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2 computer, 1 set of speakers

S

stultus

Golden Member
I've got 2 computers side by side with 2 monitors. I want to watch video on the second computer using the speakers connected to the first computer while I'm using the first computer for sound too. Can I use line in / line out to achieve this? Are there any problems with doing this?
 
If you have digital out on the one machine, and digital in on the other, I think this could be made to work. Line-in should work too. I've never done it, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't. In fact I might try this to get sound from my Linux box over to the sound card on my Windows machine. With digital you might actually be able to get 5.1 over, but with line-in it will be stereo.
 
In theory it not a good idea. if there is No separation of ground in the speakers it can end up shorting two computers that have large disparity in ground potential.
 
Despite JackMDS's objection, I don't think this will be a problem. All you need is a 1/8" (AKA 3.5mm) stereo male to 1/8" stereo male cable long enough to stretch from the back of one computer to the other. They can be purchased at RadioShack for as little as $3.95+tax, though I recommend getting a shielded cable ($6.99+tax). Just plug one end into the guest computer's line-out, and the other end into the host computer's line-in. Then load Volume Control on the host and make sure the line-in channel is not muted and that its volume slider bar is at an appropriate level.

Keep in mind that for this configuration to work, the host computer must be booted to Windows in order for the guest computer's sound to be heard.

To set up a configuration whereby both computers can be connected to the single pair of speakers without relying on a booted host, you'd need some sort of a four-(or more)-channel mixer. These can be a bit expensive compared to the $5-$8 cost of the afore-described cable chain. Radioshack has (a 4-channel mixer for $39.99+tax). Keep in mind that a mixer requires appropriate cabling, which you're unlikely to have handy. In the case of the above mixer, you'll need two 1/8" stereo male to two phono/RCA male adapters, available at Radioshack for $4.95+tax/each or $7.99+tax/each for shielded cables. You'll also need a third cable to run from the mixer to your speakers or pre-amp (what you need depends on your speaker setup).

All things considered, I recommend the chain method. Though the host must be booted for the guest to be heard, that small drawback is offset by the relative ease and low price of setup.
 
That sounds right to me. What do you think about the possibility of digital i/o between the two machines? I think you should be able to get 5.1 over to the host computer, but I haven't tried it yet. Could you do that with more channels on the mixer if the digital didn't work?
 
there is a simpler answer..... but it cost $

there are those KVM switches, which also includes Audio

so when you KVM machine A to machine B, your audio is also switched.
 
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