I don't know what machine you have.

But normally, there is only ONE audio-card, so just one output.

However, they do sell nice $8 USB sound-cards and also USB headphones. That should do what you are wanting.

Yes, then you can switch by clicking the Speaker icon near the clock.

Again, what machine do you have?

You are right, there's only one output, but I know that with "other" Realtek Sound Manager there's an option to have front/rear jacks behave has different streams. There's still only one output at a time, but I have the option to select which one I want to use by using the Speaker icon.

See this image as an example (from the ASUS Realtek HD Audio Manager) . The option is called "Separate all input jacks as indepedent device. So the hardware is able to do it, but it doesn't seem to be exposed with the Alienware Audio Manager.

Yeah, I know what you are talking about.

Well, first ... Realtek makes lots of different "sound cards" or audio-devices with different capabilities.

Second, it would be possible for Dell to add another amp or even a second audio-device for the front jacks. But the fact is, analog audio is Legacy and die-ing a slow death. :Smile:

On the Aurora-R5/R6/R7, the front jacks over-ride the rear jacks. Just like they did on the Aurora R1-R4, and most other desktops (since like ... forever)

If you have a nice pair of analog headphones ... Spend $8 and get one of those USB sound cards I linked to. I use one, and it works great. Who wants to be switching jacks all the time. If not, buy yourself a nice pair of USB-Gaming-Headphones.

They also used to make these little analog switch-boxes ... but then you have more clutter on your desk and you have to press an actual switch. I'd rather just click the mouse. :Smile:

It's an Alienware Aurora R5

Cheers,