USB Headphone Switch

[DarkForceRising]

I have some Plantronics USB headphones. I can output sound either to them or the speakers. However, the only way to switch between the two is to go into audio properties/audio/default device. This works for any programs opened afterward, but any programs open at the time of the change stay with the previous sound output.

So my question: Is there a way to get audio output to switch between speakers and USB headphones quickly, without having to restart the current program?

Example: I'm playing Team Fortress 2 with sound output through the speakers, using the headset mic. My parents come into the room. I want to switch sound output to the headphones, without having to restart TF2.

Any ideas?

 

[corkyg]

I would do it with a mechanical A-B switch placed conveniently by the keyboard.

A-B

 

[DarkForceRising]

The only problem is, as far as I can see, that switch works with headphones with a normal audio jack, not USB. Am I wrong?

 

[corkyg]

I think that is correct - but there are audio jack to USB adapters/converters available.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I think that is correct - but there are audio jack to USB adapters/converters available.

I don't think a convertor like that would do anything unless you could install headphone drivers on the convertor itself.

 

[corkyg]

Why drivers? Headphones are only enclosed speakers. All you need is to pass the audio signal through.

 

[Andy22]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Why drivers? Headphones are only enclosed speakers. All you need is to pass the audio signal through.

Depends on the the connection type. USB Headphone are their own sound card. Headphones with a mini plug work off the internal sound card.

Like the OP, I am in the same boat but never need to change in the middle of a program so I just switch before I start a game. I think once the game starts and loads a driver you are stuck with it until you exit.

 

[corkyg]

Can USB headphones be converted to mini-plug by cut and solder? Sounds like a good reason to avoid them.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Why drivers? Headphones are only enclosed speakers. All you need is to pass the audio signal through.

You aren't passing an audio signal through a USB port. A lot of you people are completely missing what a pair of USB headphones is. It's headphones with a USB soundcard built in[/b. USB is a DATA port, not an analog sound port. You CANNOT cut and solder an audio plug onto the cable.

 

[corkyg]

That is true - however, you can open them up, remove the DAC and reqire them to a conventional mini-plug. The DAC (Digital-Analog Converter) is the hooker. Remove it and you can make it into a pair of conventional headphones.

And, if you connect the USB plug to a DAC module, you can convert it to analog and go from there,

Bottomk line - a USB headphone lacks the true audio flexibility desired in an audio system. What is the advantage of USB headphones?

 

[DarkForceRising]

Well, they do show up as a separate audio device. For instance, I can route main sound (games, etc) through the speakers, and yet have teamspeak chat routed through the headphones only.

 

[corkyg]

OK - I understand that. Basically a gaming device.
Then, in order to redirect the digital output, you must use the computer software.

Would it be useful to put that as a shortcut icon on the Q/L part of your task bar? That might speed up accessing the layered software you objected to in the first place.