How To Make Bluetooth & Computer Speakers Play Simultaneously
By Robert Jones · 2021-09-15
Ever wanted your proper computer speakers and that handy little Bluetooth box to make some noise together? It's a bit of a faff, but as an old audio dog, I can tell you there are times this trick comes in proper useful for filling a bigger room or adding some grunt.
Right then, listen up. Ever found yourself wanting your proper computer speakers and that handy little Bluetooth box to make some noise *together*? Sounds a bit daft, doesn't it? Like trying to conduct two orchestras with one baton. But trust me, as someone who's had his hands on more speakers than he's had hot dinners, there are definitely times when this little trick comes in proper useful. **Quick Verdict: It's a faff, but sometimes necessary for bigger sound or coverage.** I've been tinkering with audio gear for over twenty years now – started out mucking about in my mate's garage, eventually turned into SpeakersMag.co.uk – and I've bumped into this particular need more often than you'd think. Maybe you're trying to fill a bigger room, say for a small gathering or a workshop. Your standard desktop speakers might be cracking for up close, but they just run out of puff when you're trying to get sound to the far end of the room, or even into the kitchen for a brew. Or perhaps you've got a decent, but perhaps a bit thin, set of Bluetooth speakers, and you reckon pairing them up with your PC's built-in sound could give you a bit more grunt and depth? It's not always about pure fidelity; sometimes it's just about getting the sound *where you want it*. I remember back when I was reviewing some budget soundbars – the kind you pick up for eighty quid, not expecting miracles. I'd often run them alongside my proper desktop monitors, just to see how they blended. It's a proper faff sometimes, fiddling with settings and cables, but if you want that extra bit of coverage or a slightly richer, fuller sound, it can honestly be worth the effort. Think of it as a makeshift distributed audio system without breaking the bank on fancy kit.  *How To Make Bluetooth & Computer Speakers Play Simultaneously — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Would You Even Bother? So, why go through the palaver? Well, the main reasons usually boil down to a few things: * **Filling a Larger Space:** As I said, a small set of desktop speakers just won't cut it for a bigger room. Adding a Bluetooth speaker, perhaps positioned further away, can really spread the sound around. Great for background music during a BBQ or a workshop session. * **Enhancing Weak Bluetooth Speakers:** Some smaller, portable Bluetooth speakers, while convenient, can sound a bit tinny or lack bass. Using them in conjunction with your PC's beefier internal or wired speakers can give them a much-needed boost, adding body and warmth. You get the convenience of Bluetooth with the power of your main setup. * **Testing and Monitoring:** For someone like me, or anyone involved in media creation, sometimes you need to hear your audio across different setups simultaneously. It's a quick way to gauge how a mix sounds through multiple speaker types without constantly switching outputs. * **Making the Most of What You've Got:** Let's be honest, not everyone has a dedicated sound system in every room. This is a clever way to maximise the audio potential of your existing gear without buying new kit. * **Just for the Crack:** Sometimes, you just want to see if you can, don't you? It's part of the fun of being a tinkerer. We've all been there. ### Who it's for: * Anyone wanting to extend sound coverage across a larger room. * Those looking to boost the sound quality of a weaker Bluetooth speaker. * DIY audio enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with their setup. * Folks on a budget who want more sound without buying a whole new system. * Content creators needing to monitor audio across different speaker types. ### Who should skip it: * Anyone prioritising absolute pristine audio fidelity – this can introduce latency and phase issues. * Users who want a simple, 'plug and play' solution without any faffing about in software. * Those with dedicated multi-room audio systems already set up. * People who only ever listen to music through headphones. ## The Nitty-Gritty: Getting Them Jabbering Together Right, let's get down to brass tacks. How do you actually *do* this? It's not always as straightforward as you'd hope, and it depends a fair bit on your computer's operating system, what kind of sound card you're running, and sometimes, the specific Bluetooth speaker you've got. This usually requires a bit of software trickery, a bit like trying to get an old analogue mixer to play nice with a new digital one in a way it wasn't strictly designed for. It's rarely 'plug-and-play' in the truest sense, but with a bit of patience, we can usually get there. ### For Windows Users: The "Stereo Mix" Method (and its headaches) Windows has a built-in feature called "Stereo Mix" or "What U Hear." It's a bit of an old-school relic, really, but it's designed to record whatever sound is coming out of your PC. The clever bit is, you can sometimes use it to *route* that sound to another output. 