Simple Audio switching

[David55]

Hello

I am looking for a simple audio switching device. I have 2 computers (mac,pc) and 2 audio outputs (sennheiser headphones and speakers). I would like to make my life easier and have an audio switcher on my desk which can route the audio from each source to a different output of my choice.
I have looked at some products but they are very expensive and pro quality.

I would like to spend up to ~50$ on this. I would also like to maintain pretty good quality of the audio so I will pay a few more bucks for that if I have too.

BTW, would you recommend the harman/kardon soundsticks ver3? it will be used in a dorm room so high volumes won't be necessery...

Thanks

[ecc83]

Hi Dave!

Your question is a bit vague. Do you want to switch audio (at say -10dBV) and speaker level AND headphone? Is there anything on the market that does what you want but is too pricey and we can see if it can be "the basis of an idea" (designer speak for nicking a competitors circuits).

Some form of signal flow/routing would be useful. Assuming audio and speaker level switching that's 2X 2pole changeovers + a decent case+in out connectors. Check out the Maplin site www.maplin.co.uk and add that lot up,
50 bucks won't go far.

Dave!

[Audiodude]

Hi David,

Would this do what you want?
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CControl/
http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/750/CControl-large.jpg

[ecc83]

Wow Jeff I could not come close to getting the front panel legended for £50 let alone dollars.
End of story mate!

The other dave(ecc83)

[Audiodude]

With a headphone amp and built-in talkback mic, to boot. Witness the marvel of mass production and cheap labor.

[David55]

Sorry my question was a little unclear.
What I want is actually a switching device that all it does is route a source to an output.
For example: this device (http://www.amazon.com/Port-Selector-Switch-FREE-Cable/dp/B000FV8SLW/ref=pd_bbs_8/104-0391434-6011111?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1182826990&sr=8-8) gives you the option to route 3 different sources to one output (and vice versa). This would be sufficient if I had 2 computers and a set of speakers. The problem is I have speakers and wireless headphones (for use at night) so I would like to route 2 different sources to 2 different outputs. I hope I made myself clear enough. I am not looking for a complicated hi-tech device that switches audio levels or something like that...

Thanks for your help!

[David55]

Hi David,

Would this do what you want?
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CControl/
http://www.sweetwater.com/images/items/750/CControl-large.jpg
I believe that device will do what I need but I really don't need something that sufisticated. Thanks...

[Audiodude]

It's a bit more complex than you realize, I think.

You need to switch multiple inputs to multiple outputs, and those outputs are different levels and connector types. You need stereo line level (on RCA jacks I presume?) for your powered speakers. You also need a headphone amplified output (on a 1/4" or 1/8" TRS jack) for your headphones. The simple A/V switcher you linked to on Amazon won't do that, and neither will any other inexpensive passive device.