3.5mm audio jack switch

[NaveT]

Hi all,

Currently I have an Audigy sound card. There are generally some Creative Speakers (5.1) plugged into it.

When playing CS and now CS:S it prefer using headphones.. especially at night, as my daughter and wife do not appreciate experiencing my CS sessions when they are trying to sleep. To change over to the headphones it means I have to pull the pc out, remove the speaker cables and then put the headphone cables back in.

Is any one aware of a 3.5mm switch that could accomplish this? I have looked on Maplin.co.uk, but found nought.

 

[Tom]

You could buy a small extension cable, that way at least you wouldn't have to pull the pc out.

 

[smurkin]

you can buy a 3.5 mm stereo jack splitter...you could try maplins or any good hifi shop - no need for a switch (I presume you can switch your speakers off manually)

 

[Gray]

i got one of these here Lian-Li jobbies, where all the stuff is at the front of the case, to save faffing about pulling out the PC etc

Example

Simple to install, and quite cheap

 

[NaveT]

thanks for the replys - Went for a 3.5 mm stereo jack splitter, so just turn of the speakers when not using them. Works fine.

 

[WPKenny]

thanks for the replys - Went for a 3.5 mm stereo jack splitter, so just turn of the speakers when not using them. Works fine.

I do that, sort of. I have the splitter hooked up to my speakers and also into my TV. The speakers themselves have a dongle I can plug my headphones into that silences the speakers.

When I want to watch a film on the telly from the pc, I just turn off the speakers. Same thing as you....only different.

 

[fatbusinessman]

Ok, question about audio splitters - I probably learned this in GCSE physics, but my memory's crap.

When you've got two audio devices plugged into a splitter, is the sound that comes out of them quieter than it would be if you only had the one device plugged in? Or does it just take twice as much power?

 

[WPKenny]

Ok, question about audio splitters - I probably learned this in GCSE physics, but my memory's crap.

When you've got two audio devices plugged into a splitter, is the sound that comes out of them quieter than it would be if you only had the one device plugged in? Or does it just take twice as much power?

I demand someone experiments! Brainiac style!

(I would but, well, I cba. )

 

[Tom]

If you plug two devices in together using a splitter, the overall audio level to each device will drop depending upon the total impedance of the circuit.

 

[Tom]

BTW, from memory I think you need a 3 pole double throw switch. That way you should be able to switch easily between the two outputs.