Need help troubleshooting PreAmp build

[Randallm]

I'm having trouble with a v1.0 MadAboutSound Wallin preamp board I bought from the swap meet forum. I ordered all the parts from DigiKey, stuffed the board and soldered them in. This is only the 2nd pcb project I've built.

When I turn it on, the LED lights briefly, as it's supposed to. But I don't get any output to my sound card. I've tested the mic directly into the sound card, and they both work. The problem is definitely between the input on the card and the output.

Can some one give me suggestions for troubleshooting? What do I measure?

[mightydub]

I built the version 1.1 some time back. If I recall correctly there were a few mistakes in the v1.0 pcb. Check the board vs. the schematic to make sure it is correct. Also check with madaboutsound.

[Randallm]

I forgot to mention that I'm aware of the problems with the v1.0 board, and have made the appropriate modifications.

What I'm really interested in is basic troubleshooting. I haven't a clue what to look for.

[Randallm]

I figured it out! I'm using 3.5mm STEREO jacks. I was using a MONO plug for the mic input, but a stereo plug for the output to the card. The jack out was wired to the LEFT output, the card was looking on the RIGHT input.

Shorting the left/right connectors on the jacks makes it work. I can't wait to test something!

[sofaspud]

D'oh!
Next to a multimeter (and less $ than a decent o'scope), a good tool to have in your diy audio kit is a signal generator and a signal tracer. OK, that's really 2 tools. But both can be put together for cheap, for instance a 555 oscillator for a signal source and a LM386 amp for a tracer. I built my set using a LM3909 and a little, old active speaker unit with a 2" driver.