I am researching how to have several analogue sources connected (though not used) simultaneously to my PC. This post deals entirely with stereo AUDIO, multiple analogue VIDEO input is not required.

My options:

1. fabricate some sort of backplane with stereo jacks and/or RCA that would interface with the extra internal analogue headers on my sound card. Does anybody know of a pre-fab model for SoundBlaster cards?

2. purchase a multi A/V switchbox from Radio Shack/eBay, connect it to my one external Line-IN.

3. Pick up two (or more) Edirol UA-1A USB Analog Audio Capture devices. Kinda slick, analogue input via USB. Still only a single stereo input tho. Does anybody have experience with two or more of these type devices on a machine, do they co-exist peacefully? My minimum is two inputs, but I would prefer three.

4. Buy a new sound card with multiple external inputs. I can find many cards with multiple DIGITAL i/o, but not with multiple ANALOGUE other than #1. Anybody have a suggestion?

I am leaning toward the switchbox for the present (quick and dirty fix) but would prefer to have the analogue source run through as few components as possible between the deck and the CPU. Of course, I'm too lazy to hunch down under my desk and manually switch everything...

Your insight is appreciated. Friendly banter is good too.

-elf