Surround Sound Dinosaur

[tanzyr]

Hi 'Zillans,

I'm having no end of trouble seeking a solution to a complex problem, perhaps you collectively can help.

Ages ago when PlayStation 2, GameCube, and XBox were in their infancy a company called InterAct manufactured/distributed a 5.1 surround sound system targeted at gaming consoles. The system featured 3 RCA audio inputs, controls for volume/gain/balance/etc on the subwoofer.

The real gem of the system was a small dial marked "Input" at the bottom. Big whoop, right? Every surround sound system worth their knobs has that these days with one HUGE difference - a fourth setting for "MIX" that mixed all three audio inputs together.

The way I had mine configured, I had one PC on the first input, game consoles via a switch on the second, and a second PC on the third. That way, while I was burning CD's/DVD's on one PC, playing on PS2, and listening to CD's on the second PC I could hear all three SIMULTANEOUSLY.

That's the backstory.

Six months ago, the system started dying on me. Probably a blown capacitor somewhere that I lack the time and motivation to repair. I've been seeking a replacement to NO avail. Apparently, such dark majicks are truly the stuff of legends and they don't appear to make home theater/surround sound systems like they used to... or do they?

That's where you all come in. My questions:

1) Is there such a beast on the market somewhere that has mixed audio inputs akin to my dead dinosaur?

2) If not, is there a SIMPLE way I can accomplish the same type of thing using my main PC as an audio mixer, connecting several consoles/etc to it, and outputting to a PC-specific surround sound system?

What I've got that I'm trying to Frankenstein together: 2 PC's, XBox 360, PS3. I'd love to also connect my PS2 to this mess but it's not a priority. HDMI and/or RCA is fine by me, whichever accomplishes the goal. At the moment, I've got a MadCatz HDMI switch to run both the PS3 and XB360 to my LG flat panel HDTV/Monitor. My main PC is on it's own monitor, connected via DVI. Thanks to all who reply in advance. Sorry for the encyclopedic first post - love the show. :)

Please. Help me Obi-Wan Tekzillans... you're my only hope...

[revision3fan]

Look at music store computer audio equipment. My first guess is an outboard USB patchbay with mixing software.

[tanzyr]

revision3fan:

Thanks, that set me on a trail I hadn't considered (too focused on all-in-one solutions, I suppose).

I found a bunch of what you'd described but I was looking for something with a smaller desktop/shelf footprint and certainly under $100, something I failed to mention in my initial plea for help. I did a few more Google searches, to no real avail and figured if I wasn't able to buy what I wanted, perhaps I could MAKE what I required.

Scouring the 'net, I found schematics for tons of circuits that were CLOSE to suiting my needs. Finally, I found a message thread that had a lovely link to a Rolls 4-input RCA Stereo Mini-Mixer that's completely passive, for under $50 USD, on Amazon.com. It appears to be a real "set it and forget it" piece (forgive me, Ronco).

It should arrive in 3-5 days.

Thank you again for pointing me towards the correct tree to bark up. :)

[revision3fan]

I've never heard of the Rolls line of audio equipment. Tell me how it goes.