one set of speakers for two computers?

[sdsumike619]

I have two computers hooked up to a KVM switch. I'd like to be able to use one set of speakers for both computers. I don't even know if that is possible, but if it is, here is what I would need:

As you know, soundcards use the mini-stereo female ports. So I would basically need to plug in the mini stereo plug from the speakers into a Y-adapter, and then the two other ends of the Y adapter would plug a male ministereo on both ends into each computer...

So what I need (I think) is a y-adapter that is mini stereo for all three, and all have to be female...

Does this sound about right? Can it be done?

[redwudz]

You would need (2) 1/8" strero phone plugs (male) to 2 RCA phono plugs and (1) 1/8" \ stereo phono jack (female) to 2 RCA phono plugs and a switch or switch box with RCA phono in and outputs. The above adapters would look like this:

That's the male version, you would also need the female. The switch boxes for RCA phono plugs you can get at Radio Shack or most stereo stores. There are other ways, but those are all off the shelf parts.

I knew I would get it eventually. That version has a longer cable. The 'Y' type would have to be female RCA and you would need cables in between the switch box.

And here's a quickie diagram:

[sdsumike619]

no picture there..

[TJohns]

You can also just get a KVMA switch like I've got - KVM which includes audio too - phono plugs go out to the PC's, and there's a phono socket on the switch to plug the shared speakers into.

Trev

[sdsumike619]

I've got a KVM already for the keyboard mouse and monitor....

[sdsumike619]

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877-6115405.html

Read the last comment that says "simpler cabling" Will what he said work? That would mean that one of the computers would be outputting from one female plug to the other "Y" of the female plug..That doesn't seem like it would work to me?

[redwudz]

That sounds like he's feeding both sounds cards to the speakers at once and you would have to turn down the sound on one of the computers to hear the other one. You usually want some isolation between two sound sources. I would be afraid of damaging one of the sound cards by hooking them together, if that's what he means. The switch box is a lot safer.

I added some text to the diagram.

[chesterfield]

anyone have a model number and a link???????????????