KVM Type Switch for audio

[res1oz9a]

Hi All,

Ok I have 2 systems on my desk and would like to share one set of speakers with both systems so i dont have a 2 tons of wires...


The Speakers I have use 3 inputs, Front, Rear, Center/Sub (Logitech Z-640)

I need something that will be like an A/B type switch to switch between the computers...

I have searched for a speaker selector/switch but can either find home audio ones (from about 50 to 600 bucks! but they use RCA jacks ( I need 1/8" mini plugs)) or speaker/headphone slector but only have the 1 cable to the computer

Willing to use a KVM switch with the jacks needed assuming the price isnt as much as a system..


Anyone know of anything that will work? or tell me what type of switch I would need to make one from parts at the RatShack (radioshack)

 

[Harvey]

If you know which end of a soldering iron to hold, you can make the box, yourself, probably for under $25 - $30 with parts from any electronic components store. You'll need a chassis box and enough shielded two conductor wire to go from the switch box to each sound card. You'll also need a 3.5 mm plug for each lead from the box to the input of each sound card and one 3.5 mm jack for each channel (front, center, surround, sub) to accept the plugs from the speaker system. Get jacks with a threaded bushing so you can panel mount it from the inside of your chasis box. You'll be on your own for color coded plugs, but you may find them.

You'll also want a 4 pole double throw switch, one pole for each audio channel. The shields and ground leads are probably all common so they can be tied together and, if you use a metal box (recommended) to the chassis of the box. Note -- If this were a more professional hookup, there would be more rules for best grounding and noise rejection, but most consumer products don't pay enough attention to this.

Personally, I'd prefer a pushbutton because you can choose a round button which requires only a round hole in the panel, but you'll have to use what you can get.

 

[res1oz9a]

Now that is a awesome site! thanks!

 

[theGlove]

I'm also in the same situation and would like to know if theres a product I can buy out there thats relatively cheap (ie, $10 or less). If it costs more, might as well buy another speaker system