Why do I need a line input?

The line input is an analog input of an acoustic signal that does not require additional processing. This connector in a personal computer is intended for connection of acoustic equipment, such as CD and DVD players, tape recorders, etc.

Appointment

Line input (stereo) is a standard interface designed for receiving analog signals from various audio devices. This connector is used to connect devices that have a linear output. That is, it is the device input, in which the input signal level is proportional to the output level of the device with which the connection is made. These connectors are used to connect a guitar, radio receiver, CD player, etc. to the sound coach, the output signal of which does not require additional processing.

Connector design

On the sound cards of personal computers, the line input is represented by a jack connector ("mother") of blue color. This slot is located on the panel at the back of the system unit. Most notebooks do not have a line-in jack, but there are jacks for connecting the microphone and headphones. They are usually located on the front or left side of the laptop.

Set up the computer's line input

If you connect an external device to your PC to rewrite the sound, you will need to make a certain adjustment. This procedure can be performed using standard utilities, which are in each operating system, or using professional software. First check the drivers for your sound card. It often happens that they are not installed correctly. To do this, go to the "Device Manager" and find your sound card there. If it functions normally, then the drivers are installed correctly. If not, it is necessary to reinstall the installation. Insert the plug of the connected device into the line input (blue) of the sound card. After that, through the "Toolbar" go to "Sounds and Audio Devices" and select the "Audio" tab. Next, in the recording section, find the connected device and open its volume menu. Then the mixers for adjustment will be displayed. Set them according to your preference. All right, you can start capturing sound.

What is the purpose of a multi-channel line input?

This question is very often heard from people who are not very interested in music. However, any music lover knows: thanks to this input, you can connect speakers to a DVD player, home theater or personal computer in multichannel mode (5.1 or 7.1 standard), which will ensure high-quality surround sound. The device to which the speakers are connected must have a built-in decoder for multi-channel audio and, accordingly, the required connectors.

Conclusion

To summarize, we note that the system of connectors corresponding to the linear input and output allows creating a whole network of different acoustic devices that will work together. They are able to complement each other and amplify the acoustic signals.