[NFBCS] Audiophile question | 3.5mm stereo combiner

[charles.vanek at gmail.com]

Hi group,

First off.  I don't see that NFB has an audio mailing list, this question is
somewhat computer related, but do let me know if there is a better list I
missed.

 

The simple question is I want to combine audio live from two transmissions
to one on my PC setup so that I can declutter my desk of speakers / mixers.


 

Here's the background as to what I have today and why it is.  First off I
spend hours per day on Video Conferences.  I like to have conferences
running out my external speakers.  I also like to have JAWS running out
external speakers as well, but usually when not on a call.  I also need to
be able to control the audio of each quickly and easily because I am
frequently multi-tasking so thus need physical control and don't like using
the layered keys.  

 

The setup I have used for a while is basically this:

1.	Everything that is not JAWS runs through the computer sound card to
external speakers with a physical volume knob. 
2.	For JAWS, I have a Sound Blaster XG6 external USB sound card with
physical volume knob also.  This has both a headphone and separate speaker
output.  Which I always have connected to a second set of speakers.  
3.	 

When on a Video Conference I typically plug headphones into the Sound
Blaster so that I can hear JAWS in 1 earbud and control volume with the
Sound Blaster independent of the Video Conference which I can also control
via physical controls.  The nice thing I love about the Sound Blaster is
when you physically plug in headphones there's no computer prompt or action
required for the speakers to silence and the headphones to pick up.

 

This setup means that I have 2 sets (4 speakers) on my desk.  What I would
like to do is route the sound blaster back into the original set of external
speakers.  I know that this can be accomplished with a mixer which I have
done and works nicely.  However it takes up space and requires bulkier
cabling and more energy.  In fact I have a mixer with built in sound card
eliminating the need for the sound blaster altogether but that is bulky.

 

It is also worth noting that I have 2 computers thus everything is nearly
times two.

 

I've thought about just buying a 3.5mm splitter but using it in reverse if
that's possible.  It would require some couplers like a female to female for
connecting it to the speakers.  The volume knob on the speakers would also
then effect both, however that isn't a problem as the computer and sound
blaster will still have the independent physical volume control I desire.

 

Thoughts?

 

Best,

Charles