Device to switch between 2 systems?

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:06 am

I have 2 separate stereo systems [2 amps each with it's own speakers and other music gear], I run my music from my laptop and depending on the music I will use either system [amp] but of course I will have to stop the music to connect the laptop output to whichever amp input I will be switching to. Is there some sort of device which I could use to simply press a button or switch to go from one amp to the next? I guess then the device would need to have both amps connected to it?.

Also, considering the above, I have a Delay and a Reverb which is presently connected to one of the stereo systems, I would like to have these 2 units connected to BOTH systems so no matter which system I switch to, I will have the use of the 2 units, is there a way for me to wire this?

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:18 pm

I would think what you need is to hook into one amp. Purchase a selector switch to hook the different pairs of speakers to this one amp. Then, rather then changing from amp to amp, you select between one pair or the other of your speakers.

In any event you might want to look into a patchbay, you could do all the above...from within.

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:21 pm

Patchbay and a Central station.

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:23 pm

First, I absolutely need to use the 2 amps. I don't understand how the patchbay works and also what "central" station would I need?

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:11 pm

I absolutely have no further idea of what to do Smile

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:59 am

Connecting to a choice of two amp systems is easy. If they are running on domestic signal levels (-10dBV unbalanced on RCA/phono connectors), then hi-fi shops sell multi switches that will work from one-to-many or many-to-one. These come either rotary or push-button. If you are running at professional levels (+4dBu balanced on XLR or TRS), use an SM Pro Audio M-Patch2. You can select the output on push buttons and you also get a passive volume control.

Now, your delay and reverb - how are they connected? If they come in front of the amplifier inputs, then simply route your laptop output into the delay and reverb and use the switching box after the reverb and before the amplifiers. If they are connected somehow differently, e.g. using tape monitor I/O on the amps, then you will need a second switch box.

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:12 am

Ok, got it on the Delay and reverb, that will work [thanks!]. I am not clear on the 2 amps with the patchbay, here's the exact situation. I have a Kenwood Receiver which has 2 regular -4way speakers connected to it which I use for certain types of music and then I have a QSC Power Amp with Nikko Preamp which drives a 5.1 surround sound setup which I use for other types of music and these are the 2 setups I need to keep switching to and from.

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:09 am

Central Station is a product.

It will do most of what you want in its native state.

The patchbay is simply a way to duplicate the output of an item to many different plugs. 1 in to 2 out for example.

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:37 pm

Seems to me like a simple switch box of some sort with 2 AUX inputs is all I would need? Then I could route those 2 AUX inputs to the Receiver's AUX and the Preamp's AUX? Does something like this exist?

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:23 pm

you guys think this will work?

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundaux3.html

Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:26 pm

That looks like it only has 1 output...

Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:36 am

mikehende wrote:

you guys think this will work?

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/soundaux3.html

That's an in-car selector - you're not talking about running this in a vehicle are you?

I would start by looking at RadioShack. Don't forget that any passive unit (just a switch with no electronics) will work as either selecting a single output from one of two sources or sending a single source to one of two outputs.

Try this.

Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:02 am

I don't understand the configuration or wiring of that Radioshack piece, wouldn't I need 2 "outputs" from a box to go into the aux of the Receiver and Preamp? Since the box has 2 "inputs", I don't understand how the wiring would be done, can anyone explain please? I am thinking that I would need the reverse of that box? The laptops OUTPUT would go into a box's Input and then the Box's 2 OUTPUTS would go each into the Receiver and Preamp? This box seems to have the reverse going on with 2 "inputs" instead of 2 outputs?

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:38 am

Boswell wrote:

Don't forget that any passive unit (just a switch with no electronics) will work as either selecting a single output from one of two sources or sending a single source to one of two outputs.

I don't often resort to quoting myself.

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:22 am

Hey Boz -
I see that the box has a power cord -
are you sure this is a passive box? Or is that power cord merely for the pretty lights??

This topic sponsored by: