2-way mic switch with LED channel indicators

[kilroy]

I'd love to build this idea I have - see attached sketch - but is it possible for someone like me, with with limited theory knowledge? As for practical skills, I think I could manage this sort of thing:

 

[cjdelphi]

it's just a dpdt switch, no power required

and you wish to switch audio from the input to one of the 2 outputs?

 

[cjdelphi]

one of these then?

 

[kilroy]

Hi, yes, that's right: I wish to switch one input from a 3.5mm microphone between 2 outputs.
But how to power the channel indicator LEDs? Do I need a 3PDT switch for that?
I can solder, but I have forgotten all my electronics theory. I don't know
- how to mute a mic circuit (do you just break the circuit or do you need to short it somehow?!)
- how to avoid pops/clicks
- how the PC or Mac will behave - I there to be no noise when the channel is closed, but I don't the mic to 'disappear' from the OS, for example!

 

[Audioguru]

Most switches use high current silver plated contacts that fail soon with the very low signal level from a microphone. Use a switch with gold plated contacts that are designed for low levels. They cost the same as switches with silver plated contacts.

Switching electret mics will cause very loud pops.

 

[kilroy]

Hey Audioguru, thanks. There must be a way to avoid pops? Resistors and capacitors?
Would these components be a good starting point?

Switch
4PDT (so could have audio and indicators on separate circuits??)
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/toggle-switches/6925233

Indicators
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/indicators/0207185 Red
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/indicators/0209939 Blue

Enclosure
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/5173276

 

[cjdelphi]

Hey Audioguru, thanks. There must be a way to avoid pops? Resistors and capacitors?
Would these components be a good starting point?

Switch
4PDT (so could have audio and indicators on separate circuits??)
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/toggle-switches/6925233

Indicators
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/indicators/0207185 Red
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/indicators/0209939 Blue

Enclosure
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/general-purpose-enclosures/5173276

emi suppression, pass it through a capacitor use a choke etc, a cleaner way would be to use a multiplayer IC chip

like the cd4051be

 

[Audioguru]

If you are using electret mics then they are powered with DC and will make a POP if disconnected or connected.
You could use a circuit to ramp down their signal, switch, then ramp up the signal. Do the opposite to the other mic.

 

[cjdelphi]

If you are using electret mics then they are powered with DC and will make a POP if disconnected or connected.
You could use a circuit to ramp down their signal, switch, then ramp up the signal. Do the opposite to the other mic.

why didn't I think of that