I want to use 1 set of speakers for 2 computers on a KVM switch

[cheetoden]

Like the title says, I want to use one set of speakers for the two computers I have hooked up on a KVM switch. I can't find the adapter needed to hook this up. Any suggestions?

 

[Sheriff]

Short of splitting the wires and losing signal I'm unaware of any KVM switch adapter for this sitiuation (hope so) and the only other option is to buy a KVM with this capability od sharung sound

 

[cheetoden]

I've already got a KVM switch and the ones with the sound are too expensive.

I could probably use a reular "Y" adapter, but I would need 1 adapter with 2 female ends and 2 adapters with 2 male ends. I don't know if these adapters exist. I haven't seen them anywhere.

 

[Sheriff]

Originally posted by: cheetoden
I've already got a KVM switch and the ones with the sound are too expensive.

I could probably use a reular "Y" adapter, but I would need 1 adapter with 2 female ends and 2 adapters with 2 male ends. I don't know if these adapters exist. I haven't seen them anywhere.

They're expensive for a reason (other then new and fashionable) as the splitters will loose some signal but you can get them @ RS or places like

PC Cables

 

[cheetoden]

Thanks Sheriff. I found exactly what I needed at PC Cables.

 

[EeyoreX]

I may be a little late to this thread (I have replied in a couple others recently), but, you could also use a mini-jack cable (no idea at the moment what they are called). The cable has a mini jack connection at either end. I use this method: Connect one end to the line out on one PC and the other to the line in on the other PC. This allows you to use the soundcards on both PCs with just one set of speakers. The only real downside (I don't consider it a downside as I leave both PCs on at all times anyhow) is that the "line in" PC needs to be powered to provide power to the sound card for the speakers.

\Dan

 

[hjo3]

Needlessly complex. I have a setup just like this, with 2 PCs on a KVM and 1 set of speakers. I just have have a Y splitter with one 1/8th inch female jack and two male plugs... plug into each computer, plug the speakers into the Y splitter, voila. Cheap and easy; what more could you want?

 

[skriefal]

Originally posted by: cheetodenI could probably use a reular "Y" adapter,

You're referring to using a Y-adapter/splitter in reverse to connect two computers to a set of amplified speakers? That often does not work very well, and may not work at all. Usually the output from one of the sound cards will overpower the other, resulting in extremely low volume from the second card. Or you may get a high amount of humming and poor audio from both cards. If you're extremely lucky, it might work acceptably.

What you should use is a separate switch-box from Radio Shack or elsewhere. These have 2-4 sets of L/R RCA inputs, and a single set of L/R RCA output jacks. You'll need a bunch of the mini-jack to RCA adapter cables.

 

[hjo3]

Gee, I must be "extremely lucky," cuz mine works wonderfully and I'm using an Altec Lansing ATP3 subwoofer/speaker set. No humming or anything; good sound from both computers.

 

[skriefal]

Yes, you are very lucky. Enjoy it. That doesn't work for most people, and certainly never worked any of the times I've tried it over the past years.

 

[addragyn]

Belkin makes a KVM with audio. You want the OmniView SoHo.

 

[EeyoreX]

Needlessly complex. I have a setup just like this, with 2 PCs on a KVM and 1 set of speakers. I just have have a Y splitter with one 1/8th inch female jack and two male plugs... plug into each computer, plug the speakers into the Y splitter, voila. Cheap and easy; what more could you want?

I don't find attaching one cable to two jacks all that complex. Plug one end to line out, the other to line in... It works flawlessly, it costs like $3, it doesn't have potential to lower quality (Y splitters can) you can control volume through one PC (adjust the line in volume). Not to mention, if one is using a set of speakers with more than one jack (eg, many 5.1 sets that require three jacks, for front l/r, rear l/r and center/sub) a Y splitter won't cut it. While my "complex" method allows you to connect all three jacks to the "master" sound card, then simply plug the line out from the "secondary" pc to the line in on the "master". This also eliminates the problem of the speakers recieving signal from two seperate sources, as only one soundcard (the "master") sends signals.

\Dan

 

[0roo0roo]

they have audio switch boxes at frys and electronics stores. i have two sony ones. they have av ones too.

 

[0roo0roo]

they have audio switch boxes at frys and electronics stores. i have two sony ones. they have av ones too.

 

[4x4expy]

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
I may be a little late to this thread (I have replied in a couple others recently), but, you could also use a mini-jack cable (no idea at the moment what they are called). The cable has a mini jack connection at either end. I use this method: Connect one end to the line out on one PC and the other to the line in on the other PC. This allows you to use the soundcards on both PCs with just one set of speakers. The only real downside (I don't consider it a downside as I leave both PCs on at all times anyhow) is that the "line in" PC needs to be powered to provide power to the sound card for the speakers.

\Dan

You saved me the effort of typing it. This is the method I used. Seemed the most simple and needed no items to be purchased.

 

[tweeve]

you can also go from one sound card to the other one by using the line in port on one of the cards. i have done this in the past between a laptop and a PC.