Here’s a question for my valued Gadgetbox readers. I have two desktops that I share with a USB KVM switch. For the most part it’s great, but I also want to share a set of speakers between the two of them. The options, as I see them, are to hook up a full-blown stereo receiver, where I can toggle back and forth using different inputs, or to replace my $15 USB KVM switch with a more expensive alternative like Belkin’s $40 Flip (pictured), which also lets you switch a sound input.
I’d love it if there were a cheap minijack-only A/B switch that would just let me toggle back and forth between two inputs; really, that’s all I need, but I can’t seem to find anything matching that description. Has anybody seen anything like this and could point me in the right direction?
The first thing that comes to mind is the very affordable Behringer mixers. If you have any need (at any point) to do more with your audio signals, this should help. This comes from thinking less about the computer, and more about the audio of course. If you have any existing source for amplification (powered speakers or just a stand alone amp with speakers-now or in the future) this will work out well. As of recently, Behringer mixers have brought extremely affordable products to offer simple audio mixing and more. I realize you may only be asking for one source at a time, but keep in mind there's more that can be done with the $39.99 you would spend on this unit. For instance, while using Skype, you would be able to use standard headphones and a built in mic (if you have one) and adjust the headphone volume while talking. One might also plug in an iPod (or other music source) while allowing the system sounds to play through on the other channel. Radio Shack will provide "y" cables with a 1/8'' jack to stereo RCA's on the other for about $8. Go to Behringer's own site, or find the mixer at the following link.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Eurorack-UB802-Mixer?sku=631238
Cheers,
Kevin