Adding sound inputs are a simple way to add a little versatility to your box, especially if you've ever wanted to connect external audio sources to your PC. Instead of using an array of cables and converters (which only degrades sound quality), why not use RCA (otherwise known as phono) jacks? Most sound cards nowadays have extra inputs for CD-ROMS, modem speakers and more, so we may as well use them!

There are 2 simple ways to stick the inputs on your case. You can buy premade boards with 4+ RCA jacks, and bolt the board to the back of your case (You'll have to cut a square out of the case to allow the wires to go thru). Otherwise, if you have an extra slot (and extra slot cover), you can buy just the jacks, and drill out holes for them in the slot cover. That way you can bolt the RCA jacks to the case like you would any expansion card.

RCA Jack Board

Seperate RCA Jacks

Analog Inputs
Most inputs on sound cards are analog. They have a left and right channel, and typically a ground for each. Easiest example is a standard CD-ROM cable:

4 wires:

Red: Right Channel
Black (x2): Ground
White: Left Channel

For simplicity I'll use our phono jack board for these inputs.

What we need (for 2 inputs):

• Four-position Phono Jack board (Radio Shack #274-322B)
• A long CD-ROM cable

That's it! Of course, it'll help if you have wire cutters, soldering iron and (optionally) shrink wrap. For our purposes, the outside pole of the jack is always ground, while the inside pole will carry the audio. So, we'll need 2 separate jacks for each input.

Step 1: Cut the CD-ROM cable in half, and strip a little insulation off each wire:

Step 2: Loop the end of the red wire through the center pole of one jack, and the ground wire right beside it, on the outside pole. Then solder both connections. If you're using shrink wrap, make sure you put it on BEFORE you solder it :)

Step 3: Now we have to do the same for the last 2 wires on the CD-ROM cable. Solder the white wire into the center pole of the jack, and the remaining black wire onto the outside pole.

Thats one of em! Do the same thing to the last 2 jacks with the other half of the CD-ROM cable.

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