

u mean take stereo left and right down to a single channel correct? if that's the case all you'll need is a Y splitter, which type you need (2 female to 1 male, 2 male to 1 female, 2 female to 1 female, or 2 male to 1 male) depends on the application, lets say you've got one pair of RCA cables that you're combining to a single signal at the amp, you'd want 2 female to 1 male... they make them for all aplications so it's pretty simple to pull off...

[neomagus00]

yup, that's the deal; is it really that simple? just smash the two inputs into one output? cause that makes things way easier...

[Joelsbass]

yep yep, just get the right y splitter for the application and you're set...

[neomagus00]

bitchin, thanks

[exalted512]

dont over think things;)
it really is that simple...
-Cody

[mbdyer12]

Haha. Man, I thought you were askin somethin different.. but yeah, its funny how simple some things can be. Reminds me when I did my friend's truck. 2 subs, 4 channel amp, stereo signal...had to make it go mono first (no mono switch on amp), then split it back out to the 4 channels. I made him think about it for a while and he cracked up when I mentioned that all you need are y-splitters...

We kinda (racist term)ed-it by using a total of 4 y-splitters... 2female-1male -> 1female-2male, (2)1female-2male... Think that might bring some noise into the system?

[AustinKP]

That only works if the two signals are identical though, e.g. no time correction, volume differences, fading, etc...

[LittleCar_w/12s]

a real sum out is actually a SUM of the two, and you'd have to do it electronically. The y-splitter will work, but it will be an average out, not a sum. OOO... big deal...

Simple is good.

If you do come out with (phase, etc) problems, remember low-end freq's tend to be mono anyway, you could get away with running just the left into the amp or something...

[neomagus00]

okay, well isn't the average just the sum divided by 2?

this is what i'm doing: i'm making a crossover system for two speakers and a sub. because of the equipment and impedances involved, i have to run it one of two ways:
1) do one sub coil and one speaker box off of each channel, and do a passive xover; primary disadvantage - about 1200 feet of wire to do the inductors needed for the passive xover, kinda expensive
2) do an active xover that ends up with LFE on one channel and high frequencies on another, then amplify that and put it into the right speakers; primary disadvantage - don't get true stereo, only the same signal (complete, though) out of each speaker.

so now you know why i'm doing it the second way, and i have all the bits for the active xover ordered, cept it needs to take in just one signal (damn home amplifier prices!). so, can i just smash the 2 together, or do i have to do an electronic sum?

[LittleCar_w/12s]

Neo..:okay, well isn't the average just the sum divided by 2?Yes. Hence "OOO big deal comment"

/\ Edited for clarity.

[neomagus00]

which one's yes - reverse splitter or electronic sum? :D