MP 7,1 Audio splitter for headphones jack

[bmoraski]

While listening to music last night on my 2019 Mac Pro I realized I can't plug my headphones in because I'm using the 3.5 jack to feed my powered speakers. Did a little research and came up with this. Seems to have positive reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088686SKJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_6YW19HJ7G5SXJMHE1JSV

Curious what others have done or use to be able to have multiple audio outputs. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[lostless]

I recommend using a usb sound card with volume control. Macs seem to have issues controlling volume on usb external sound devices sometimes. And you can just switch back and forth from the menu bar. They have them on Amazon and arnt very much.
If you need to run both speakers and headphones at the same time, I believe you can set up an aggregate device in the audio and midi app in the utilities folder.

 

[BrianBaughn]

The splitter should work. It may introduce a reduction in loudness or add some noise but that'd be unlikely.

Since you won't have individual loudness controls for the headphones you'll have to unplug them when not in use if you don't want to hear them when the powered speakers are playing (or when they're shut off and you haven't muted the macOS volume).

A lot of USB sound devices have monitor output jacks as well as a headphone jack with a separate loudness control.

My setup is more than most folks need…an Audient ID4 with the monitor outs connected to a passive Mackie Big Knob which is connected to powered monitors. The Audient's headphone jack is connected to a Mackie HM-4 headphone amplifier…where my phones are connected.

If you want to see USB devices tested and reviewed this guy's channel is good:

https://www.youtube.com/@JulianKrause/videos

 

[bmoraski]

The splitter should work. It may introduce a reduction in loudness or add some noise but that'd be unlikely.

Since you won't have individual loudness controls for the headphones you'll have to unplug them when not in use if you don't want to hear them when the powered speakers are playing (or when they're shut off and you haven't muted the macOS volume).

A lot of USB sound devices have monitor output jacks as well as a headphone jack with a separate loudness control.

My setup is more than most folks need…an Audient ID4 with the monitor outs connected to a passive Mackie Big Knob which is connected to powered monitors. The Audient's headphone jack is connected to a Mackie HM-4 headphone amplifier…where my phones are connected.

If you want to see USB devices tested and reviewed this guy's channel is good:

https://www.youtube.com/@JulianKrause/videos

Thank you.

 

[bmoraski]

Headphones will only be plugged in when using late at night for movies or music. For $8 I figured ill try and see. I also ordered 4ft cable so I can have easy access from front of the Mac. My other systems have line outs and headphone jacks so I never even thought about it.

 

[flowrider]

^^^^Or you can use USB:

https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Adapter，USB-Headset，USB-External-Headphone/dp/B0885WGX89/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qy7OwGFvnwMGplPAC7MpuwLmBOpzfyrrGIk3yn9IkCtcd9J3N6IXpvXG_pqZNDqh8JeoOE7VP88Gi1Dak7mtsB7asYdmsXNOSr0dTneLhw9hyckRw0ihofCHIMCTrJimwvBzB_J8-5iATElMsYxBo-n2R_jgmyCEeuAKxTFPg832R4mCVkTmFLY_fGw1z2XC5_yrMS1-BROgYGIPWs-LGITmJiq0CVTjzrpa3rVxILw.3fT2_0mmg7OAX84ItypeqJck6yh8FTgSbZv9awqzC8Y&dib_tag=se&hvadid=570508613416&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030014&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7329545328692308679&hvtargid=kwd-3264711033&hydadcr=19133_13375024&keywords=usb%2Bheadphones%2Bfor%2Bmac&qid=1714761395&sr=8-3&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Headset-Over-Ear-Computer-Headphones-Control/dp/B09B9PCYSS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qy7OwGFvnwMGplPAC7MpuwLmBOpzfyrrGIk3yn9IkCtcd9J3N6IXpvXG_pqZNDqh8JeoOE7VP88Gi1Dak7mtsB7asYdmsXNOSr0dTneLhw9hyckRw0ihofCHIMCTrJimwvBzB_J8-5iATElMsYxBo-n2R_jgmyCEeuAKxTFPg832R4mCVkTmFLY_fGw1z2XC5_yrMS1-BROgYGIPWs-LGITmJiq0CVTjzrpa3rVxILw.3fT2_0mmg7OAX84ItypeqJck6yh8FTgSbZv9awqzC8Y&dib_tag=se&hvadid=570508613416&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9030014&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7329545328692308679&hvtargid=kwd-3264711033&hydadcr=19133_13375024&keywords=usb%2Bheadphones%2Bfor%2Bmac&qid=1714761395&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Lou

 

[bmoraski]

That is pretty cool. Thanks

 

[arw]

The USB-C option I use is Apple's official headphone adapter ($9).
It supports headphones with microphone and controls. And it can also be used with USB-C iPhones and iPads.
For stereo speakers I still prefer the Line-Out of my (2013) Mac Pro but the adapter's DAC has a good reputation.

In other words, excellent transparent performance regardless of price. There is absolutely no reason at all to pay more for a USB DAC, at least when it comes to pure sound quality with headphones. [head-fi.org]

Buy USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

The USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect a standard 3.5 mm audio plug to your USB-C devices. Perfect for headphones or speakers.

www.apple.com

 

[bmoraski]

The splitter worked perfectly. No sound degradation. Have used quite a lot. Im shocked for an $8 investment. Thanks everyone.