Possible to connect speakers to 2 audio sources (not used at the same time)

[mgpg89]

I'm using my MacBook Pro with an external ACD, mouse and keyboard, along with some Harman Kardon soundsticks II.

When I have my MBP in its (diy) 'dock' (= all cables strapped together so I can easily plug and unplug everything), I use the Harman Kardon speakears.
But when I unplug it and I'm somewhere around the house, I'd like to use those speakers as well (through an AirPort Express)

Is it possible to get an audio splitter and connect both audio sources (MBP and AirportExpress) to the same speakers?

If not, is there any other way to accomplish what I'd like to do?


Thanks in advance

 

[drichards]

It shouldn't hurt, your local shops should have headphone splitters for very cheap. As long as both sources aren't on at the same time, no harm no foul. I'm surprised the HK's don't have more than one input.

 

[mgpg89]

It shouldn't hurt, your local shops should have headphone splitters for very cheap. As long as both sources aren't on at the same time, no harm no foul. I'm surprised the HK's don't have more than one input.

As iTunes can only send out the sound to one output at a time, it's all good, right?

 

[Trip.Tucker]

I'm using my MacBook Pro with an external ACD, mouse and keyboard, along with some Harman Kardon soundsticks II.

When I have my MBP in its (diy) 'dock' (= all cables strapped together so I can easily plug and unplug everything), I use the Harman Kardon speakears.
But when I unplug it and I'm somewhere around the house, I'd like to use those speakers as well (through an AirPort Express)

Is it possible to get an audio splitter and connect both audio sources (MBP and AirportExpress) to the same speakers?

If not, is there any other way to accomplish what I'd like to do?


Thanks in advance

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your intent but why not send to your Airport Express all the time, whether docked or not?

 

[drichards]

^^ That sounds like a good idea, safe and free.

 

[mgpg89]

Because I'm listening to other things than iTunes too.

MySpace music, YouTube etc ...
And I use Ableton Live etc for music production and the latency is killing me with the AirPort Express.

That's why ...
So, you guys think it's possible?

 

[BlueRevolution]

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/

 

[mgpg89]

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/

*sigh*

if you ever used Airfoil, you would know there's a ridiculous latency.

So will someone just please answer my question?

 

[Tallest Skil]

*sigh*

if you ever used Airfoil, you would know there's a ridiculous latency.

So will someone just please answer my question?

Get a 50 cent headphone splitter and run a cable to each source.

 

[drichards]

You can use an iPod headphone splitter like you would to listen with a friend. Just don't turn on the airtunes device while your mac is connected, or backfeed damage can occur to the circuit.

 

[BlueRevolution]

if you ever used Airfoil, you would know there's a ridiculous latency.

That's disappointing, although not terribly surprising I suppose.

 

[mgpg89]

You can use an iPod headphone splitter like you would to listen with a friend. Just don't turn on the airtunes device while your mac is connected, or backfeed damage can occur to the circuit.

It can be 'on', but not 'in use', right?

If not, that would be a problem because I also use the Airport Extreme for wireless internet.

 

[drichards]

As long as you're not streaming when the cord is connected to your mac, it should be fine. Its the same concept as using a spider cable with your consoles on your tv, one at a time.

 

[kkat69]

It can be 'on', but not 'in use', right?

If not, that would be a problem because I also use the Airport Extreme for wireless internet.

I was doing some googling as I know someone makes these but couldn't find it in under 5 mins. But what you want is (and it should work just fine) is an all female y-adapter (provided your speakers audio wire isn't pre-connected, if not a simple 2 female to 1 male y adapter would work) and your setup is basically 2-input, 1-output. As long as you do NOT push to airtunes while docked you should be ok.

AirTunes
\
}----->--->---Speakers
/
Mac

 

[howgee]

I know I'm attempting to resurrect a super old thread - but I am trying the exact same thing as the OP, and am getting horrendous distortion on my MacBook output when I do the setup mentioned above.

The only way I can mitigate the distortion a little bit is by turning down my MacBook volume way low (to about 1), but even then the sound is not listenable. The AirTunes volume and sound seem perfectly fine.

Anybody know how to make this work? Thanks in advance!