Connecting external Audio Sources to your Computer

(ie. HiFi, Walkman, TV, Video)

PC Record can be used to record any audio source that your soundcard/s provide it with. These can come internally from your computer for example you can record WAVE or MIDI if your soundcard supports it.

Most users of PC Record will be looking to record external sources such as a HiFi, Dictaphone, Walkman or Cassette player and here we will attempt to explain how to achieve this using PC Record.

Firstly you need to have the necessary audio leads to connect your PC to your external audio device. The lead MUST be terminated at one end with a 3.5mm Stereo Jack Plug this end will plug into your computers LINE-IN socket. (see below)

The other end of the lead will vary depending on the audio connector that your audio device has. These are usually either Phono Sockets (Aux out), 6.3mm Jack Sockets (Headphones) or 3.5mm Jack Sockets. Below are the necessary Leads and Converters that you would need to cover every type of connection:

For example, a typical connection from your computer to your HiFi would require the following sequence of connections:

1. 3.5mm to phono (b) plugged into your computers LINE-IN socket.

2. 5 Meter Phono to Phono Lead (a) plugged into the above (1)

3. Other end of Phono lead plugs into the Phono to 6.3mm (c)

4. 6.3mm Plugs into the Headphone socket of the HiFi

Using simple common sense will tell you what connections can be made using the above Leads and Converters.

LAPTOPS

Some Laptops only have a MIC-IN socket which is far too sensitive to connect to a Headphone jack but may connect okay to any AUX OUT connector. In some cases, connecting your Laptop's MIC-IN input to your HiFi's headphone output using the Leads and converters above usually results in distortion or a poor signal. You need to use an impedance matcher to get over this problem. We at PCM Software have come up with such a device and provide it with all leads necessary as a Kit. The kit is only £12.95GBP inclusive of Postage and Packing. Please click HERE to purchase the PC Record Audio Connector Kit. The kit contains the following items to allow any connection possible (no distortion):-

a) 1 x Phono to Phono Lead

b) 2 x Phono to 3.5mm Converter

c) 1 x Phono to 6.3mm Converter

d) Impedance matcher which removes distortion (for MIC-IN sockets only, ie. Laptops)

Again, Please click HERE to purchase the PC Record Audio Connector Kit.