[Ickz]

Hey all, I've been trying to perfect my two-pc streaming setup, and I'm having issues with the audio. First off, my setup:

Main PC:
Objective2+ODAC amp/dac connected via usb - This is my main sound device. Has an output for my headphones as well as another port that seemingly can be used as a non-amped output or an input depending on whats connected to it.
Onboard Realtek also available.
Blue Yeti usb microphone

Stream PC:
Onboard Realtek audio
Avermedia Live Gamer HD capture card. Has HDMI and 3.5mm input and outputs. Connected via HDMI to my GTX 660ti on my main pc.

Getting audio from my main pc over to the stream pc is easy enough. I run a cable from the second port on my O2/ODAC to the line in on my main PC. Then use the listen function on the line in to send the audio to the hdmi on my graphics card which in turn sends it to the capture card on the stream pc. I also do this for my mic. However, I would ideally like to have my mic connected to the stream pc so I can have more control over my mic volume and game volume separately and use features like noise gate using my streaming software (OBS). Obviously I could just connect my mic to the stream pc and everything would be dandy, but I need to be able to use Skype and therefore, need to get Skype audio from the stream pc to the main pc. I'd like to have Skype on the stream pc anyway as I'd prefer if people didn't see my conversations/user name over my stream - plus my webcam is connected to the stream pc, so I would like to be able to utilize too. I've tried running a cable from the stream pc output to my ODAC input (and then using a splitter from the ODAC output to get audio to my headphones and the capture card 3.5mm input), but it causes static and crackling - however, I am able to hear the stream PC audio. I've also tried going from the stream pc output to main pc line in and then using the listen function to send the audio to my ODAC, but again, static and crackling. I also tried sending my mic audio to the Realtek output on my main pc and then run a cable from that to the mic input on my stream pc just so I could at least control my mic volume, but there was interference and pops. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would I have to use a mixer or something? I don't really have experience with those, but if that's the solution, is there a nice cheap one that will serve my needs? My only concern is that whatever I do, I don't want to lose any sound quality from my main pc output - I didn't buy a $300 dac/amp to have crappy sound

 

[cgipson1]

Yes.. that would need a mixer. I don't have much experience with the smaller stuff... but this one might do you:

Mackie 402-VLZ3

new
http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-402-VLZ3-Premium-4-Channel-Ultra-Compact/dp/B00132EJJW/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1395446152&sr=1-1

used
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801047346-USE/mackie_402_vlz3_four_channel_compact_audio.htmlBI=225&kw=USED&gclid=CMry0ubqpL0CFUVgMgod_BEAGw

reviews
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct08/articles/mackie802402vlz3.htm
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/402VLZ3/reviews
http://jealoussound.com/mackie-402-vlz3-sound-mixer.htm

 

[Ickz]

Ok, cool cool. That looks a bit intimidating - I'm a pretty big audio noob :\ I'm assuming I'd have to buy two of these cables: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP159-Stereo-Breakout-10-Feet/dp/B005HGM1D6/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_y to send the audio from the realtek output on the stream pc and odac output on my main pc? Then connect them to where exactly? The line in 3-4 says mono, so I'm assuming that I would only get mono output from that? So the stream pc audio to that one since it's only skype? Does this thing have an amp in it or anything? Is it safe to connect my dac/amp to it and will the sound quality be preserved? Sorry for the questions, I've just had little experience messing with audio.

What about something like this: http://www.amazon.com/ART-MACROMIX-MacroMIX-Mini-Mixer/dp/B0002E56Q2/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1395448439&sr=8-24&keywords=mini+mixer
or
http://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX51-Mini-Channel-Mixer/dp/B0002BG2S6/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

 

[cgipson1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ickz

Ok, cool cool. That looks a bit intimidating - I'm a pretty big audio noob :\ I'm assuming I'd have to buy two of these cables: http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP159-Stereo-Breakout-10-Feet/dp/B005HGM1D6/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_y to send the audio from the realtek output on the stream pc and odac output on my main pc? Then connect them to where exactly? The line in 3-4 says mono, so I'm assuming that I would only get mono output from that? So the stream pc audio to that one since it's only skype?

I would just use line 1 and line 2 for your main audio, and 3 or 4 for the skype... I don't know what outputs your systems have.. but if they are 1/8 mini... then straight 1/8 mini to 1/4" is all you would need (x2)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ickz

Does this thing have an amp in it or anything? Is it safe to connect my dac/amp to it and will the sound quality be preserved? Sorry for the questions, I've just had little experience messing with audio.

It has preamps... no big deal.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ickz

What about something like this: http://www.amazon.com/ART-MACROMIX-MacroMIX-Mini-Mixer/dp/B0002E56Q2/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1395448439&sr=8-24&keywords=mini+mixer
or
http://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX51-Mini-Channel-Mixer/dp/B0002BG2S6/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

You said you wanted the cheapest QUALITY unit...Mackie has REP!

The ones you listed might be ok, but I would bet you can't find reviews of them on Hifi audio sites (if you can find any review at all except on resell sites). You get what you pay for....

Buy from Amazon... try them... see if they meet your expectations, if not, return them.

Good luck, and have fun!

(ps... once you use something and learn it (RTM), nothing is intimidating!) And here is the manual: http://www.mackie.com/products/402vlz3/pdf/402VLZ3_OM.pdf