How can I use 4-channel audio (through speakers) and headphones at the same time?

[sofakng]

What I'm trying to do is use 4-channel audio through my speakers but also have 2-channel audio go to my headphones.

My soundcard is a Realtek ALC850 (built onto the ASUS A8N-SLI motherboard). The soundcard is supposedly 8-channel, but I don't think it can do what I'm trying to do... (I've read the manual and help files)

Can anybody help me out? I'm suprised that this isn't easier to do since (I'm assuming...) so many people have 4-channel stereo setups but also want to use headphones...

Oh, I should probably mention that most people suggest using a splitter on the front line-out jack. Well, that would work but then I wouldn't get any rear output on my headphones. (this is important because lots of games play certain sounds on the front speakers and certain sounds on the rear speakers). Ideally I'd like to mix the front and rear jacks into one output for my headphones so I could hear everything. Please tell me this is possible?

 

[crazyeddie]

You could:

A) Use a clever series of Y cables to split the front and rear outputs from your soundboard into two seperate connections. Run one set to your speakers and keep the second pair of outputs available for the headphones. On the headphone outputs, use y-cables in a reverse fashion to combine the front and rear cables. They'll combine down into one single jack that you can plug the headphones into and the left channel will have Left front + Left rear signal while the right channel will have Right front + Right rear signal.

B) Buy a 4-channel speaker system that has a built-in headphone jack.