Can a 3.5mm headphone splitter be used to join two inputs into one output?

Question

I want to be able to connect up my PC and iPod to the same speakers at the same time using a 3.5mm jack (very fiddly at the moment) - I have seen this Speaker and Headphones Splitter and wondered if it could be used for this purpose. Would it work?

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 21 '10 at 13:58

5

I would not recommend that. Any time you join the outputs of two or more amplifiers (and a soundcard is just that, if weak), you risk damaging one or the other.

answered Jun 21 '10 at 13:58

Darth Android

38,658

score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 21 '10 at 14:14

4

You could build your own solution if you are looking for a fun project for the weekend.

answered Jun 21 '10 at 14:14

Michael

1,183

score 3 · Answer 3 · edited Dec 13 '11 at 01:29

3

The other way is also possible, use for example 2 inputs and 1 output (with a switch): http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Construct-a-35mm-Switch-diy/

Please, check the picture for my own result of this project:

edited Dec 13 '11 at 01:29

Gareth

19,080

answered Dec 12 '11 at 22:46

Melroy van den Berg

145

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Jun 21 '10 at 14:01

If you want to choose between two inputs, then you need some sort of switch to turn one input off and the other one on.

I've not come across any switches that have 3.5mm inputs and outputs, but a search of some where like Maplins might yield some results.

Can a 3.5mm headphone splitter be used to join two inputs into one output?

4 Answers4

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