KVM-like switch for a set of speakers between multiple computers

[Force Flow]

I've seen a unit like this at a computer show a while back, but never knew what they were called. It allows you to use one set of speakers with multiple computers and operates similar to a KVM switch.

In addition, is there any audio equipment that allows a set of speakers to be used without having to switch back and forth between stations? ie - all the workstations are connected to one set of speakers and can all be heard through the speakers at the same time.

[Force Flow]

Has anybody seen a piece of equipment like this before?

[rjfvillarosa]

If I remember correctly you need to be wary of the common earths in a situation like this, I have never seen anything like what you describe, BUT many years ago I had an input selector built for an amplifier when I wanted to use more inputs than what was available. My father built the unit for me using expensive gold contact double pole switching. The reason for the double pole switches he said was for earth loop (humming on the speakers), he said you would not only need to switch the signal but the earth as well, and apparently this applied to multiple speaker set ups as well. I remember when I played the guitar in a band that if we didn't set up the amps in the right way we would get an "earth hum" from the PA system, wether this was feed back or not I dont know but it all depended on which power supply each amp was plugged into. Probably one of the amps had a bad earth and one of us was about to get fried more likely.

[Smidget]

Will Y-splitters not work in your case? I just turn on \ turn off which ever monitors\speakers I am not using at a time, but the signal is continuelly sending to both.

[Spartan]

I ran into a similar situation not long ago. I asked about the sme question here and didn't get an answer so I just bought an Audigy card with some Z-680's and used the different connections to hook them up to two computers. One is running on the optical cable and one is on the RCA. I just use the 680's selector to choose wht output (and thus what computer) I want to listen to.

The guys at Radio Shack said I could build a switch with stuff they had in stock so that might be an option.

-Spartan