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Switching to internal speakers with headphones plugged in

M

Muscle

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 15, 2010
170
3
Not sure why Apple chooses to do this but as of now my late 2012 iMac will not allow me to switch to internal speakers when I have headphones plugged into the aux port.

I want to purchase a set of wireless headset such as these and would want to be able to switch between headset and built-in speakers on the fly without having to unplug.

So what options do I have? The headset supports S/PDIF digital optical output, does this output method prevent the iMac from disabling the built-in speakers option?

How are most of you guys handling this problem? Would rather not have to use a set of usb speakers or iMic (as their sound qualities are suspect).
 
Muscle said:
Not sure why Apple chooses to do this but as of now my late 2012 iMac will not allow me to switch to internal speakers when I have headphones plugged into the aux port.

I want to purchase a set of wireless headset such as these and would want to be able to switch between headset and built-in speakers on the fly without having to unplug.

So what options do I have? The headset supports S/PDIF digital optical output, does this output method prevent the iMac from disabling the built-in speakers option?

How are most of you guys handling this problem? Would rather not have to use a set of usb speakers or iMic (as their sound qualities are suspect).
Click to expand...

I already answered that question in your other thread yet you don't seem to read.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1564677/


justperry said:
You can't, I am not sure about what I am going to say now, could be wrong, some/many inputs output jacks have a switch build in, as soon as you insert the headphones it will disable the other output, this could also be the case on the iMac, if this is the case there is no solution.

Well, actually there is, get a USB audio device like the griffin one, it has both in and outputs but not both at the same time.

Griffin Technology iMic USB Audio Device
Click to expand...
 
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Muscle said:
I did read it. If you re-read my original post I mentioned not wanting a usb option like iMic.

I appreciate your help but there is no need to be rude.
Click to expand...

Not rude, you already started a different thread on this and if you read the rules this is not allowed.

I also said it is NOT possible due to the HW limitations, so there was your answer and that's why I said you didn't read my post, it is just not possible.
 
justperry said:
Not rude, you already started a different thread on this and if you read the rules this is not allowed.

I also said it is NOT possible due to the HW limitations, so there was your answer and that's why I said you didn't read my post, it is just not possible.
Click to expand...

The thread was about screen bleed. The topic itself never pertained to audio issues.

I'm not asking if its possible. I am asking what options we have other than iMic that will hopefully produce better audio quality.
 
Muscle said:
The thread was about screen bleed. The topic itself never pertained to audio issues.

I'm not asking if its possible. I am asking what options we have other than iMic that will hopefully produce better audio quality.
Click to expand...

Airport Express, stream the audio to/via AE to whatever device you want to, example, you want to hear the audio on your AV receiver, the Airport Express has an optical out, so it is even possible to stream Multiple Channel audio.

E=ven an older Airport Express has an Optical Audio port and they aren't that expensive.
 
justperry said:
Airport Express, stream the audio to/via AE to whatever device you want to, example, you want to hear the audio on your AV receiver, the Airport Express has an optical out, so it is even possible to stream Multiple Channel audio.

E=ven an older Airport Express has an Optical Audio port and they aren't that expensive.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually do have an AE, but the airplay lag where video never syncs to sound renders it rather useless for anything but music. I understand theres a 3rd party app Airfoil, but I also game and am skeptic if airfoil will fix the audio lag for gaming as well.

I was hoping some sort of USB DAC would work.
 
Muscle said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I actually do have an AE, but the airplay lag where video never syncs to sound renders it rather useless for anything but music. I understand theres a 3rd party app Airfoil, but I also game and am skeptic if airfoil will fix the audio lag for gaming as well.

I was hoping some sort of USB DAC would work.
Click to expand...

Or break open the iMac and change the connector or pick up the signal.

Or

http://www.overclock.net/t/1063071/looking-for-a-usb-dac-for-under-100-that-works-with-mac-os-x

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/dacs/budget-usb-dac-for-macbook-pro

Or a "USB DAC for mac" search on Google.
 
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