Connecting audio output to an input (a simple question)

[sigurd]

I was thinking of recording some drumming, and being that I don't have any proper microphones for micing a whole drum kit, I figured it would be a better idea to use an electronic drum kit. Unfortunately, the drum kit I have, does not have an USB port, only an audio output for headphones, so I was thinking I could connect the headhone output to the microphone input port on my computer.

So, my question is, if I connect the audio output port (for headphones) into the audio input port on my computer (where I would otherwise connect a microphone), will that function as intended, without destroying anything?
I figured it would be possible, because I am basically just connecting an audio output to an audio input, I'm just worried about burning a circut or something.

[Soeren]

Hi,

[...] being that I don't have any proper microphones for micing a whole drum kit, [...] so I was thinking I could connect the headhone output to the microphone input port on my computer.

Sure, but the result will probably be worse than using whatever mike you have on a real drum set.

So, my question is, if I connect the audio output port (for headphones) into the audio input port on my computer (where I would otherwise connect a microphone), will that function as intended, without destroying anything?
I figured it would be possible, because I am basically just connecting an audio output to an audio input, I'm just worried about burning a circut or something.

You'll need an impedance matched attenuator, as the output will be higher than the input can handle.
For best results, you need to find your manuals and look up the impedances in question, but with generic data, the output will be perhaps 16..32 Ohm and the input might be 1k to 10k, so a resistive attenuator could be made from 2 resistors each stereo channel.
Like this (duplicate for stereo):

Code: [Select]

Headphone output o--[R1]--+--o To mic input
                680 Ohm  _|_
                         |  |
                         |R2| 2.2 Ohm
                         |__|
                           |
                           / Gnd