1. **Check for Stereo Mix:** First off, right-click on the speaker icon in your system tray (bottom right, near the clock). Select "Sound Settings" or "Sounds." Go to the "Recording" tab. If you see "Stereo Mix," you're potentially in luck. Sometimes it's hidden, so right-click in the blank space and tick "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices." If it appears, enable it. 2. **Make it Your Default:** Set "Stereo Mix" as your default recording device. This sounds backwards, I know, but trust me on this one. It's tricking Windows into thinking it's recording the audio, which then allows us to send that "recorded" audio elsewhere. 3. **Listen to this Device:** Now, double-click on "Stereo Mix" (or right-click and select "Properties"). Go to the "Listen" tab. Tick the box that says "Listen to this device." 4. **Choose Your Output:** In the dropdown menu under "Playback through this device," select your Bluetooth speakers. This is where the magic (or the faff, depending on your luck) happens. You're telling Windows to send the audio being "listened to" by Stereo Mix out through your Bluetooth device. 5. **Hit Apply/OK:** Apply the settings and see if it works. You might need to adjust volumes separately on your main speakers and the Bluetooth speaker. **The Snags:** Now, this method is a bit old hat. Modern sound card drivers, especially Realtek ones, often don't include "Stereo Mix" anymore. Manufacturers sometimes disable it or remove it entirely for various reasons, usually relating to security or simply not seeing it as a necessary feature for the average user. If you don't have it, don't despair. We've got other avenues. ### Windows Alternative: Voicemeeter Banana (My Go-To for Tricky Setups) If Stereo Mix is a bust – and it often is these days – then you're going to need a bit of third-party software. My absolute favourite for this kind of audio routing on Windows is **Voicemeeter Banana**. It's a virtual audio mixer, a bit like a digital patch bay for all your sound. It takes a bit of getting used to, it really does, but once you get your head around it, it's incredibly powerful. And it's donationware, so you can try it for free. 1. **Download and Install:** Grab Voicemeeter Banana from their website (VB-Audio). Follow the installation instructions. You'll likely need to restart your computer. 2. **Set Up Your Inputs:** Once installed and restarted, open Voicemeeter Banana. You'll see three "Hardware Input" sections. For your computer's internal speakers or your main wired speakers, you'll usually select your sound card output here. Look for something like "WDM: Realtek High Definition Audio" or similar for your PC speakers. 3. **Set Up Your Outputs:** Now, on the right side, you've got "Hardware Out." You'll want to select two outputs here. "A1" should be your main wired speakers. "A2" should be your Bluetooth speakers. Make sure your Bluetooth speakers are already paired and connected to your PC. 4. **Route the Audio:** This is where the virtual mixer comes into play. You'll see columns for your inputs and rows for your outputs (A1, A2, B1, B2). For your main input (where your PC audio is coming from), you'll want to make sure both "A1" and "A2" are selected. This sends the same audio stream to both your wired speakers and your Bluetooth speakers. 5. **Set Default Playback Device:** Finally, go back to your Windows Sound Settings (right-click speaker icon -> Sounds -> Playback tab) and set "Voicemeeter Input (VB-Audio Voicemeeter VAIO)" as your default playback device. All your computer's sound will now go *into* Voicemeeter, which then routes it out to your chosen speakers. **A Word of Warning:** Voicemeeter Banana can be a bit intimidating at first. There's a bit of a learning curve, and you might need to mess with buffer sizes and sample rates to get rid of any latency or crackling. But for truly flexible audio routing on Windows, it's simply brilliant. I've used it for years for all sorts of daft setups, from streaming with multiple mics to routing game audio into my main mixer. ### For macOS Users: Aggregate Device Magic Mac users have it a bit easier here, I reckon. Apple provides a built-in feature called "Aggregate Device" that does exactly what we want – combines multiple audio devices into one. It's pretty clever, and usually works a treat. 1. **Open Audio MIDI Setup:** Go to "Applications" -> "Utilities" -> "Audio MIDI Setup." This is your Mac's central hub for all things audio. 2. **Create an Aggregate Device:** In the Audio MIDI Setup window, click the "+" button in the bottom-left corner and select "Create Aggregate Device." 