headset/speaker switch ???

[n3cron99]

I have been looking for a solution to my need for a toggle switch between my headset and speakers.I mostly use my headset but when the wife is gone I like to use the speakers and it is a pita to swap cables. In my searching I have found 2, but they are bulky, ugly , external units.

Are there any solutions that would mount in my case, preferably on the front? and if not could one be made, keeping in mind i have very little experience in electrical work other than extending the wires for my hand controls to fit the ape hangers I put on my bike.

[x88x]

There's a couple ways you could do this; one option, a lot of speakers have headphone jacks on them that turn off the speakers when the headphones are plugged in. Similarly, most front-panel audio jacks will turn off output to the speakers when headphones are plugged in. If you don't have front-panel audio jacks, your best course of action might be to get a header to make one, and mod it into your case somewhere.

[Zephik]

Why not just buy a new headset? There are quite a few if not most that have a built-in switch in the cable line.

These are the ones I have and I love them. A bit pricey though. But then again, when I bought them they were $70. They even come with a hard cover travel case and USB adapter. The headset itself folds in every single direction imaginable too. So for example, if you aren't using the headset, you can fold the mic back so it'll be out of your way.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104024

There are plenty of other options as well.

[n3cron99]

Oh I have jacks in the front but I have all my peripheral cords routed on the underside of my desktop so not to have any showing on the desk or getting kicked hanging under it.

I haven't seen the headsets with the built in switch that's something I might look into although the headset I have now is quite nice and less than a year old.

[x88x]

How's your desk set up? What I do is have my headphones disconnected, rolled up, and put off to the side when I'm not using them, so the cable never really gets in the way.

[n3cron99]

the issue I have is my box sits on the right side of my desk but the headset has the wire coming out of the left side which is why it is routed on the underside of the desk. I was hoping there was an easy way to just hit a button and switch. Speakers are pulled out right now so I can shorten the wires but here is my set up
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9440/deskeh.th.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/deskeh.jpg/)

[x88x]

Hmm, idk, personally I would just leave the headset hanging behind the monitor, with the cable running around behind the case, and up to the front, and then have something for it to hang on so it. That way you could just reach over, plug them in, and grab them from behind the monitor (with the cable coming across the desk to the left of the monitor) when you need them. Alternately, you could use make your own switch, using something like this (http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/NKK-Switch/M2022SS1W01-RO/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMskNF4sUrkzYtko%252bW27Jf1C).

[Luke122]

My understanding is that AC97 front panel audio allows the automatic switching of headphones to speakers, when headphones are unplugged from the front. (and automatically disables the rear jacks, ie speaker outputs, when headphones are plugged into the front panel)

HDAudio means that you can run speakers AND front panel headphones at the same time. You would simply power off the speakers when you are using the headphones. If you are using powered speakers, (and I'm assuming you are using HDAudio for your from panel jacks) just turn them off, and the headphones will continue to work. Just power on the speakers when you want to use them.

No external devices necessary, no spending at all. :)

[n3cron99]

Thanks guys I definitely have some food for thought. Case is about 4 years old so don't know if the audio jacks are HD or not( Cooler Master AMMO 533). Going to be putting a new rig together in the next couple of months, baby is due some time after the first of the year so need to get it together soon( last of the big purchases for a while). Ill keep all of the above in mind while building my new system.

[Luke122]

If you are using the motherboards onboard sound, check your bios to see if AC97 or HDAudio is enabled.