Possible to feed two computer systems into 1 speaker system?

PwAg

Senior member
Sep 20, 2000
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Looking to route two systems (two sound cards) into a single Klipsh Promedia 2.1 speaker system.

Is it possible to split the two 1/8" sound card outputs into a 2-1 reducer of some type to feed single input cable on Klipsch? Will the Klipsch unit experience any type of overload when both systems simultaneously output sound?

It's possible to route the 2nd sound input into the right hand speaker, but due to location placement, would like to avoid this if possible.

Thanks in advance for any tips.
 

Denithor

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
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I think this may be what you want. You may still need extenders to run from this splitter to each box but you should be able to make it work.

Now, I don't know if you will want to have both boxes putting out noise simultaneously but I suppose it could work.
 

Paperdoc

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2006
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I'd be reluctant to simply combine inputs from 2 sound cards using a 2-to-1 Y adapter. I would worry that the two sound cards might, on rare circumstances, fight each other enough to damage one or both. But maybe I'm just too cautious.

I would prefer to use an actual switching system. However, I don't know where you can get one. Maybe in an audio store, or maybe en electronics shop. If you're handy, you could build one. Basically you need a 4-pole double-throw switch and some cable sockets and patch cords. You have three signal lines to switch - Left Front, Right Front (usually in one stereo cable) and Subwoofer (maybe in a stereo cable with a "center channel" line you are not using) - from each sound card. And just to be safe, I would NOT simply connect all 6 "ground" (really, they are return lines) leads, but keep the three from one sound card together as one "ground", and the three from the other as a different "ground", so those two "grounds" should be switched on the fourth switch pole. The switch should be a "break-before-make" type; that is, as it is flipped over, it disconnects from one set of inputs before it connects to the other.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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If your speakers don't have multiple inputs for separate systems, then don't do it. You'll likely melt something in either or both PCs.
 

PwAg

Senior member
Sep 20, 2000
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Hi guys. Thanks for replies. Ended up calling Klipsch and tech said it should be fine to use a stereo to stereo split y-adapter. Only time overload comes into play is if the input source is amplified. Going to go down to radio shack and see what I can dig up.
 

magreen

Golden Member
Dec 27, 2006
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Why so complicated? Just run the line out from one computer's sound card into the line in of the second computer's sound card. Run the output of the second computer to your speakers.

Let the second computer be your mixer!
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,544
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Originally posted by: PwAg
Hi guys. Thanks for replies. Ended up calling Klipsch and tech said it should be fine to use a stereo to stereo split y-adapter. Only time overload comes into play is if the input source is amplified. Going to go down to radio shack and see what I can dig up.

I think that the Speaker's guy took an attitude concerning his speakers.

I.e the speakers would be OK.

However the output of the computers' audio is Amplified, and even if the Amplification is not very hight there can be grounding issues and eventually some thing can be fried on the Sound card, and or, the Mobos.