Multiple computers 1 speaker set
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Posted on Aug 26, 2007 10:21 pm
AnAmazingTaco
Member Since: Aug 26, 2007
Hello!
I have been searchin the internet for how to do this, and it seems a mixer is my best bet...I would like confirmation of that, and perhaps some information on which to get/choose etc.
Anyway, my issue is that I now have 3 computers, and my ipod, and don't particularly want 4 sets of speakers...THerefore, I guess I would need a mixer dealie that would be capable of taking 3-4 channels of 3.5mm computer output and mix it into a single 3.5mm output to go to my pc speakers (they are a wussy 2.1 50 watt wonders...though I may get 5.1 in the future, if that changes things.)
Not sure if you'd need more info or not...umm...just ask if you need more :)
Thanks! (oh, and I could care less about fancy knobs I know nothing about, really volume is all I need for each channel...and I don't know how the USB mixers work, but that sounds computer like..I know computers, just not sound...)
so yea..what would work well?
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Aug 26, 2007 10:56 pm OK, just to make sure I have it right. You are looking to get 4 different stereo signals into the single set of speaker's. That is plenty doable with a small mixer.
I think something like the Behringer UBB1002 would work out just fine for you . It would allow you to set up 4 separate stereo signals coming in and output through one master stereo output to your speakers. You would need to rig it up with some adapters and such but it can be done for sure.
Aug 26, 2007 11:36 pm Yea, you have the situation about right...
My only thoughts are this: first, I like cheap : ) second, it would be fantastic if such a thing existed as a "pc mixer" that wouldn't need all the adapters...not sure if that is possible or not, but it would be sweet...
Otherwise, yours is about right...
BleakA small pie will soon be eatenMember
Since: Aug 26, 2004
Aug 27, 2007 02:48 am Quote:
second, it would be fantastic if such a thing existed as a "pc mixer"
Well, your in luck!
Your 'main' Pc will act as a media server and will have network access to the others.
You'll need a docking station (with w-fi) for the i-pod if that is to be independent, or you can plug it into any PC and the 'main' pc will be able to play the songs.
I've got this at home and my phone is even on the network! (and PSP).
This is actually the way all homes will end up doing things.
Basically you can have as many devices as you want that will 'output' at one station.
You'll need a wireless router and wireless capable devices but thats cheaps as chips.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Sep 07, 2007 01:36 pm I know I'm following what's going on here but what I don't quite get is how any of these suggestions will drive the sub. Unless of course the sub is just spawned off of one of the speakers. The OP talked about a 2.1 system and then possibly upgrading to 5.1.
For this to work you would probably have to go with the media pc (assuming the pc has a 5.1 soundcard in it). Otherwise there wouldn't be surround sound complete with center channel etc. coming from a stereo signal.
Sep 07, 2007 02:54 pm I like Bleak's suggestion. Just hook all the computers together with a router or similar network device, with the iPod plugged into the "master" machine (the one with the speakers). Share all the hard drives, and you're there.
Any 5.1-encoded sound files played from any of the source "slave" machines should play back in 5.1, if the "master" machine is so equipped.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Sep 08, 2007 09:56 am Ok Mr. Bleak, You got me going again. You will end up sending me to the funny farm. I have PC-A which is SOP God box, e.g. virus protection, spam protection, eieio protection, browser yaka yak. PC-B is connected to the LAN but is the studio computer and beyond the ocasional Windows update does not go on the web. Obviously PC-B has the industrial strength sound interface.
So, I'm listening to a song here on HRC via PC-A. How do I stream it over to PC-B for routing through playback?
Sep 08, 2007 10:10 am Hook up PC-B to the Web. Otherwise, you can just run a cable from line out on PC-A to line in on PC-B.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Sep 08, 2007 11:35 am I'm with you Herb. I'm simply using my mixer with the aux return for PCB-A which is fine. PC-B comes in post Delta1010 via a tape in. Speakers on a Studio port from mixer.
But if I'm hearing right, Bleak is talking about running a stream from PC-A to PC-B and then routing to the Delta1010 for playback via it. That is intriguing to me. I can envision say re-directing the output of a media player to a dedicated port on a lan and monitoring that port at another computer for direction to a specific audio interface. In conjunction with the Studio interface in C4 this would illiminate the need for any physical switching to monitors.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Sep 08, 2007 11:50 am I remember this application (that I saw here I think) that would run audio over TCP... linking pc's together. I thought it was called "worm" something. Anyways, if someone remembers, chime in cause I'd like to check it out again and it may help the op as well.
Sep 08, 2007 06:07 pm I'm not sure if I'm assessing the needs of the situation exactly right, but those units have more bells and whistles and a heftier price tag than what was asked for. If the goal is just the ability to access sound files from other computers, seems that can be done pretty simply without all the studio features.
My 1/50th of a $.
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Sep 08, 2007 06:47 pm I agree Herb, I probably will use what I have, but Bleak has gotton me interested in the whole doing things over IP. I only say this in case you are responding to my inquiries and not Mr. Taco. I appologize Mr. Taco for kinda bending your thread. I agree with WYD, that the central station is pretty nice, but it definately has a heavy price tag for something that would be 'nice' to have.
Sep 08, 2007 06:52 pm No, actually Walt, I was addressing AnAmazingTaco's needs.
Hehee.. I'll bet that's the last time I type that phrase.
Sep 09, 2007 03:16 am yeah i was thinking he needed some kinda 'audio hub' where he can listen to mutiple inputs through one or two sets of speakers...any good multichannel mixer will do just fine aswell.
as for transferring audio from one computer to the other....that's a bit outta my league.
Sep 07, 2007 12:34 pm 
