I picked up a set of Altec Lansing speakers about a year ago, which are specifically designed for Dell systems (which is why they were so cheap). Anywho, they don't have any volume controls (volume is adjusted through windows/soundcard software) which TBH, is a pain in the ass if I'm in the middle of gaming and need to change volume. I've been searching around for a soundcard for a while, hoping I can find a reasonably priced external soundcard with volume control, but then I thought 'why not just build a standalone volume control box'. I was wondering if any knows how I'd be able to actually build one? I'd just want a single knob that'd control all 6 speakers, so I presume I'd need some kind of pot with 6 inputs/6 outputs? Also, do I want to be adjusting the input volume (pre amp) or output volume (post amp)? If there's a way to adjust the post amp volume that'd be great (the speaker volume is constant (and loud), which results in a slight hissing sound - I imagine that a lower post amp signal would reduce the hissing?). Any ideas?
we need more info! this is a 5.1 setup i assume? What inputs does it have, 3x jack plugs or something else?
Either way you want the volume controls between the soundcard outputs and active speaker inputs. In the absence of data, try some 10k or 47k log pots. To control 6 channels easily you could try slider types.
You'll need to follow the pot you use with a buffer as well, if you're going for cable runs over 1m. A simple unity gain opamp would suffice, or you could go with a monolithic buffer, eg BUF634, or you could even go for a discrete design. It's possible it might reduce, but I wouldn't count it. I always run the outputs from my computer at around 80% or so, which eliminates most of the hiss. g
