Seems as there's a nice collection of computers dorks and/or audiophiles here (thread author included) so I figured I'd ask here since Google isn't helping. I like to keep the clutter down around my desk, although you wouldn't know it to look at it now. I used to have a pair of speakers that had 2 inputs, and they rocked for having 2 computers. Seems that those days are gone now. I use a Y-splitter but one device is generally inaudible if the other is plugged in. Can anyone recommend some speakers, or if need be a small sized audio selector? It doesn't have to be small enough to fit in my ass or anything, but a stereo-sized component that fits my needs is looking like it's not going to happen.
Is something like this what you are talking about? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836113014 Edit: Actually, I just remembered that my GF has this set: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836113009 You can hook it to your PC, and you can also hook up small audio devices (MP3 player, etc) to it at the same time through a little control box. It's not McIntosh, but it's pretty good for what it is.
The control box thing sounds like it would work.. but the speaker set is massive overkill. 5.1 would actually clutter up the area even more. If I'm going all out, I'd rather have the "switch box" appraoch where I can hook up a game device and multiple computers of which I have too many of. :/
Well, there is that 2.1 set I linked to as well (which is also Altec Lansing), maybe you could look into that, or is that too weak? I think there was also a speaker set with the same Technology as the 2.1 set, just no subwoofer. I know it's under Altec Lansing on Newegg, if that helps at all
I'll look at the 2.1. I have to keep the volume down most of the time (kid) so no subwoofer isn't too big of a deal. >>Calpis Not sure what a passive mixer is.
A passive mixer just mixes multiple inputs together and doesn't require power. It's just two resistors in it's simplest form; but for line level audio, I don't think the noise will be a big deal. Mixers are good for people like me that would get annoyed flicking the switch when going back and forth between games and the computer.
Yeah, that sounds fine to me. Do I have to make it myself? Time isn't something I have tons of, and my wife hates me doing any type of shit like that in the house for risk of small metal pieces falling on the floor and being eaten by our son.
I'd think they'd cost $2 on eBay from China but not a one to be found. There are lots of active (powered) mixers for DJ/pro applications but are quite large/expensive.
Yeah, I need small (and preferrably cheap). So I should just check around for "passive mixer"? What happens in one of these when two sources are both playing? Will it play both (of equal volume)?
When two things play at once, unless they're two of the same thing, one will probably be much louder. Lots of mixers have pots to adjust the levels though.
Well, that's essentially what I get w/ a Y-cable, but it's not just when two things are playing. It's when two are plugged in, even if one of them is off.
