DR-05 and attenuator cable problems

[ADC2019]

Hi, im trying to use a DR-05 to record audio coming from a Pioneer DJM-400 mixer.

I have a 2 RCA to 3.5mm cable connecting the mixer to the 'mic/ext in' on the Tascam
https://www.dv247.com/en_GB/GBP/MUS...x-RCA-To-3-5mm-Stereo-Jack/art-ACC0001170-001

The signal was too much and was peaking even on recording level zero and the mixer levels right down.
To resolve this i purchased an attenuator cable
https://www.dv247.com/en_GB/GBP/Kom...000;pgid=q.bg.FiqrnJSRpKUqPHhvGwO00003Z6KVHEw

I have plugged the 3.5mm into the attenuator input then plugged the attenuator jack into the Tascam mic/ext in however the only audio that comes through is on the left channel and very weak/crunchy/distorted. Theres no signal coming through on the right channel at all. If i remove the attenuator and plug the 3.5mm back into the tascam then both channels are working but the signal is too hot.

Being a total novice in the handheld recorder field (having used a pioneer CD audio recorder for the past 13 years) i have no idea whats going wrong here. Am i connecting these up wrong or is the attenuator cable not fit for this job?

Starting to think i probably should have got a DR-40 and used a 2 RCA to 2 XLR cable but want to try and salvage this bit of kit if i can

Thanks

 

[GTBecker]

The attenuator cable you show is mono so no signal on the right channel should be expected. Try an attenuator device or cable that specifically states stereo, as do these two:

https://www.amazon.com/Volbox-inline-audio-control-attenuator/dp/B00XDKKQ9E/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=3.5mm stereo attenuator cable&qid=1557790213&s=gateway&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/Volbox-inlin...enuator+cable&qid=1557790319&s=gateway&sr=8-3

 

[tmmlrd]

Which output from the mixer did you use?
Usually mixers have a lot of outputs, there should be a tape-out or rec-out just for the purpose.
The earphone output could also work. But not the speaker output... (esp. if the mixer includes power amplifier!)
More than changing cable or attenuating, I'd look for the suitable output to be used for recording, since there should be one for the purpose, I presume.

 

[ADC2019]

The attenuator cable you show is mono so no signal on the right channel should be expected. Try an attenuator device or cable that specifically states stereo, as do these two:

https://www.amazon.com/Volbox-inline-audio-control-attenuator/dp/B00XDKKQ9E/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=3.5mm stereo attenuator cable&qid=1557790213&s=gateway&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/Volbox-inline-audio-control-attenuator/dp/B071VL2GF8/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=3.5mm stereo attenuator cable&qid=1557790319&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Thanks for the reply. Id assumed the attenuator cable i purchased was just a slightly better quality version of one of these things https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Extension-Headphones-Speakers-Microphones-black/dp/B07L84SFB3

That one states stereo so in theory would one of those types of cable work in the same way as the attenuator boxes you linked to or is it likely to have the same mono issue im having?

 

[GTBecker]

> ... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Extension-Headphones-Speakers-Microphones-black/dp/B07L84SFB3

That cable appears to be intended for headphones which are typically low impedance and unshielded. It will probably work, either well or poorly. If it's cheap, try it.

My choice would be either of the Volbox controls (although $20 is too much but you'll forget what it cost if it works well) and a pair of 3.5mm stereo Male/Male cables.