Physical device for switching sources?

July 14, 2022 2:21 PM

I have a few different USB audio devices connected to my computer: a headset, a mixer. Is there a physical device, preferably USB, that lets me switch where audio output is routed by pushing a button? I'd like something extremely simple.
posted by 4midori to Technology (5 answers total)

I don't know if there's a better alternative, but you could get a on/off switchable USB hub like this one and just turn your devices on and off from there. Not foolproof but Windows typically switches output to the new audio device if you plug something in.

In fact you just need one on/off USB switch really -- assuming you have a mixer and headset and want to go back and forth, you could just leave the mixer plugged in and turn on/off the headset. Like replugging it but less annoying.
posted by neckro23 at 2:37 PM on July 14, 2022

I was going to suggest the above; I have a different model of USB hub with buttons, same MFG, which I use for switching between built-in speakers, a USB headset, and a USB professional mic; the latter two are switched off most of the time, so switching on those ports causes the apps to jump over to the new device, in most cases.

Other than that, I use it as a regular powered USB hub.
posted by Sunburnt at 3:34 PM on July 14, 2022

It's not that simple... Powering one on/off simply tells the PC something's connected. You didn't change anything on the PC. Disconnecting something doesn't always mean the PC will "jump" to the next available, and connecting something doesn't mean the PC will jump to that one as the active one.
posted by kschang at 3:49 PM on July 14, 2022

Best answer: I haven't used it (and don't even have a Windows box handy) but apparently there's an app called SoundSwitch that lets you switch what device your audio goes out on using a hotkey, so then you just need a USB button/switch that sends keyboard combinations.
posted by aubilenon at 4:01 PM on July 14, 2022 [2 favorites]

PC panel (Windows only) will do exactly what you want, plus many other related functions like individual app or system wide volume control, input switching, media controls, and more. It also has an easy to use GUI.

If you want to DIY autohotkey could do this too.
posted by soy bean at 4:30 PM on July 14, 2022 [1 favorite]