Can I have two audio outputs at once?
Audio outputs allow you to send audio signals from your computer to external devices like speakers, headphones, or an amplifier. There are a few key reasons why someone might want two audio outputs at once:
Having two outputs allows you to play audio through two sets of speakers or headphones simultaneously. This could be useful for comparing audio mixes, collaborating with others in the same room, or setting up a multi-zone listening environment.
Multiple outputs provide more flexibility for complex audio setups. You can send different audio signals – like music vs game sound effects – to separate outputs. Or you can set up independent control of volume/EQ for each output.
Extra outputs are necessary to achieve surround sound effects like 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. The audio channels get distributed across multiple outputs for playback through an arrangement of speakers placed around the listener.
In summary, the main reasons someone might want two audio outputs are: multi-zone playback, complex routing of audio signals, and surround sound setups.
Using Built-In Audio Jacks
Most computers have a built-in speaker and headphone jack that allow you to play audio from your computer. By default, when headphones are plugged into the headphone jack, the built-in speakers will be muted and all audio plays through the headphones. However, it is possible to have audio play through both the built-in speakers and headphones simultaneously on many computers.
On Windows 10 and 11 computers, you can go to the Sound settings and select the playback device options. Under the Spatial sound tab, enable “Play audio to this device and others simultaneously” for both the speakers and headphones. This will allow both devices to play audio at the same time (https://superuser.com/questions/120602/how-to-get-headphones-and-speakers-working-at-the-same-time).
Additionally, some computers have separate front and rear audio jacks that can function independently for headphones and speakers. You may need to go into the audio or motherboard settings to enable simultaneous output on both jacks. Setting the jacks as separate playback devices in Sound settings can also work (https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/headphone-jack-and-built-in-speakers/2d0b02f3-c53a-465c-93c0-9db1e037c912).
So in summary, using the built-in audio jacks for simultaneous playback involves changing the sound device properties in system settings to enable multiple outputs. This capability exists on many modern computers but may require some tweaking to get both sources playing audio at once.
HDMI Audio
HDMI cables have the ability to carry both video and audio signals from devices that have HDMI outputs, like computers, smartphones, and game consoles, to television sets, speakers, sound bars, or receivers that have HDMI inputs. [1] Thanks to HDMI’s ability to transmit high-quality digital signals, it can deliver multi-channel surround audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. This allows you to get immersive audio from sources like Blu-ray movies or video games when connected to an audio system that can decode those signals.
However, using HDMI audio does not allow simultaneous audio output through the computer’s built-in headphone jack or other analog audio connections. The HDMI audio signal essentially overrides the computer’s onboard audio. Connecting headphones to the computer would result in silence since the audio is being routed through the HDMI output. To achieve simultaneous output, an HDMI audio extractor would be required.
USB Audio Adapters
Adding a USB audio adapter is a convenient way to get extra audio outputs from your computer. These small devices simply plug into an available USB port and provide additional 3.5mm audio jacks.
Most USB audio adapters have two outputs, allowing you to connect headphones and speakers at the same time. Some models have volume controls, microphone inputs, and other handy features. USB audio adapters are powered through the USB port so no external power is required.
The audio from a USB adapter is separate from your computer’s onboard audio. This means you can play different sounds through your computer’s built-in audio jacks vs the USB adapter’s outputs. It also means the USB adapter works even if your onboard audio is disabled or not working properly.
USB audio adapters are inexpensive, portable, and work on any computer with USB ports. They install automatically on most operating systems without needing additional drivers. This makes them a quick and easy way to add extra audio outputs for versatility.
Bluetooth Audio
Many devices can connect via Bluetooth for wireless audio. This article discusses how Multipoint Bluetooth headphones allow connecting to 2 devices simultaneously and switching between audio sources. Samsung Galaxy phones also offer a Dual Audio feature to share media audio with two Bluetooth devices at once, as explained in this Samsung support article. Windows 10 and later versions support connecting multiple Bluetooth audio devices for simultaneous output, as covered in this MakeUseOf guide. With the right hardware and software settings, Bluetooth can enable audio from one source to play through two sets of wireless headphones or speakers at the same time.
HDMI Splitters
One easy way to get audio output from multiple devices simultaneously is to use an HDMI splitter. An HDMI splitter takes a single HDMI input and duplicates the signal to two or more HDMI outputs.
This allows you to connect one HDMI source, like a Blu-ray player or game console, to multiple TVs, monitors, or receivers at the same time. The source will output audio and video to all connected displays and audio devices simultaneously.
