Need schematics for building talk-back unit

[Daggepagge]

Hi everyone!!

Im new to this forum so please be gentle with me..

I need a talk-back system/unit for my home studio - I can't really afford a BigKnob or one of those other real monitor stations or whatever they're called and since I only need a very simple system with only a microphone and a button really, it feels wrong spending money, that I don't have, on a unit that supports gadgets, that I don't have, and swithing between extra monitors, that I don't have etc.. you get the idea..

Since I know how to solder, I thought I could build one myself! The only problem is that I don't have any idea what the schematics would look like. So is here anyone who knows how to create circuits and would like to help me out? Would totally make my day! Every day this year!

I need this so that the talk-back signal goes only to the headphone amp, and not to my monitors in the control room.

What I need schematics for:



Ideally it has two LEDs, one that indicates that it's on, and one that indicates that the button is pressed. And also, in the perfect world, the signal from the soundcard drops a little when the button is pressed so that the musicians in the live room easily can hear me talking in the controol room.

Thanks for any help!!

/Daggepagge

[gullfo]

if you're just looking for an intercom function, there are inexpensive wireless units that would work. if you're looking to fold back the mix to the live room (for example) (and assuming everyone isn't wearing headphones - in which case feed it to the headphone feed...) you could just tap a stereo pair off sound card and buy an inexpensive mixer for this purpose (like a Behringer 502 or 602) so you can directly control the talk back and mix.

[ritelec]

Couldn't you just set up a mic sent to your headphone amp buss?

Also. Something cool the way Ken Gioia sets it up in this tutorial "Talkback ducking",
Pro Tools Tips & Tricks V1 - Learn Pro Tools from Multi-Platinum Producer Kenny Gioia

, I don't remember how he did it (use it or loose it) but it was on the money.

If I remember or stumble across the technique, I'll post.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by Daggepagge

I need a talk-back system/unit for my home studio

This may be obvious, but I didn't notice it mentioned. Ideally, a talk-back system will also mute (or just dim) the CR speakers, to avoid a feedback loop when you have live mics in the studio room. I agree with Glenn's suggestion for a wireless intercom because it's cheap and simple. But you may also need to wire up a kill switch / relay for your speakers.

--Ethan

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