How do I build a microphone preamp for a Macbook Pro? [more inside]
posted by knowles on Jan 25, 2009 - 6 answers

(Electronics|Stereo)filter: What is causing this infuriating noise in my preamp and how do I fix it? Links to sound files and long list of symptoms in extended. [more inside]
posted by strangecargo on Jan 15, 2009 - 6 answers

Seeking advice on what to do with (or looking for resources explaining how to fix) aging 5.1 PC speakers for when/if parts start breaking. [more inside]
posted by weakcore on Nov 21, 2008 - 6 answers

I have a Tascam FW1082 midi/audio interface board. Over the last few months, there's been a more consistent and very loud high-pitched whine in the audio output, making it fairly useless for what I need. What should I do to get this fixed? [more inside]
posted by JZig on Sep 18, 2008 - 5 answers

I need a manual for a Panasonic VP-8121B AM-FM Stereo Signal Generator. [more inside]
posted by kc8nod on May 29, 2008 - 2 answers

Is my mp3 player frying my headphones? Is this even possible; if so, how? [more inside]
posted by keith0718 on Apr 24, 2008 - 5 answers

I built this mini guitar amp based on this circuit. But I used a 4 watt speaker rather than the 8 watts specified. What are the consequences of that change? [more inside]
posted by Grundlebug on Mar 17, 2008 - 8 answers

Please help my find a pair of headphones that won't hurt my head or ears. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Nov 29, 2007 - 21 answers

What components do I need to buy to have a solid stereo system for my home? [more inside]
posted by 10ch on Nov 20, 2007 - 19 answers

I'm going to embark on a stompbox-building adventure, and I'd like to know how much one can mess things up. [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Oct 21, 2007 - 13 answers

I recently acquired an older reel-to-reel tape recorder, and it works fine except for inconsistent tape speed. I recorded a test tone and it plays back at a varying pitch. Can this be fixed, or should I put it out with the trash tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by waxboy on Oct 8, 2007 - 13 answers

Tell me how much I need to spend on audio preamp(s) and amplifier(s) to make my home stereo system sound jaw-droppingly great. [more inside]
posted by FelliniBlank on Jul 27, 2007 - 7 answers

What is the best way to keep electronic devices that are in enclosed areas cool? (ie. stereo receiver, game console, etc). I'm just got a new AV cabinet/stand that is a lot smaller than my previous one and my components are getting a lot warmer than they used to. My receiver has about 1" leeway on each side and about .5" on top. 1/3 of the rear of the cabinet is open. I also have my HTPC in there as well as my Xbox 360. Anyone know of a simple way to keep them cooler (without adding noise or uglyness to my setup)? Would not like to cut anything. Some ideas... Separate the exhaust and intake (so no hot air gets recycled) by blocking the sides and top at the rear of the unit. Put a small computer fan at the back of the stand to improve airflow? Put a exhaust hose (a la dryer) on the receiver where the fan is.. maybe put a fan at the end of the hose to pull more air through? Any tried and true methods that arent too complicated?
posted by mphuie on Jan 4, 2007 - 6 answers

In tube ciruitry, what is a "starving plate" design?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Aug 27, 2006 - 2 answers

So, the stereo I won on Jeopardy is about to break...what should I replace it with? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects on Aug 8, 2006 - 17 answers

Laptop power supply interfering with PA speakers. [more inside]
posted by The White Hat on May 18, 2006 - 17 answers

I dropped my MXL 990 condenser mic. The grill is slightly dented and the capsule inside has come loose. Can I repair it myself? Can I get it repaired in London? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van on Jan 29, 2006 - 4 answers

i just bought a tivoli system (kloss model 2, extra speaker and cd) and have it on the bookshelf but some questions: [more inside]
posted by luriete on Jan 7, 2006 - 10 answers

What DC to AC power inverter can I buy for use in a car that won't contribute hum to an audio signal from devices it powers? [more inside]
posted by odinsdream on Nov 15, 2005 - 11 answers

Why, when a TV is turned on--even in another room--can I detect some kind of buzzing/electronic noise, that many other people around me can't detect?
posted by dead_ on Aug 26, 2005 - 25 answers

MicrophoneFilter: Should I connect my MXL 990 condenser mics to preamps providing 12V or 48V of phantom power? [more inside]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Jul 25, 2005 - 2 answers

I'm looking for a device that processes an audio signal by sweeping the center frequency of a bandpass filter back and forth across a frequency range. What is this effect called, and what sort of effects processor might provide it? [more inside]
posted by Mars Saxman on May 2, 2005 - 8 answers

Over the past several years, I have been burned by poor quality in home electronics from various manufacturers. I have purchased pieces by Sony (home stereo), Panasonic (theatre-in-a-box) and RCA (various pieces of junk), and all have given out in one way or another far too quickly for my liking. In a renewed attempt to build a proper home theatre system (DVD/CD, receiver, speakers, etc), and recognizing that I haven't the money for really high-end stuff but will avoid anything cheap, I seek outside opinions as to which manufacturers are making products that are of reasonable quality, and reasonably priced. Your experiences, please.
posted by danwalker on Feb 4, 2005 - 23 answers

When I got home from work yesterday, my computer speakers were making an incredibly horrible noise. When I unplugged them, the transformer was hot to the touch. There were storms in the area yesterday, although the surge protector plugged into the same outlet wasn't tripped and nothing else in the house seems to have been damaged. (The speakers were plugged directly into the wall, not the surge protector, because I had run out of room.)

So my question: would it be dangerous to plug them back in tonight and see if they're a lost cause? Should I just buy some new speakers and be done with it? (The speakers were expensive, but about 6 years old.)
posted by JoanArkham on Jun 23, 2004 - 4 answers

Why do my speakers play music when no music is playing? (More inside) [more inside]
posted by bkeaggy on Apr 27, 2004 - 7 answers

I have an old Pair of Zenith Allegro speakers (50-watt, 8-ohm) with pre-attached cables and RCA-style plugs (male) for connecting to the stereo. I'd like to use them with a more modern receiver (50-watt max, 8-ohm) that accepts straight wire from the stereo; should I just lop off the ends and wire them in, or is there a better method? Also, can I use them with a >50-watt stereo if I keep the volume down, or is that just bad?
posted by The Michael The on Dec 17, 2003 - 2 answers