Windows Fader Control / Simple Mixer

[Gongalong]

Hi folks,

 

When we have PowerPoint presentations in our main hall it would be really helpful to have a fader style controller for Windows master volume. This would give us much quicker control over the master volume for slides with videos and music compared with trying to use laptop hotkeys.

 

Does such a thing exist, or is there a really simple (but good quality) mixer with a master volume control that is a fader?

 

Thanks

[PotNoodleTech]

How is the sound outputted, via the HDMI lead or via a green 3.5mm audio jack?

 

You can get physical volume controls which you plug in to on the way out to the speakers:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CHELINK-Universal-Amplifier-Motorcycle-Speakers/dp/B076DBCGB5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34TDVE239LEVL&keywords=B076DBCGB5&qid=1657027884&sprefix=b076dbcgb5%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

 

You can get virtual volume controls which adjust the windows volume with no extra wiring.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-COOIDEA-Function-Computer-Adjuster/dp/B07Z3DH5PV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28RNA2GTD411Q&keywords=B07Z3DH5PV&qid=1657027575&sprefix=b07z3dh5pv%2Caps%2C455&sr=8-1

 

Have never tried the virtual ones to be honest but may give it a go in our hall.

[Gongalong]

That virtual volume control looks perfect. Just something that means I'm not having to use laptop hotkeys. Thanks!

[Gongalong]

How is the sound outputted, via the HDMI lead or via a green 3.5mm audio jack?

It could be either HDMI or 3.5mm jack, but we have discovered today that the HDMI audio glitches when it starts and only the 3.5mm jack is reliable (HDMI goes into a powered splitter, so not sure if it's something to do with that).

 

We have the issue of it being from the side of our hall via a 20m audio cable, with the knock on effect of buzz on the cable. We have a ground loop isolator box of tricks but don't have the right cables to connect it in for today's presentation. Will buy some cables for future presentations though.

[PotNoodleTech]

It could be either HDMI or 3.5mm jack, but we have discovered today that the HDMI audio glitches when it starts and only the 3.5mm jack is reliable (HDMI goes into a powered splitter, so not sure if it's something to do with that).

 

We have the issue of it being from the side of our hall via a 20m audio cable, with the knock on effect of buzz on the cable. We have a ground loop isolator box of tricks but don't have the right cables to connect it in for today's presentation. Will buy some cables for future presentations though.

 

Yes I had that when we started here too - a 100ft long 3.5mm cable routed along side the power and lighting cables.

 

One easy and relatively cheap way of doing it, which i did, was to buy a small 4 channel mixer to sit by the PC - 3.5mm jack on a 2metre cable from PC into the small mixing desk, then you can use balanced XLR cables to do the long 100ft run-up to the main pa/speaker system. Balanced XLR rejects noise and our system has sounded great ever since, no buzzing.

 

An added bonus of that is I have the small mixing desk right next to the PC and that gives a master volume control slider to the people using the PC - 2 birds with 2 stone!!

[Gongalong]

Ahhh interesting, I've not heard of balanced XLR cables. This is the balance box we have used in our drama studio.

[slugshead]

You're looking for what's called an audio interface. Zubzero/Behringer makes some cheap ones which will fit the bill.

[Gongalong]

Interesting, not heard of those before. Is it a sort of mixer with a PC USB connection? I can see a handful by Behringer on Amazon.

[slugshead]

Interesting, not heard of those before. Is it a sort of mixer with a PC USB connection? I can see a handful by Behringer on Amazon.

 

That's exactly it.

 

Connect the mixer via USB (have to check that you actually get a usb one), that then becomes the computers sound card.

 

Plug your speakers/external mics into it and you can mix it all with your physical faders.

 

Some are twist, some up and down slide.

 

gear4music and pmt online both offer education discount and stock a huge array of kit. PMT are definitely worth calling and speaking to if you're looking for the right kit, they've got some really knowledgeable guys working for them