Dual Input Headphone Adapter

2010-10-20 17:37:04

Hi!

I have a rather odd question. I want to listen to my iPod, while at the same time have the ability to hear my phone ring but since I only have one pair of ears, I cannot do that at the same time. Is there a sort of adapter/connector that allows me to plug in a mobile phone (normal headphone jack output) and iPod and then send both signals to my headphones into my ears? I've been trying to find it, but I have not found anything that fits the bill. Does anybody know what I mean and know whether such a thing exists?

Thanks!

Dual Input Headphone Adapter

Reply #1 – 2010-10-20 18:28:40

I don't think so...  You can buy a Y-adapter* but it's NEVER advisable to connect two outputs together.  The output from one unit creates an improper "load" on the other, and the sound from one or both units might  get "killed" or distorted, and the units might even be damaged!    ...What you need to mix two or more signals together is a MIXER.  But, I assume this needs to be portable, and you don't want to carry around a mixer (even a small one), batteries, and cables... 


* A Y-adapter[/b][/u] is normally used to connect two inputs together, so for example you can connect two pair of headphones or send the signal to headphones and speakers at the same time.  (I'm just showing you what NOT to use, so oiu don't get any bad ideas.  )

Dual Input Headphone Adapter

Reply #2 – 2010-10-20 19:25:24

Rane Corp. has a nice paper on the problems of "Y" adapters (Wye). The paper also has a resistor circuit that could be constructed. Now we don't care much about the ringer part so much of the resistance could be moved to that side of the circuit and the ringer is probably more than loud enough. All the parts are non-critical and available at vendors like Radio Shack.

"Why Not Wye?"  Rane Note
http://www.rane.com/note109.html

Dual Input Headphone Adapter

Reply #3 – 2010-10-21 18:23:33

Thank you for your help, both! I already thought that a sort of Y-adapter would be bad because of impedance etc. Unless there is a really tiny mixer available, I probably am best off just listening to my iPod and hope that my vibration alarm works ;-) Thanks again!

Dual Input Headphone Adapter

Reply #4 – 2010-10-21 18:47:36

...or get an iPhone.



Sorry, just couldn't resist.