I've had no problem with this MX42 for years. Have used it to combine output from multiple computers & cable box on my desktop to single aux input on my receiver so i can hear multiple computers & TV amplified simultaneously through speaker. I have only one source which has been habitually a bit too quiet but I think that speaks more to that particular source device. I can of course use this to drop the volume of other sources a bit to make them closer before sending to receiver's line input.

There are these things you can get to address low signal levels. They are called amplifiers.

Thanks for this. i was going to buy this, but not worth it if there is singnal loss. Probably have to buy some other product and probably from same manufacturer. Something with powersource.

A beginner's question: I got a mini mixer like this, connected my speakers as the output and my laptop, my microphone, and my digital Yamaha keyboard as the inputs. As for the volume, my laptop is fine and can produce high volumes on the speakers as expected, but both my mic and my keyboard's volumes are weakly heard on the speakers. Anyone knows the problem and a solution? Is an Amplifier helpful?

I think the item is a bit misunderstood. Z~based tone-suck or improper voltage bridging is at play, with your situation. Guess the device isn't hassle-free. This video implies it leaves something to be desired, which I have my doubts about

would have been really helpful if you had attached the mini mixer to your controller and a set of speakers to get an idea of the ambient quality output... We got the idea that it a rectangle with RCA jacks, and rubber stubs for stability but you bypassed the entire demo for a 3D description.

Is there a powered version of this? Really looking for something to mix 2-3 line out (PCs) into 1 line out.. :)

would have been great to get some alternative product recommendations in the video since you didn't like the product. i'm looking to plug multiple line-level devices into a single stereo setup without having to use any switchboxes and found this device in my research. not sure whether to buy it or not now but I don't see any comparable alternatives.

Could one run this between an amp and speakers, or does the output have to be amplified first?

Are you saying you plugged ipod into this then connect passive speakers ie no amp directly to the output of this mixer? If so, of course the volume will be low, that's the same as plugging your ipod directly into a passive speaker - user misunderstanding rather than problem with the product. Normally you would use this to mix or allow multiple line level signals prior to an amp ie connect tv, ipod, fone to this THEN connect the output to your stereo system aux input.

How the noise? I have several mixer but the issue is little white noise when plugged to big PA

I can connect two turntables?

Seems pricey. It's a passive box joining some plugs and some pots. With four r/l inputs that's going to suck so really we're looking at a device for decaying a single stereo line-level output into an amp that's on full trot - you wouldn't feasibly need four from a passive device where some outputs are well below line-level anyway and really need a preamp. The first thing you need is an amp (aux) and speakers - your stereo will do. Chucking away three-quarters of the ins/outs would make more sense so for our purposes, a phono-to-whatever-amp cable cut in half and two grounded pots (R&L) - or just one if you aren't looking to balance R/L - soldered in to re-join them would do this for a bag of chips. Wrap it up in some metal shielding to Faraday-screen it - done! The sort of thing that would put the output of your CD player into self-powered monitor speakers to avoid blowing your ears to bits if you don't have a mixer but, at best, it's not ideal - you get the worst part of the pots range for signal degradation - because it's passive. But not more degradation than you'd get with this gadget anyway because - it's passive. At that heap-of-junk price, you should be looking at a mixer and you should have a reason for a mixer. £100.00 UK to mess around with Logitec desk-nonsense-speakers-where-the-actual-sound-doesn't-even-matter isn't any reason to clutter your desktop/whatever with so-called "audio" signal treatment/routing - >ahem< "Just like a studio!". So if that's where you are, consider getting a soldering iron. Your kids could make twenty of these from a bits box, bell wire and bean cans.....and they'd have a great time doing it. Unless you want to seriously get some decent sounds. Interface........that kind of thing. At that money? Get a Focusrite and output it to your stereo. If you need to balance various signals, get a mixer. Desktop-wall-wart-'dooter speakers aren't worth spending anything on and this piece of junk won't do much of anything else. "Solidly constructed in U.S.A?" WhoopeeDOOOOO!

the MX44 pro is way better

good video, if it's not active it's a toy

One of the few made in America mixers! It is so HARD to find anything made in my country anymore that is not made in CHINA crap.