What is the name of this audio thingy... component? Stuff?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m looking for an audio… thingy. A component? I don’t know how to call it. I’m going to give a description of my scenario, and hope you guys can tell me how it’s called.

Here goes. It’s a bit complex. I have a couple of game consoles, and a handful of computers. Some of these devices have a VGA connection and 3.5mm audio jack - the one used for earphones. The others have an HDMI connection.

I use a monitor with speakers, and HDMI and VGA inputs. Sometimes I want the audio to go to an external speaker, sometimes - quite often, actually - to a pair of earphones. That’s easy, they all have 3.5mm jacks and can plug them in the audio outs of the monitor (for the HDMI devices) or of my devices.

What I can’t do is controlling the volume. Ideally, I’d like some… device sitting in the middle, that lets me regulate the audio volume. Something cheap - that’s important. Ideally, something with two output sockets, so that I can plug both earphones and speaker, and flip a switch as needed.

So, what am I looking for? Can I find one for a relatively cheap price? Did you guys buy something similar that you’re happy with, and that you could recommend to me?

2

You want an audio splitter cable. A quick search didn’t turn up any with a volume control, but I expect there’s something out there.

3

Definitely not. I have a splitter. It’s the volume control that I need the most.

4

How about an extension cable with a volume control? Search for headphone/speaker attenuator.

5

Not sure what your definition of cheap is, but the Schiit Sys is $50. It uses RCA jacks, you’d need 3.5>RCA adapters.

6

$6.99
EDIT: Or for $7.89 you can even get a legit brand name: https://www.amazon.com/Koss-155954-VC20-Volume-Control/dp/B00001P4XH/

7

Now that’s inexpensive!

I’m not a headphone user, stuff like that is outside my zone.

8

Is this in the ballpark of what you’re seeking?

Audio Speaker / Headset Switching Hub

9

Audio mixer?

10

Ideally, yes, but I can’t find it on Amazon UK - which is where I live. The audio mixer suggested by jnglmassiv is another interesting gadget, but its inputs are mono. I suppose I could solve that by buying the right adaptors, but the cheapest solution for me is probably to get something like the cables suggested by troub.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

11

I was about to post the top link, as that’s what I’m currently using.

I previously used the bottom link, but despite being a “legit brand name” it’s not a particularly good brand IMO, and this exact product literally fell apart on me (the plug just came right off, for no reason) in just a few months.

A note on the one in the top link, they do require a bit of force to plug something into, especially at first, more than you might expect. I thought mine was defective, but actually, the device just hadn’t been plugged in all the way.

12

Yup, reviews on the Amazon UK page for the same products appear to agree with you. I’ll go for the cheapest, no brand option unless I manage to find a gadget with a volume control similar to those suggested by the other guys at a decent price.