3. **Select Your Speakers:** Now, you'll see a list of all your audio inputs and outputs. Tick the boxes next to your computer's built-in speakers (or your connected wired speakers) and your Bluetooth speakers. Make sure "Drift Correction" is checked for the Bluetooth speaker – this helps keep everything in sync and reduces latency. 4. **Set as Default:** Close Audio MIDI Setup. Then, go to "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS) -> "Sound" -> "Output." Select your newly created "Aggregate Device" as your output. You might want to rename it in Audio MIDI Setup to something like "Dual Speaker Output" so it's easier to find. 5. **Adjust Volumes:** You'll likely need to adjust the individual volumes of your speakers either on the speakers themselves or within applications that have their own volume controls. The Mac's main volume slider will control the aggregate output, but the balance between the two might need tweaking. **A Quick Note on Bluetooth and Latency:** Bluetooth audio, by its very nature, introduces a small amount of delay, or latency. When you're trying to play two speakers simultaneously, one wired (practically zero latency) and one Bluetooth (some latency), you might notice a slight echo or a disjointed sound. "Drift Correction" on macOS helps, but it won't eliminate it entirely. It's something to be aware of, especially if you're sensitive to such things. ## Potential Pitfalls and Troubleshooting Tips As I've said, this isn't always a seamless process. You're effectively coaxing your computer to do something it wasn't strictly designed for. So, expect a few bumps in the road. Here are some common issues I've run into and how I usually tackle them. * **Latency/Echo:** This is the big one, especially with Bluetooth. If the sound is noticeably out of sync, try adjusting the buffer sizes in Voicemeeter Banana if you're on Windows. On Mac, ensure "Drift Correction" is enabled. Sometimes, there's no perfect fix, and you just have to live with a slight delay, or accept that this method isn't for critical listening. * **Volume Imbalance:** Your computer speakers and Bluetooth speakers will likely have different maximum volumes and sensitivities. You'll need to balance them manually. Don't be afraid to use the volume controls on the physical speakers themselves, not just the software sliders. * **One Speaker Cuts Out:** This can be down to driver issues, especially on Windows. Make sure all your audio drivers are up to date. Sometimes, the computer just can't handle sending a robust signal to two different types of devices at once. A restart often helps, surprisingly. * **No Sound at All:** Double-check your default playback device in your OS sound settings. Ensure both speakers are actually powered on and connected. In Voicemeeter or Audio MIDI Setup, make sure all the right boxes are ticked for routing. * **Bluetooth Disconnects:** Bluetooth can be a bit temperamental. Keep the speaker within range and ensure there's no interference from other wireless devices. Some cheaper Bluetooth speakers have a habit of going to sleep if they don't receive a continuous signal, which can be annoying. * **Audio Quality Degradation:** Pushing audio through multiple virtual devices or aggregate setups can sometimes introduce a bit of compression or slight quality loss. For casual listening, it's usually fine, but don't expect studio-grade sound. It's a compromise, isn't it? ## Beyond Software: Hardware Solutions (When You're Serious) If the software faff is driving you up the wall, or if you need something a bit more robust and reliable, you can look at hardware solutions. This is where things get a bit more serious, and usually involve spending a few quid. ### The Humble Splitter Cable (For Wired Speakers Only) If you're *only* dealing with two sets of wired speakers (say, your PC speakers and another set of wired speakers), a simple 3.5mm audio splitter cable can do the trick. You plug it into your computer's headphone jack, and it gives you two identical outputs. Dead simple. But it won't work for Bluetooth, obviously. **Pros:** Cheap, easy, no software needed. **Cons:** Only for wired speakers, can degrade signal slightly, can sometimes cause impedance mismatches which lead to lower volume or distortion. ### External USB Audio Interfaces / Mixers This is my preferred route if I need to run multiple outputs reliably. A good external USB audio interface (like a Focusrite Scarlett or a Behringer UMC series) gives you multiple dedicated outputs. You'd plug your main speakers into one output, and then you *could* run a cable from another output to a Bluetooth transmitter (which is another piece of kit you'd need) to send the signal to your Bluetooth speaker. **Pros:** Excellent sound quality, low latency, dedicated controls, very flexible for routing. **Cons:** Can be expensive (£100-£300+), requires more setup, you'd still need a Bluetooth transmitter for the BT speaker. ### Dedicated Multi-Room Audio Systems (The Proper Job) If your goal is truly to fill multiple rooms with