USB Switch for using one speaker set for two PCs

[anjou2]

Can I use a simple USB switch to enable either of two PCs to play through one set of speakers.

 

[fireberd]

What kind of speakers do you have? If they are USB connected (for both power and audio) a USB switch will probably work.

 

[anjou2]

Thanks fb, I'm sure they are USB, will confirm and try out.

 

[chefduane]

I would think a simple A/B USB switch would work just fine as long as the speakers are powered externally.

 

[anjou2]

OK. the speakers (Active 85n) are powered externally but, at the moment, are connected to one of the PCs with a (non-USB) plug which goes into the round green socket at the rear of that PC

 

[fireberd]

If they are the conventional 3.5mm stereo plug type rather than USB then a USB switch would not work.
Maybe with some type of USB to 3.5mm converter then you could switch them with USB.

 

[chefduane]

https://www.alliedelec.com/ftdi-ttl...YVDJg-q84r0HmTC7cDBha76nww5Yr4D8aAjE-EALw_wcB

 

[badcrc]

https://www.alliedelec.com/ftdi-ttl...YVDJg-q84r0HmTC7cDBha76nww5Yr4D8aAjE-EALw_wcB

3.5mm audio jack is analog, usb is digital - conversion is needed to go from one to the other. That device looks like it's just an adapter ie a wire.

 

[chefduane]

From the description on the advertisement sounds like you may be correct. But what device uses a digital 3.5 jack? What am I missing?

TTL232R Converter Cable Provides a USB to TTL Serial Interface with Various End Connectors, Internal EEPROM with User Writeable Area, Entire USB Protocol Handled by the Electronics in the Cable USB

Features:

USB-COM-PLUS Modules Provide a Simple Method of Adapting Legacy Serial Devices (RS232, RS422, RS485) to Modern USB Ports
Available in Single, Dual or Quad Port Options
Single Port Modules Feature a USB 2.0 Full Speed (12 Mb/s) Interface While All Multiport Modules Feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mb/s)
Single Port Modules Feature a USB 2.0 Full Speed (12 Mb/s) Interface While All Multiport Modules Feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mb/s)
Maximum Baud Rates for RS232 Versions Is 1M Baud and for the RS422/485 Version is 3M Baud (Single Channel) and 10M Baud (Multi-Channel)

 

[fireberd]

A 3.5mm (1/8") switch box would be much easier and cheaper than a USB. No conversion is needed.
Here is an example, Two inputs and one output.

Little Bear MC102 High Quality 2 PORT 3.5mm STEREO Switch Box AUX Speaker selector-in Headphone Amplifier from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

[chefduane]

Or... one input and twoout puts. 3.5mm from PC audio out to the switch input 3.5mm, then 3.5mm on both switch outs to the two different sets of speakers. Fireberd is right, no USB conversion required.