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How it works

mixtwojacks - how it works

mixtwojacks is plug & play, designed for the fastest and most intuitive setup

 

You can easily integrate it into your audio system by following these 5 steps

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mixtwojacks setup
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Connect your own headphones to the OUT output

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Connect the IFB to the ST input using a TRS mini-jack cable

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Connect the PTT cable's mini-jack connector into the M input

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Connect the PTT cable's 2-pin connector to the walkie-talkie​

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Use the walkie-talkie normally, using the microphone on the PTT cable for communications

PTT cables

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This cable allows you to send the walkie-talkie's audio output to mixtwojacks and monitor it through your own headphones

To use the walkie-talkie with mixtwojacks, you need a PTT cable​

Despite the wide variety of walkie-talkies available, the most common 2-pin connector standards are primarily three: Motorola, Kenwood, and Icom

Motorola PTT Custom Connector

MOTOROLA M1

ICOM I3

Midland PTT Custom Connector
Kenwood PTT Custom Connector

KENWOOD K1

Check the compatibility of your model on the Radio Connector Chart

Personalized Trim Adjustment

Different walkie-talkie models vary in output level and voltage

 

Some models may have excessively loud volume even at minimum settings, or they may produce noticeable 'bumps' when the push-to-talk microphone is activated

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This can be corrected with the trimmer on mixtwojacks, which adjusts the circuit for any walkie-talkie model by adding a variable resistor to the M input, keeping the ST input level unchanged

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To adjust the M input level, turn the trimmer with a small screwdriver

mixtwojacks - trimmer
  • How do I power mixtwojacks?
    mixtwojacks is a completely passive device that does not require a power supply to operate. All you need to do is plug the two mini-jacks (from the signals you want to mix) into the inputs, and plug the headphones into the output socket.
  • Can I use mixtwojacks to combine any signal?
    mixtwojacks is specifically designed to combine two signals from the headphones outputs of a wide range of devices, including IEM receivers, Walkie-Talkies, audio recorders, mixers, smartphones, laptops, and more. We recommend using mixtwojacks only for its intended purpose and following the instructions in the user manual.
  • Do I need any accessories to use mixtwojacks?
    To use your walkie-talkie with mixtwojacks, you will need a PTT cable compatible with your model. To connect the IFB (or other signals coming from a headphones output), you will need a standard mini-jack TRS cable. You can check the compatibility on our Radio Connector Chart or contact us at info@mixtwojacks.com
  • Can I use any model of walkie-talkie?
    mixtwojacks is designed to be highly versatile and compatible with the vast majority of walkie-talkies. We offer PTT cables in three versions: Motorola M1, Kenwood K1, and Midland S3. With these three cables you can cover almost every model of 2-pin connector radio. For specific compatibility details, please refer to our Radio Connector Chart or contact us at info@mixtwojacks.com.
  • Why is my walkie-talkie not in the Radio Connector Chart?
    Our chart is continuously updated but may contain some inaccuracies. If you have any doubts about the compatibility of your model or need a custom cable for non-standard models, please email us at info@mixtwojacks.com.
  • Can I use any headphones with mixtwojacks?
    You can use any headphones with a TRS mini-jack connector. If your headphones have a built-in microphone (TRRS mini-jack connector), we recommend using a splitter. Some TRRS connectors can cause issues with listening and device functionality. If you have any doubts please email us at info@mixtwojacks.com
  • What is the trimmer for?
    The trimmer on the side of mixtwojacks allows you to attenuate the M input. This can be useful for radios that have a very high output level, even when the potentiometer is fully down. To adjust it, simply rotate the trimmer using a small screwdriver.
  • Does mixtwojacks alter the sound?
    Not at all. mixtwojacks operates with a passive summing circuit that does not alter the sound in any way; it only slightly attenuates it in order to not damage the connected devices and reduce crosstalk.
  • What is crosstalk? How does it affect stereophony?
    mixtwojacks is a stereo headphones combiner that operates with a passive summing circuit. The resistors in the circuit reduce crosstalk but do not eliminate it completely. The chosen resistors value results in minimal attenuation of the input signals, with some slight crosstalk between the right and left channels of the headphone output. This means there is a slight reduction in stereophonic separation; for example, if a signal is panned hard left, you may still hear a bit of that signal in the right channel. This is generally not an issue when connecting a dual mono source to the ST input, such as a standard IFB receiver. If you prefer minimal crosstalk with greater attenuation of the input signals, you can request a custom mixtwojacks model. If you have any doubts please email us at info@mixtwojacks.com
  • How much is the signal attenuated?
    The signal is attenuated by a few dB, depending on factors such as the impedance of the headphones used.
  • As a sound mixer, can I connect a walkie-talkie to my recorder using a PTT custom cable?
    Yes, you can directly connect the PTT cable into an input (or a comm port) of your recorder/mixer instead. This allows you to listen to the walkie-talkie through your headphones and use the PTT microphone for communications.
  • Can I request a PTT custom cable with a different connector?
    If you prefer to use a PTT cable directly connected to your mixer/recorder with a connector other than mini-jack, such as XLR or TA3, you can request a customized version by contacting us at info@mixtwojacks.com
  • Is mixtwojacks covered by warranty?
    Yes, mixtwojacks is covered by a 2-year European legal warranty. If any issues arise, please contact your dealer or the manufacturer. Please note that opening or modifying mixtwojacks will void the warranty. Check warranty conditions here.
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