How to split audio signal into 3 separate channels?

Question

I have been working with the following circuit:

to build a audio mixer where you can take multiple line inputs, cd players, computer, phone, synthesizers, etc... and mix them together to a single stereo "master" out.

The "master" out can be a power amplifier or powered speakers. So far tested powered speakers and works good and I expect this to work with "professional" grade amplifier/speakers. I.e: Mackies, Adams, Bryston etc... I will test with as much gear I can get my hands on...

So what I want to do is split the "master" out to 3 outputs: master, room and record and each with their own volumes.

1. I'm thinking of taking R8A, R8B (the master POT) and replacing with a regular 22K resistor.
2. Split the stereo signal after R9 and R10 and add 3 22K POTs there
3. Finally line to 3 separate "stereo" jacks/channels

I'm going to do some testing. But I don't have enough gear to test it all, I'm thinking it will be ok so long the input impedance of the destination devices is bigger enough then the total out?

Does my plan sound sane or do you think I should add buffers to each of the split signal?

Update:

Pots are log.

Sample impedances:

• http://www.bryston.com/PDF/Manuals/3B_4BSST_MANUAL.pdf 50 Kohms single ended, 20 Kohms balanced
• https://www.adam-audio.com/en/ax-series/a7x/ 30 kOhm
• https://www.zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-h4n-handy-recorder 480 kΩ unbalanced

Update 2:

Using TL072 as the op-amp.

Answer 1

1) Since users are pretty good at finding the weak point in any design, I'd recommend just using a buffer for each channel (yes that's 6 total opamps but they're cheap). For example, what if a user wants to temporarily disconnect your high impedance equipment to check the sound using their nice low impedance headphones?

2) High output impedance (compared to a low impedance buffered output) will make your transmission line more susceptible to noise, so if you're using high end equipment you're not doing yourself any favors by skimping on the output stage as long as you choose a decent quality opamp.

My recommendation would be to move your master potentiometer to the output of the summing stage (instead of R9 and R10), and splitting that into three different paths to feed each buffer opamp circuit. I think it would be a good idea to put a medium sized resistor (10k??) between the master potentiometer wiper lead and each buffer input too, that way the buffers don't interact with each other.

Answer 2

Your plan sounds fine, although if the output pots are audio taper, they act as an 80% attenuator at 50% rotation - you might need to increase R8 for higher gain to compensate.

Three 22 K pots in parallel present a 7.33 K impedance to the 47 ohm buildout resistors, a ratio of over 150:1, so the loading on the outputs will be minimal.

Depending on the input impedances of the downstream devices and the output pot settings, the load impedance seen by R9 and R10 might be lower, but you would have to have all three pots at max rotation plus three very low input impedance devices for the loading to be significant.

Note that your plan will increase the apparent output impedance of the circuit, again as seen by the downstream devices connected to the output pot wipers. For example, if an output pot is set at approx.80% rotation (again, audio taper, working from memory), the output impedance will be approx. 11K. If the target amp has an input impedance of 10 K, this forms a 55% (-6.44 dB) attenuator. The net effect is that you might find the pots adjusted a bit higher than expected for the same volume as a direct connection to the original circuit.

Answer 3

To keep it simple connect three log volume control potentiometers to an audio preamp IC output and wire the sliders of the pots to the hot pins of the output connectors. Use low resistance, say 2 kOhm potentiometers and be sure your preamp can feed 600 Ohm well. Use stereo pots for 2 channel stereo configuration.

If you need level setting switches or long cable feed (5 meters or more) ability this is too simple.

ADD: The cable length limit isn't exact, but unbalanced connections have a tendency to catch noise when cables are long and there's several devices with mains voltage supply connected together. The devices have unwanted secondary connections through their power supplies. TL072 should be able to feed those about 1Vpp or less signals to 600 Ohm. The devices cause minimal loads.

ADD2: Just noticed that you have some serious pro audio stuff. Maybe a redesign with proper balanced signals and surely full audio bandwidth amps is well worth the effort. If you can have $2000,-/pair speakers (and all other devices in the same league) which most hobby musicians can only dream of, do not enter into pauperism just now.