8 port AV switch box review and signal ground modification 

You noticed that too! I've also modified my 8 and 4 port versions of this with extra grounding. I also added a mono switch to connect the audio channels together which I needed for some sources.

This mod is still very viable and works well. Just did this with my own retro gaming/stereo setup. No longer have audio/video hum or interference when touching/moving/using the switch. Worth the effort if you have this. Thanks DrCassette!

8:45 - You might want to remove the jumper on the lower-right to avoid a ground-loop! It's also a good idea to scrape away the paint around the screw-holes of the chassis, including the cover. This will give you MUCH better ground connections!

I think we definitely need a tour of your amplifier and the numerous devices you need to connect to it. I have a 4 way version of this, also passive, which I bought from radio shack long ago. It also has S-video ins/outs. I use it to connect my video game systems (genesis, turbo grafx, Dreamcast, SNES). Great video!

Saved me a ton of time. Being used for a bunch of old 8-bit game systems then out to the vcr input thru a tiny modulator and then out a/v to projector. Was picking up a ton of video noise. Thanks!

Thanks. I did this with my 4 port and it really worked. Next up is my two 8 ports.

I love your thought processes and your style. Not to mention your helpful content. Thanks.

Thanks for the video. I have one of these boxes too, but it is not used yet, and I will now check the grounding!

It's a nice unit, but when I was looking for something similar I wanted inputs and outputs. This was to be able to connect things like a Pioneer Multi-Player/CD-R, Tascam CD-R, Denon MD, Sony MD Aiwa Cassette Deck and a Teac Cassette Deck. With this in mind I went looking for a couple of the Realistic Tape Control Center switch boxes. They work well enough but they do have a crappy plastic housing....oh well.

Good job. You can use the video ports for getting separate source grounds as well. It will require some modding to ports PCB if you so desire.

These boxes are great for audio, but as you pointed out not so good for video. I reckon they have a lot of signal loss due to the lack of signal amplification. I’ve got a two port audio switch that I use in reverse to switch my turntable+amplifier between my computer and another audio system with speakers.

thanks looks simple enough even my newbie soldering skills can do lols

An additional note: the switches of the switch box are intended to be exclusive so 1 input goes to the output. However, it is mechanically possible to press multiple switches at the same time so you can blend multiple inputs (max 8). It (then) also works in reverse so 1 input, multiple outputs. Note: the switch mechanism mostly likely is not meant for this use so keep that in mind. I was about to build my own switch boxes (1 in>8 out and 8 in>1 out) until I stumbled upon these Chines boxes and they work fine, are cheap and feel sturdy. It would cost me more to buy metal cases, switches, connectors, etc. BTW: an alternative is a Technolink TC-716 (but audio only). There are just 6 in-/outputs (2 stereo 3.5 mm jacks and 4 stereo RCA) and you loose 1 for input or output, so 5 are left. A downside is the 3.5 mm jack are not vey good quality (I had problems with several units). On the positive side, you can switch each channel independently and have 2 audio paths: all pressed channels are connected as well as all depressed ones.

Why does the ground make that difference?

Being simple mechanical devices these are bi-directional. I have two, one for playback and a second to allow me to make analogue recordings to any device connected without plugging and unplugging cables.

I bought something similar to this about 10yrs ago. I should open it up and have a boo.

Good idea, and it explains the hum in a cheap phono preamp I have that uses a DC adapter plug.

Just recived mine today 9,5,2024 cost $38 australian dollars setup was easy and great system to use too.

I bought 4 of these directly from China for 50 Euros. Thanks for the video, will definitely do the ground modification. Hope I can also use this thing in reverse for the record signal...at least that's the plan. Two daisy chained for playback, two for record. This way I could reciod and playback all of my devices. Dcc, reel to reel, dat etc., everything chained together. Curious if that will work. On the search for cheap but good enough rca/chinch cables now.

Good idea, nice job! Thanks!

Nice video, thank you. Is there one of these inexpesive A/V switch boxes out there that is already properly grounded that you know of???

What do you call this type of button array? The mechanism that only allows one push button to be active at any time, and automatically switches the depressed button down when a new one is depressed? I’m at a total loss.

I'm trying to do this same mod and not having any luck.. Can you post a high res picture of the circuit board, so I can see what I'm doing wrong?

5:52 If unused inputs are grounded, that means that the outputs of your sources are shorted! Not sure this is clever idea unless sources are turned off.

Great video

very well explained👍

Mine stopped working how do i fix it?

Can you use the compost for digital audio ?

Why does the SNES not work with this?

Does this work in reverse, one input to 8 outputs? I would like to use one on the tape out on my amp. Edit, double checked the comments and saw you said it can be used this way :)

would you recommend this mod if you're also using the video line?

So, it's been a little over 2 years since you made this video. Are you stil using this and do you like it? I'm thinking of picking one up and making the same mod. I'm using a Realistic 42-2110 switch box right now, which I like, but it only had 3 inputs.

I wish I were half as smart as you

I bought this,and quit using it because of the annoying humm.

how fast does it switch??

How is sound quality

This thing is noisy as hell