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Quiet audio

M

maz1324

n00b
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
33
I must first state that I don't know a whole lot about audio stuff, so please take it easy on me.

I recently changed my setup so that both my PS3 and computer are hooked up to my monitor. I thought I would just use my computer speakers for audio. Instead of having to constantly plugging/plugging in cables when I switch devices, I decided to use splitter cables.

The audio coming from the PS3 is fine. The problem occurs with my pc's audio. Typically, my speakers are set to <25% volume for a reasonable volume. Now, I have to set it to >60% just to be able to hear it. It is odd, if I have both my PC and PS3 turned on, then my PC returns to normal loudness. I have no clue why this is happening.

Any ideas why this is happening? Any alternative low cost solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Things I have tried:
Ensured that the cables are securely plugged in.
Made sure Windows volume was set to 100%.


Simple diagram of my setup:
 
If it works fine without the adapter and is really quiet with the adapter, I would guess that the inclusion of the PS3 in the computer's audio circuit by connecting it through the splitter is causing the problem. Those splitters electrically connect all THREE plugs.

Again if it works fine without the splitter involved, I would just get a cheap passive switch. This will let you only have one device electrically connected to the speakers at a time instead of running a circuit through the computer + the PS3 + the speakers all at once.
 
Yeah, I agree ashmedal, it sounds like the PS3's sound output is high impedance when turned on, but not when you turn it off. This means that a good chunk of the signal is taking the path of the PS3 when it is turned off, leaving very little signal for your speakers.

I wouldn't recommend using this setup because it's a bad idea to connect multiple outputs together - although the outputs are high impedance, you could still damage them if one outputs a signal too strong for the other. You really should invest in a switch.

Just remember: fan-out is ok, but fan-in is not such a good idea.
 
Thanks ashmedai and defaultluser for the advice. I was not aware that this setup has potential to harm my equipment. Any suggestions on a switch that would meet my needs?
 
If you or someone you know can use a soldering iron...it's ridiculously simple to just make one of these. For two sources, at least.

Free if slightly ghetto solution: Unplug the end of the splitter leading to the one you're not using. It's not as finished-looking as a proper switch, but it's easy to operate if it's in an accessible spot.

This should work, but at the least get the one from the "other sellers" that's a little cheaper. You can probably find the same unit for a little less than that elsewhere if your google-fu is strong.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-P..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BR2QSQ1JW554MVEDYPD

It's a lot easier to find these for RCA, and 3.5mm <--> RCA adapters are ~$0.60 on Monoprice. For example here's one that does four sources.

http://www.phonopreamps.com/tc716pp.html
 
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