Building a Headphone/Speaker Switch Box From Scratch (DIY)
My computer at work didn’t have a 1/4″ headphone jack, so I built simple box that did. It allows me to switch between headphones (1/4″ or 1/8″) or speakers. I also added a volume control for the headphones.
Parts List
- (1x) DPDT Switch (double pole, double throw)
- (3x) 3.5mm Mini Connectors (panel mount)
- (1x) 1/4″ Phono Jack (panel Mount)
- (1x) Stereo Potentiometer (10k, audio taper)
- (1x) Volume Knob
- Project Box
- Wire, solder, tools, etc.
Questions & Feedback
Jan 17, 2019
I was emailed by “dj mike d” for a proper schematic of this design. See below. I wired all three L, R and Ground wires all the way through everything to be consistent. I probably could have tied the grounds together more simply, but I like how clean the lines are this way as it makes it easier for me to understand the flow of electricity through the box.
Feb 12, 2018
I was emailed by “Nathan” about how a simpler version could be wired that only had one headphone out, and didn’t have a volume control. Here’s a quick sketch for that.
Also, if you want the front always on, and only the back switchable. See the following.
random project