HDMI splitters come in many port configurations, with some featuring two outputs while others have up to eight outputs. Just connect your HDMI source to the splitter’s input, then run HDMI cables from each output to your various devices.
One thing to note is that HDMI splitters merely duplicate the original signal. This means each connected display will show the exact same image and audio as the others. You cannot show different content on each display from the same source.
Still, for scenarios like playing the same music across multiple speakers in different rooms, or mirroring one gameplay feed to various TVs, an HDMI splitter can deliver simultaneous audio to many devices from a single source.
Audio Mixers
Audio mixers are devices that allow you to combine audio from multiple sources into a single output. This can be useful if you want to play audio from two or more devices through the same speakers or headphones at the same time.
For example, you could connect the audio output of your computer and your phone to a small mixing board. The mixer would blend the two audio signals together into one combined output that you can then connect to your speakers or headphones. This way you can listen to music from your phone while also hearing notification sounds from your computer without having to switch between audio outputs.
Mixers range from simple passive units that just combine signals, to more advanced powered mixers with features like volume control, EQ, and effects. Passive mixers are cheaper but powered mixers give you more control over the final mixed audio. If you just need to combine a couple devices, a basic passive mixer is probably sufficient.
When shopping for an audio mixer, consider how many inputs you need and what kind of outputs are required to connect to your speakers or headphones. Even small mixers usually have at least two stereo inputs and one stereo output. Larger mixers may have six, eight or more inputs.
Software Solutions
Several software applications exist that can route audio to multiple outputs on Windows 10 and 11. These provide an easy way to send audio from one source to two or more destinations, without extra hardware.
Apps like Voicemeeter Banana and Potato allow you to route any audio source like a music player or game to different outputs, either internal or external audio devices. You can control the volume level for each output separately. Voicemeeter offers a free version with basic functionality and a paid Pro version with more advanced options 1.
Other alternatives like Audio Router and Chevolume also let you choose a specific audio stream like a browser tab and direct it to multiple endpoints at once. This gives flexibility compared to Windows’ built-in audio management. These software solutions work by intercepting the audio stream before it gets sent to a default output.
For broader audio mixing capabilities, apps like Virtual Audio Cable and VB-Audio Voicemeeter provide virtual cables that can connect multiple apps and devices. This allows crafting complex audio setups for streaming, recording, and more. With some configuration, they enable simultaneous output to two or more devices.
Common Issues
When trying to get two audio outputs at once on Windows, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips for the most common problems:
If you don’t see all your audio devices listed in the Sound settings, try updating your audio drivers. Outdated drivers can prevent devices from being detected properly. You can download the latest drivers from your hardware manufacturer’s website.
Audio may only play through one device if it is set as the Default Device in Sound settings. Make sure you have the correct device set as Default based on your needs. You can also configure individual apps to use specific output devices in the app’s settings.
Some apps do not support multiple audio outputs simultaneously. Check if the app has an option to change audio output devices. If not, you may need a third party solution like Voicemeeter or Audio Router to split the audio feed.
Using unsupported splitters and adapters can lead to issues like distorted, noisy, or intermittent sound. Stick to reputable brands and check product reviews before purchasing.
If you hear echos or feedback, make sure to mute or turn down volumes on devices not being actively used for playback. Also check that the correct inputs and outputs are connected.
Consult your motherboard manual or PC manufacturer if built-in audio jacks are not working as expected. There may be specific setup steps required.
As a last resort, you can try fully uninstalling audio drivers and restarting your PC. Upon rebooting, Windows will automatically reinstall the latest supported drivers.
Summary
Getting two audio outputs from a single computer is possible through several different methods. The most straightforward options are using the built-in 3.5mm audio jacks if available, HDMI audio, and USB audio adapters. For wireless streaming, Bluetooth audio devices can connect to multiple outputs. HDMI splitters allow mirroring one audio source to multiple displays. Dedicated audio mixers can mix and split audio signals to speakers and headphones. Finally, software solutions like Voicemeeter on Windows provide advanced audio routing options.
The key methods covered were: using built-in separate headphone and speaker 3.5mm jacks, HDMI audio out to a TV or monitor, adding extra outputs via USB audio adapters, streaming separate audio channels over Bluetooth, splitting HDMI audio to multiple devices, mixing and splitting signals with an audio mixer, and using software like Voicemeeter to route audio. With the right hardware or software tools, getting two audio outputs from one computer is achievable through several different approaches.