Multi Channel Audio Mixer Circuit using LM3900

Audio mixing is the process of combining multiple audio channels into one or more audio channels. In this process source signals, frequency content, dynamics, level and panoramic position are manipulated. This audio mixing process is used in sound recording in order to produce the output which is more appeal to listeners. This audio mixing is also done in studios in order to produce album or single. Generally audio mixing process is carried out by the mixing engineer. Currently artists and engineers are using PC (personal computer) for audio mixing. This article describes you how to design a multi channel audio mixer using lm3900 quad amplifier. This audio mixing circuit has 2 MIC inputs and 2 line inputs. If you want to increase the input channels according to the application then add same circuit in parallel with the existing circuit. Before going to know about this circuit, get an idea abouthow simple audio tone control circuit works.

Circuit Diagram of Multi Channel Audio Mixer using LM3900:

Circuit Diagram of Multi Channel Audio Mixer using LM3900

Circuit Components:

• LM3900 Quad operational amplifier
• 1k PRESET – 4
• MICs – 2
• 0.47uF Electrolytic capacitor – 2
• 0.1uF Electrolytic capacitor – 2
• 0.1uF capacitor – 1
• 1Ω Resistor (1/4 watt) – 2
• 1M ohm resistor (1/4 watt) – 4
• 470 ohm resistors (1/4 watt) – 6
• 330 ohm resistors (1/4 watt) – 2
• Connecting wires.
• Power supply circuit

Multi Channel Audio Mixer using LM3900 Circuit Design:

The main component in this circuit is lm3900 quad operational amplifier. Each input channel of audio mixer is connected the inverting terminal of op amp. The operational amplifier of each stage amplifies the every input signal separately. The output of each op amp is given to single output line with resistance of 470 ohm. This circuit does not have low input impedance to mix ideal audio input channels. Here polarized capacitors C1 to C4 are connected to the input channels used for decoupling purpose. Capacitor C5 is the decoupling capacitor at the output. Here variable resistor is connected to each input channel. This variable resistor is used to adjust the volume of corresponding input channel.

Related Post: Audio Equalizer Circuit using Combinational Logic Gates

LM3900 Quad Operational Amplifier:  

This IC consist of 4 high gain, independent, frequency compensated Norton amplifiers. These operational amplifiers are designed to operate for wide range of voltages. These amplifiers provide good response for almost all signal frequencies. This IC is able to provide wide band width and large output voltage swing. This IC has Inbuilt short-circuit protection.

LM3900 IC

Pin Description:

• 1IN+: Non – Inverting terminal of first operational amplifier.
• 2IN+: Non – Inverting terminal of second operational amplifier.
• 2IN-: Inverting terminal of second operational amplifier.
• 2OUT: Output terminal of second op amp.
• 1OUT: Output terminal of first op amp.
• 1IN-: Inverting terminal of first operational amplifier.
• GND: Ground pin.
• 3IN-: Inverting terminal of third op amp.
• 3OUT: Output terminal of third op amp.
• 4OUT: Output terminal of 4^th op amp.
• 4IN-: Inverting terminal of fourth operational amplifier.
• 4IN+: Non-Inverting terminal of fourth operational amplifier.
• 3IN+: Non-Inverting terminal of 3^rd operational amplifier.
• VCC: At this we can apply voltage from 4.5 to 32V.

To know more details about LM3900 IC, refer LM3900 Datasheet.

This audio mixer circuit can be powered between 5 to 30V. If the supply circuit is far from audio mixer circuit then connect a 100uF/60V capacitor between supply and ground pins.

Multi Channel Audio Mixer Circuit Features:

1. Wide supply voltage range
2. Low input current (30nA)
3. Open loop gain is very high
4. simple design
5. Good frequency response
6. Low noise
7. Output short circuit protection

How to Operate Multi Channel Audio Mixer Circuit using LM3900?

1. Initially give the connections as per the circuit diagram.
2. While giving the power supply, make sure that output is well regulated.
3. Now give the audio inputs.
4. At the output of audio mixer you will get mixed audio signal.

Multi Channel Audio Mixer Circuit Applications:

• This audio mixer is used in sound recording to produce the audio which is more appeal to the listeners.
• Used in studios to produce album.