You can use the "audio in" jacks on your home theater receiver for a wide range of audio experiments. Plug in your MP3 player to listen to music in surround sound. Set up your friend's video game console for an all night gaming marathon. You can even create a faux karaoke bar or backyard PA system with the addition of a simple microphone.
Instructions
1. Locate the audio inputs on your home receiver. Most receivers have inputs on the front and back. Usually, the front has a 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch stereo input (headphone jack). If available, use this jack. Otherwise, locate the most easily accessible RCA (red, yellow, white) input.
2. Identify the plug on your microphone. Most home-grade microphones have a 1/8 inch plug, similar to what you would see on headphones, or a 1/8 inch plug, a fatter version of the 1/8 inch plug.
3. Count the stripes on the plug. A plug with two black stripes is stereo (left and right channels). One black stripes denotes mono (one channel).
4. Determine your adapter needs. If the microphone's plug has two stripes and is the same size as the receiver's jack, you don't need any adapters. Plug the microphone directly into the receiver's audio inputs and continue. The "Tips" section below contains a listing of common adapter combinations.
5. Adjust the input selector on your receiver. Usually, the front headphone jack is played over the "Aux" channel. If you're uncertain, slowly move through the selections and speak into the microphone before moving to the next channel. When you hear sound over the speakers, you've found the right channel.
6. Do it. Plug the male end of your connector to your stereo's audio inputs. Then, plug the microphone into the female end. Change your stereo to the correct input (if it's on the front, it's usually AUX). Whatever it is, it should be labeled on your receiver, under where you plugged it in.
Tags: audio inputs, inch plug, black stripes, headphone jack, Usually front, your home
