Audio Splitting

[Koldov]

The original set-up in our hall comprised of a computer attached to a set of powered classroom speakers. This was as simple as I thought I could possibly make it... put your PowerPoint on the network drive, sign on to the computer and off you go (alternatively play your YouTube clip). However, teachers wanted to use their laptops for some unknown reason, so a video splitter was installed (I also split the audio input)... So, now they could use a laptop or the computer and I would say most use their laptop now, but there are a few who use the computer that either don't have a laptop, don't want to bring it down to the hall, or use children to select music tracks or videos etc.

 

Now the set-up has recently got a little more complicated due to the addition of a separate amp and speakers (long story).

 

I'm trying to make it 'all things to all people' whilst being as simple as possible and... well, failing...

 

Trying to avoid the 'because it's teachers' trope, but we are a small school with limited technical knowledge and things like using an amp and changing input, or this wire for these speakers, but this wire for these speakers is too much and I'm being called to deal with it in the middle of assemblies or rowdy P.E. lessons where the teacher isn't really listening to me as they have 30 kids running riot up and down the hall... Plus the 'amp & computer' side of things are locked away, so for visitors, or teachers that want 'the old way' can still plug in 1 cable, turn the small speakers on and do their lesson/assembly. Those who want the pumping bass and unnecessary volume can get the key and learn how to use the amp (which I know they won't be bothered to, so it's all good).

 

So, I'm trying to simplify it further and have everything connected all the time. I've used a lot of splitters, but this creates loops and in a way this isn't a major problem as we aren't listening to classical music recitals and the loop actually means that the audio goes to both inputs on the amp, so they don't even need to press any buttons! I'm sure it degrades sound quality (and I haven't heard any interference, but I haven't tried every possible variation of input), although I don't think it's dangerous or anything like that.

 

Anyway, to err on the side of caution (and hopefully improve quality/durability) I've searched for a 'box' that can do all the splitting internally... I've looked at mixers but most are overkill and add a further complication into the mix (also I need everything to be 3.5mm or RCA at a push and most small mixers that I saw don't have enough of those).

 

The only one I found was this (but it doesn't have a single review):

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Channel-Splitter-Isolation-Amplifier-Multimedia/dp/B0B81PXQQH

 

It isn't a 'switching' unit so I may well still have loops and other issues (it also says it is an amp and needs power), but I can't find much else.

 

For those who prefer a visual (or just found my explanation confusing - which it is, to be fair) luckily I am a master at MS Paint...

 

 

 

As you can see the audio from the computer goes both down the blue wire into the amp (INPUT 2), but also goes up the blue wire to the speakers AND down the green wire (from the splitter) to the amp (INPUT 1). This probably happens from the laptop too, but I haven't tested as I can rarely get '5 minutes alone' in there (which may become my song of choice for testing)...

Edited April 19, 2023 by Koldov

[SamanthaD]

You need an AV switcher. (something like an Extron IN1604 (ebay link) would work well). This then means you can have everything connected all the time (just leave a flylead for laptops) and if you can push the budget for a RS232 control panel (Extron MLC 104 for example - here's one on eBay!), everything can be locked away just leaving a keyboard, mouse and screen for the local PC, the control panel to turn the system on/off, choose the required input and change the volume and a flylead to connect the laptop to when in use. This is what we do in all of our teaching spaces and it works a treat. (If you have a control panel it can usually also power the projector etc on, and stops remotes going missing, settings being changed and batteries being stolen!)

[Koldov]

I've left it 'as is' for now (the first picture) and had no complaints so far (although luckily we aren't dealing with audiophiles).

 

But thanks for the suggestions, if I do get any issues in the future, I will definitely look into those.

[Andrew_C]

I think what you are aiming for is a "Distribution Amplifier". I wouldn't necessarily need to "amplify" in your case, but the ability might help balance the respective sensitivities of your amps/speakers.

[robintech]

Have always been looking for something really solid and easy to use like the push button exit, but also the other button would rise up when the first was pushed in as a visual indicator, the buttons would be on top of the box so you couldn't stack it

 

[Koldov]

Yeah, I'd prefer something with big chunky buttons on the top and to visually display (once appropriately labelled) and isolate each source... a bit like a VGA splitter I once found in the back of a cupboard in the school.

 

I also thought of something like in your second picture, but it needs 2 x inputs channels (laptop and PC):

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Channel-Splitter-Isolation-Amplifier-Multimedia/dp/B0B81PXQQH

 

But with no reviews and £30 from China, I decided not to take the punt.