Is stereo 3.5mm okay?

[thatguyj]

Going to run line out from my new scanner to my PC sound card Line in (light blue) with a stereo 3.5mm. Is this the best way to run things? Should I use a mono cable? Run from the headphone jack? Connect to the microphone input? Whats the best quality combination here?

 

[doctordialtone]

stereo 3.5mm

Yes.

There's a lengthy discussion here:

SDS200 - Headphone issues

By the way, you will need a Ground Loop Isolator

 

[thatguyj]

Yes.

There's a lengthy discussion here:

SDS200 - Headphone issues

By the way, you will need a Ground Loop Isolator

Wait, a ground loop isolator? Wouldnt the record out on the scanner handle that problem without the need for one?

 

[doctordialtone]

Wouldnt the record out on the scanner handle that problem without the need for one?

Your mileage may vary. You may get a "POP" without it.

 

[thatguyj]

So in other words, it cant hurt right? Does it matter if I plug the ground loop into the pc or into the scanner output?

 

[doctordialtone]

So in other words, it cant hurt right? Does it matter if I plug the ground loop into the pc or into the scanner output?

Anywhere in-line will do.

 

[thatguyj]

Purchased it, thanks for that. Still curious if record out to line in (PC soundcard) is the best option for quality. Might have to play around with different configurations to test. Thanks again

 

[doctordialtone]

Might have to play around with different configurations to test.

You're welcome.

Yes you'll have to fiddle around with the levels.

Enjoy!

 

[a417]

Still curious if record out to line in (PC soundcard) is the best option for quality. Might have to play around with different configurations to test. Thanks again

regarding mic inputs vs line-in?
mic inputs expect very low impedance and very low levels (due to general mechanics of microphones) as compared to line-in (which generally expects powered device-driven outputs) which tolerates significantly higher impedance and levels...in terms of quality for what you're doing? Probably the same.

you are much more likely to overdrive a mic input, which would completely trash your sound quality.

 

[thatguyj]

regarding mic inputs vs line-in?
mic inputs expect very low impedance and very low levels (due to general mechanics of microphones) as compared to line-in (which generally expects powered device-driven outputs) which tolerates significantly higher impedance and levels...in terms of quality for what you're doing? Probably the same.

you are much more likely to overdrive a mic input, which would completely trash your sound quality.

So if im reading this correctly the line out to line in is the better option?

 

[a417]

So if im reading this correctly the line out to line in is the better option?

Yep.