Options for multiple sound outputs

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Soldato
Joined
1 Jun 2005
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I currently have a SupremeFX II soundcard that came with my motherboard (asus maximus formula) and currently I have my headset plugged in at the back 24/7 and just max it's volume when I want to listen to something without putting it on. I know that's not a great idea, so what I would like to know is if there is any way I can get it set up that I have some cheap (but good enough) speakers attached at the same time as the headset, and have different programs output to different devices? such as Mumble, Skype etc... to my headset, and VLC to the speakers?

The front panel audio ports on my case are not an option as the mic gains a ton of static, and the audio out has a popping sound at regular intervals. So is there any way I can make use of the other ports on the soundcard, or is it possible to get some USB speakers or something that would allow me to do send some audio out to the speakers and still some audio from other programs to the headset?
 
You're certainly on the right track by thinking USB speakers. Only other way, would be to buy a sound card, then connect speakers to that. It depends what you are after in the way of sound quality, because the choice of speakers that use USB, are very few. If you are only after something cheap, then they will certainly do the job.

As for having different applications outputting audio to different devices; that is certainly doable. Assuming you do buy USB speakers, then they will have their own sound device built in; so will be treated as a separate sound device by Windows. Most media players have the option to select the sound device that is to be used. You just select the desired device, rather than use default. Everything else will use the default device.
 
I just checked my manual to try and see what all the ports are on the SupremeFX II soundcard and noticed that my motherboard itself has a Coaxial S/PDIF port, could this also be an option for connecting speakers to or is it for a 'proper' audio sound system setup with a receiver (that sort of setup is out of my price range)?
 
You could use the SPDIF connection, but you'd be looking at spending quite a bit more. Optical and coaxial are both SPDIF connections, but optical is far more common on speakers. There may be some speaker that have both; otherwise you'd need to get a converter, which would add more expense.

I would imagine that you'd be looking at £100 minimum for speakers that have their own DAC and use SPDIF coaxial.
 
Thanks, I'll just look for some USB speakers then. I'm not looking for anything amazing quality, as I think anything will most likely be better than having my headset resting on my desk and turned up to max volume when I want to listen to videos/music. And if I can easily choose output device on a per program basis for VLC/Mumble/Skype etc.. then it will be perfect. :)
 
There isn't (that i know of...) any way of having different programmes playing through different outputs !
What output are you using for your headphones?

You could use a splitter, though not ideal would allow you to play through both speakers and headphones via turning volumes up/down...
 
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