How to get speakers and headphones to both play? - Tech Support Forums

audionewb · October 2nd, 2008, 02:01 PM

I recently acquired another set of speakers to complement the ones I already had. I have a laptop running xp sp3 with two audio out jacks, one for headphones and one for speakers. I have been trying to find a way to get the headphone out (which actually has speakers plugged into it) to play at the same time as I have the speaker jack playing. I have the SigmaTel C-Major audio driver. Not sure what my sound card is (or how to check).

I have been trying to find somewhere else where someone has done this but all the threads I find are about getting headphones and laptop speakers to not play at the same time. So I would really appreciate any advice.

**RobRich** · October 2nd, 2008, 02:32 PM

Sure you don't actually have one output jack and one input jack, which is the typical arrangement for notebooks?

If so, you just need to a get 1/8" stereo splitter. Costs only a few dollars at many mainstream electronics retailer. If you want something more elaborate, you might even consider a headphone amp/dsp with multiple outputs.

audionewb · October 2nd, 2008, 05:08 PM

I'm sure I have two output jacks. I have a total of three jacks one input and two output. They have symbols over them (microphone, headphone, speaker). I know I could get an audio splitter but getting to a radio shack or similar store isn't that easy from where I live and I thought there should be a simple software solution since I have the two out jacks.

outlaw2001it · October 2nd, 2008, 06:34 PM

What's the make/model of your notebook?

audionewb · October 2nd, 2008, 07:16 PM

I have a Gateway M675. Here is the gateway website on the model.

Thanks to both of you for your interest in this.

audionewb · October 2nd, 2008, 07:22 PM

After looking up the gateway wobsite I found this with a couple of clicks, solved all my issues. Thanks guys.

**RobRich** · October 2nd, 2008, 07:27 PM

Is there some type of sound control application installed alongside the sound driver package?

If so, some offer the ability to configure ports for specific features, such as changing between input and output configuration. If not a standalone application, it could instead be a control panel applet.

If no control app is available, IDT acquired the SigmaTel audio device line in 2006, so I doubt there much in the way of updated driver support for your sound chipset.

**RobRich** · October 2nd, 2008, 07:28 PM

Seems you found the solution while I was replying: Speaker Wizard.