Multiple Devices - One Set of Speakers

[chrismscotland]

Folks - not really sure if this is the right place but here we go anyway!

I'm looking for a little advice on using 1 set of speakers with a couple of inputs....

Basically I've got a setup in my Office where I have two external screens - a 4K one that has my Xbox One X wired into it along with my Surface Docking station for my Surface Pro 6. Also I have a 1080P monitor which is plugged into the Surface Dock as well.

I have a set of external speakers, previously I had these plugged into the line-out on the 1080P screen as anything I used was connected to that screen, now though I might want to take sound from the Xbox, Surface or another device.

I've seen a mixer suggested as a possible option, allowing me to plug the multiple pieces into the same set of speakers and then change which once I'm using - is that the best option?

 

[chrismscotland]

A mixer will do okay if you want multiple inputs to play through the speakers at the same time.

The catches are that mixers tend to be bulky because they usually include extra buttons and knobs for features that you don't need. Also, some of the inputs are dedicated to microphones only, while other line inputs are mono which means you need to use two channels to achieve stereo for a single source device. What you end up with then is an 8- or 12-channel mixer just to handle two or three stereo sources. Its overkill, not to mention expensive.

There are Line Level mixers which simplify some of the above, but really all you need 3-way analogue audio switch. That'll give you two inputs for audio from the two monitors, and a spare input for some other use in the future.

Google search for "av:link 3 way stereo input extender switcher with phonological sockets" You should find a little device for less than £20.

Many thanks! Thats looks like it should do the trick nicely!