Share speakers between two different computers

by Jason "Hiner MCSE, CCNA" | Apr 19, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: PRODUCTIVITY, Jason Hiner MCSE, CCNA, speaker, computer, RadioShack Corp., coupler

Takeaway: Learn what equipment you need in order to share a set of speakers between two computers and how to set it up.

Problem

Because computer speakers take up desk space, it might be helpful to share speakers between computers, rather than having two sets of speakers for two computers that are right next to each other. For example, two employees who work in close proximity (and collaborate together) could use one set of speakers, as could an administrator who has two systems connected to a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse via a KVM switch.

Solution

By using a set of cords that you can purchase from an electronics store, such as RadioShack, you can easily use one set of speakers to provide sound for two different computers.

This assumes that both computers are already equipped with a standard sound card or have a built-in sound card. However, this is not a platform-specific solution. Any computers that have a standard 1/8-inch sound jack can share speakers. This includes two computers from different platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, UNIX, etc.

Here's what you'll need:

• Two 1/8-inch to 1/8-inch male-to-male stereo audio cables (RadioShack part number: 42-2387A)
• One stereo cable Y-adapter with two 1/8-inch female connectors on one end and one 1/8-inch male connector on the other end (RadioShack part number: 42-2570)
• One 1/8-inch mini-jack female-to-female coupler (RadioShack part number: 274-886)

Figure A provides a look at these items.

Figure A

Once you have the needed hardware, follow these steps:

1. Connect the jack from your speakers to one end of the coupler.

2. Connect the male end of the Y-adapter to the other end of the coupler.

3. Connect both of the audio cables to the two female jacks on the Y-adapter.

4. Connect the other ends of the audio cables to the speaker jacks on the two computers.

Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Another option for sharing speakers is ... Jason Hiner | 06/24/04

better to switch speakers rogbirk | 06/27/04

There's More to Audio than that! CSR-TECH | 07/01/04

That's a good idea ECarlson | 07/01/04

null yafet.gettiye | 07/01/04

How much to save $10 ? Dilbert-Tom | 07/01/04

Engineering Degree Not needed... MadDogDr | 07/08/04

Another odd option alaramwil | 07/01/04

Same idea with fewer parts ECarlson | 07/01/04

KVM The way to go Sean-Leonard | 07/13/04

Best solution, only 1 cable ! bobtheveg@... | 07/29/04

Yet another option.... JGordon | 08/13/04

high quality speakers slam5 | 09/13/06

How about through the network? countschwagula@... | 05/11/07

This works. elcon10342 | 04/20/06

The proper method AlanGeek | 04/21/06

will not work for me slam5 | 09/13/06

Use the other sound card as master AlanGeek | 10/27/06

Jason computerd}} | 02/06/07

Speaker space on the desktop issue jim@... | 07/14/04

drive bay speakers retired papa | 07/18/04

null jazzman1@... | 07/20/04

Gave up on Y-adapter finleyb | 07/21/04

that was a surprise MWRMWR | 07/20/04

Much cheaper option raminf@... | 08/22/05

right on! shraven | 04/20/06

Why would anyone do this? jamierterrell | 04/25/06

Not just for work mrkgf@... | 11/08/06

Better Y Adapter rawnblade@... | 10/03/08

actually, this is what i want slam5 | 10/04/08

RE: Share speakers between two different computers shenshiqiaodelphi@... | 01/19/09