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Quick question - Line voltage for test bench hardware

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:27 am
by HoseHead
I'm using my PC as a source for testing as it is next to my bench, has scads of test tones and is easier to manage than an HU.

I need more signal voltage as the PC sound card puts out 500mV at best.

I have an MX3i that I'm going to incorporate into the bench to allow me to test 3 drivers active. Will the MX3i give me signal voltage gain, or does it only pass up to the voltage level it receives from the previous component? (PC sound card in this case)

MX3i Manual

I also have a PLD1 that I could insert before the MX3i which would guarantee me proper signal voltage. I just don't want to install the PLD1 if it's not necessary.

Advice or comments are appreciated. I intend to scope it anyway, but am looking for previous experiences and/or ocncerns.

HH

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:18 am
by stipud
From the reading the manual, it only seems to let you adjust levels from -20dB to 0dB, so that doesn't seem to indicate that it can boost the line voltage.

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:51 am
by HoseHead
Thanks T. That's the way I read it too.

I'll set it up later this day, scope it and post results.

Later.

HH

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:26 pm
by AAAAAAA
Well I have always thought of the mx3i as being the equivalent to a line driver, it does have 8volt RMS outputs a per the litterature.

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:38 pm
by KHPower
Ya know I have a older soundcard on my Vista benchtop computer that I installed , one that actually provides power to the external speakers and it puts out a steady 4.3 volts . It came from a 99 computer and it was harder than crap to incorporate it using Vista but I somehow got a driver that worked for it and it works great for my bench testing. I will find out the model of the unit and post it if your interested and supply the drivers needed. I am sure you can find them for dirt.'

It worked great when testing bass cubes and the Ax204a crossover to make sure that the voltage was being passed through.