BestTurntables.com

1. 

   Kirk E. Kemmler
   October 31st, 2009 - 22:15

   I wish the product description was more detailed. What I found out after I bought by reading the manual:
   
   1. When you plug into the speaker jack the headphones go out.
   
   2. You need another amp module for a mic. My headset mic combo didn’t work with it.

   I purchased this product to record online conversations. It can’t be done with this unit as delivered. I did find a use for it though. I am using it to dub my old tapes into mp3′s.
   
   Rating: 3 / 5
2. 

   Sydney R. Limerick
   October 31st, 2009 - 23:31

   I have wanted to combine multiple inputs; computer, satellite radio, and radio for some time. This product works perfectly for that. Easy to setup and operate.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. 

   L Von Steiner
   November 1st, 2009 - 01:25

   I’ve been looking for a way to manage my 3 inputs (2 computers, 1 stereo) to go to one set of speakers and one set of headphones. Previously, I had to use 2 sets of headphones for the computers and required a amp/speaker set with 2 inputs. Switching between headset and speakers was awkward.

   I wanted a small unit that could accept at least 3 stereo inputs and had at least 2 stereo outputs, one for the speakers and one for headphones.

   Just got this pMix 100 today and have been listening to it this afternoon. There are a few issues, but overall I think I’m going to keep it as it seems to address my need.

   PROS:
   
   + it accepts three 3.5mm (1/8in) headphone jack-style stereo inputs that can be mixed together if you want.

   + jacks are nice and tight so unlikely that the plugs will fall out.

   + sound seems good; I’m only using it for casual listening

   + size is pretty compact, can be easily tucked away on a desk

   + comes with a couple of male-male 3.5mm connector cables and an RCA-3.5mm male cable

   + knobs are damped and knobs seemed to fit tightly on my unit

   CONS:
   
   - Most noticeable drawback is the loss of volume. I measured the sound of a source (i) run directly to the speakers and (ii) run through the unit. For a song that peaked at 93dB a few feet away in the direct source set up (i), the measurement when run through the unit (ii) was 83dB. This is a significant loss of 10dB attributable to the unit. I made sure that the knobs weren’t moved between the comparisons. Despite this, I could still get plenty of volume out, so I came to terms with this.

   - Occasional quite noticeable hum which I discovered was positional – that is, I got rid of it almost completely by moving the unit slightly or putting my hand over it. This indicates that it’s lacking some shielding somewhere. Perhaps wrapping it in tinfoil would help? Some kind of makeshift Faraday cage? Anyway I just moved it 3 inches and it’s fine for now.

   - Blue lights are ridiculous (too bright and distracting!) and I will eliminate or cover them asap

   - headphones do cut off speaker output so if you need 2 simultaneous outputs, this is probably not for you. It’s fine for me.

   In summary, it works OK and in the absence of another inexpensive unit that manages my sound output this is fine. I don’t think I would run any quality-critical mixing through it but for a compact listening solution it’s fine.

   The only other option I could find were the 8-10 input mixers; however they are really designed for predominantly mono inputs (though they have a couple of stereo inputs) and would have required too many adapters for the multiple mini-plug inputs I have.

   I’m pretty harsh with ratings so 3 stars is probably what other people might call 4 stars.
   Rating: 3 / 5
4. 

   David P. Palmer
   November 1st, 2009 - 04:19

   I bought the PMix so that I could adjust the levels on several devices that feed into my PC.

   Use:
   
   I feed the Playstation3 audio into it so I can share the computer speakers.
   
   I feed a police scanner’s audio into it to log radio traffic using a sound activated recorder/logger program
   
   And occasionally feed a Walkman (!!) into it to digitize a cassette tape once in a while.

   Pro:
   
   The mixer works as it should, there is no hum or interference from having very varied sources plugged in. Not mentioned in any details is that it uses 1/8″ mini jacks for it’s inputs an outputs. The package did include 2 miniplug-to-miniplug jumpers and one miniplug-to-RCA jack jumper. The power cube is 9 volts. The pots turn smooth, slightly dampened. There is an amplified output on the front panel that cuts off the rear output when headphones or another speaker is plugged in.

   Functionally it’s perfect.

   Con:
   
   The press-on knobs are not tight on the shafts. One was rolling around loose in the plastic wrap that the mixer ships in. Knobs are also not simple for fat fingers to turn, but in my application I only need to adjust them once.

   Two blue LEDs burn way bright in the transparent case. When I ordered it there was no option to get the fuddy-duddy case and I got the leet-bleu-LED version. As soon as I’m sure it won’t die I’m disabling the LEDs.

   Biggest thing I wanted to mention in the review – I did not buy this on Amazon.com. None of the associated sellers listed here would ship to a PO box. A real, honest to Uncle Sam USPS box. I found it on another popular Internet e-buying site from a seller that not only shipped to the PO Box, but came out $5 cheaper.
   Rating: 4 / 5
5. 

   P. D. Mclellan
   November 1st, 2009 - 05:12

   I’ve been hunting for something like this for ages. KVMs can be great, but they lack one thing – audio mixing. This box fits the niche perfectly. The inactive computers can still grab my attention with a well placed beep.

   The only drawback is that I find the two blue LEDs to be annoyingly bright, casting shadows in a darkened office.
   Rating: 4 / 5

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