Knowing Splitter and its Role in Determining the Quality
A splitter is a device utilized to separate or split the single jack signals into two paths. They separate the path of the audio coming in and the output sound from the PC. This works both ways for altering two jacks into one jack or one jack to two. While converging or diverging the paths, it is ensured that there is no volume loss; however, at times, low audio quality is experienced. The volume is dependent on the present voltage and as the splitter divides up current and not voltage. This explains why the volume is not affected, but the audio quality is.
Single Jack Headphone Usage Without Splitter
Bluetooth came into existence a long time ago; however, it became part of headsets quite recently. This altered the fundamental dynamics of the headphones and have gained ultimate fame since 2019. However, many people are much more comfortable with wired headphones because of varied reasons. For such people, PCs with a single jack becomes a problem.
They cannot comprehend how and what to use the two jacks while only one jack port is available. This is where the splitter jumps in to split or converge the two jacks’ functionality into one and then connect the headset to the PC.
There is little more to understand the input and output audio processes to better understand how to use single jack headphones without a splitter.
Working of the Input Audio Jack and Output Sound Jack
Unlike the old days, the headsets today have mics and output audio features combined in one headset. However, for the separate functions, the PCs have two different jack ports, allowing a separate pathway for each functionality.
In some of the recent headset additions, you will find three rings which differentiate the golden contacts. Previously, the old ones had only a single ring, which showed that the headphones in mono. The other two rings are for stereo. This explains that the previous headsets did not include the input of the audio feature in them.
Now let’s move to the two jack ports, which are usually in green and pink color. They offer assistance in both the input and output of the audio distinctly. Usually, the colors are fixed, but still, there is some mark or written indication of which jack is for input or output.
Using the single jack headsets
Modern-day PCs
Now that we took a detailed dive into the working of the splitters and the jacks, we will look at the recent and old PCs. Firstly, we will talk about the modern-day PCs that come with ports not specified for any one function. This means that you can plug in any jack in any port. This way, you do not have to get confused between or find the indication stating which port is present for what purpose.
There are also PCs and laptops available which have only one jack in them. This jack offer is working for both functions of the headset. This dual-purpose headset is straightforward and helpful without affecting the quality in any way.
Old-days PCs
There were much fewer options available because of the limited advancement in technology. Therefore, for old PCs, either some tweaking in setting was needed to execute the working of output and audio input. In the case of a single jack, there was no option but to utilize a splitter since they had a jack port specific to one function.
Modifications for Input and Output of Audios
If you have Mac OS:
- Select the present Volume icon, or you may go to the settings and then to the sound setting using the finder.
- Then, go to the sound preferences option.
- From the tabs that appeared in the pop-up window, go to the Input tab.
- Redo the whole process, and you will come across the connected devices or find your device and make it default.
- Once this is done, you can listen or speak freely using your headset.
If you have Windows OS:
- Select the start button at the bottom left of the screen.
- Then, search for the control panel and open it.
- You will then find several settings there; go for the sound among them.
- There will be a pop-up window which different sound options. Select the recording section.
- There, you will find the connected devices. If not, you can search yours and make it default.
- If you still can’t find it, go to the Set Up Microphone icon. The windows will search the inserted device itself.
- Once this is done, you can listen or speak freely using your headset.
Conclusion
It might seem like splitters are the only easy way out with single jack headphones. And it is correct; however, the price for this ease is the compromise on quality. Therefore, going for the replacement of the jack system option is better. It might seem a considerable expense at once but will surely pay you back with its smooth working and easy handling.
Splitters remain the easiest and most pocket-friendly way to connect the single jack headphone to PC without a splitter.