Audio Question

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

I run XPPro/SP2 on a motherboard with integrated audio (Realtek). I have
external speakers plugged into the analog output plug and all works fine. If
I buy a USB headset and plug it in, does that automatically disable the
external speakers? I am starting to use VOIP and would like the convenience
of a headset when using that service but would prefer to have my external
speakers active at other times.

Wayne

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Thanks for the information.

Wayne

"bxf" <bill@topman.net> wrote in message
news:1122459490.949365.322220@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Perhaps someone will provide a more useful reply, but in case no one
> does, consider the following:
>
> When you install your USB headset, your system will see it as an audio
> device. Normally, you have only one audio device (or more accurately,
> its driver) in control (determined by Audio settings in Control Panel).
> The driver/controller of this "preferred" audio device is the one that
> will control the computer's sound output, typically sending it to the
> hardware associated with this controller.
>
> It may be possible for a controller to send the audio output to its own
> device, and also to another device, but that would be a function of
> each particular controller, and is not something that one should
> necessarily assume.
>
> I'll give you one real example, as it occurs on my laptop. I have a
> Creative Audigy 2 cardbus sound card, which I use by plugging my
> headphones into it. When this card is plugged in, it disables the
> laptop's speakers as well as the laptop's normal headphone plug, which,
> when the Creative software is not active, are controlled by an AC'97
> driver. One of the options provided by the Creative software that came
> with this card is whether or not the sound is to be sent to the
> laptop's speakers as well as the cardbus device.
>
> Hope this helps.
>