synced audio, and you want zero faff and great quality, then you're looking at a proper multi-room audio system. Think Sonos, Bluesound, or even something like an Arylic system. These are designed from the ground up to play nicely together, often wirelessly, with minimal latency and excellent control. They're not cheap, mind, but they are the 'proper job' if you're serious about distributed audio. **Pros:** Superb sound quality, genuinely multi-room, easy to use once set up, wireless sync. **Cons:** Very expensive (£300+ for a basic setup, easily into £1000s), overkill for just two speakers near a PC. ## Comparison of Methods | Method | Cost | Complexity | Latency Issues | Reliability | Best For | | :---------------------- | :-------------- | :-------------- | :------------- | :--------------- | :------------------------------------------- | | **Windows Stereo Mix** | Free | Medium | Possible | Patchy | Old PCs, quick occasional use | | **Voicemeeter Banana** | Free (Donation) | High | Can be managed | Good | Windows users needing flexible routing | | **macOS Aggregate Device**| Free | Medium | Possible | Good | Mac users, generally quite stable | | **Audio Splitter Cable**| £5-£15 | Low | None | Good (for wired) | Two *wired* speakers, very simple setup | | **External USB Interface**| £100-£300+ | Medium-High | Very Low | Excellent | Serious audio tasks, best quality, more control | | **Multi-Room System** | £300-£1000s | Medium (initial)| Very Low | Excellent | Whole-home audio, premium experience | ## FAQ: Your Common Conundrums Answered ### Q: Will playing audio through both speakers damage my computer or speakers? A: Not usually, no. As long as you're not pushing the volume to distortion levels, it's generally safe. The computer is simply sending the audio signal out, whether it's to one device or two. The main risk is perhaps a slightly reduced signal to each device if you're using a passive splitter, but modern active solutions or software routing shouldn't cause damage. ### Q: Why does the sound sometimes echo or sound weird? A: That's almost certainly latency. Bluetooth inherently adds a small delay. Wired speakers don't. So, when they're both playing the same sound, the Bluetooth speaker's sound arrives a fraction of a second later, creating that echo effect. Some software (like macOS's Drift Correction) tries to compensate, but it's not perfect. It's a physical limitation, really. ### Q: Can I use different apps to play through different speakers? A: Yes, absolutely! This is where something like Voicemeeter Banana really shines on Windows. You can set specific applications (like your web browser, a game, and your music player) to output to different virtual inputs in Voicemeeter, and then route those independently. On Mac, some apps allow you to choose their output device directly, or you can use third-party tools like SoundSource for more granular control. But for simultaneous playback of the *same* source, the methods above are your best bet. ### Q: What if my computer doesn't have 'Stereo Mix'? A: Don't sweat it. It's becoming increasingly rare on newer systems and with modern sound card drivers. Your best bet on Windows is to look at third-party virtual audio mixers like Voicemeeter Banana. It's a bit more complex to set up, but it's far more flexible and robust than Stereo Mix ever was. ### Q: My Bluetooth speaker keeps disconnecting. Any ideas? A: Bluetooth can be a bit flaky, can't it? First, check the basics: is the speaker fully charged? Is it close enough to your computer? Are there any strong Wi-Fi signals or other wireless devices (like cordless phones or microwaves) nearby that could be causing interference? Try re-pairing the speaker. Sometimes, a simple computer restart can clear up connection gremlins. Also, make sure your Bluetooth drivers are up to date. ## Final Word: Worth the Faff for the Right Situation Look, I'm not going to pretend this is the simplest thing in the world to set up. It's not. It takes a bit of digging around in settings and maybe installing some new software. It's the kind of thing that makes you scratch your head and utter a few choice words under your breath. But, as an old audio dog, I've found that sometimes, the slightly awkward solutions are the most rewarding. If you're wanting to genuinely fill a larger space, or if you're trying to give a bit of welly to a smaller Bluetooth speaker that's just not quite cutting it on its own, then absolutely, give these methods a go. Especially for us Windows users, Voicemeeter Banana is a bit of a godsend once you get your head around it. Mac users have it a bit smoother with Aggregate Devices, but they still need to consider that Bluetooth latency. It's all about finding the right tool for the job, and sometimes, the right tool is two speakers playing at once. Just don't expect pristine, perfectly synced audio for critical listening. This is about practical coverage and a bit of extra punch, not mastering your next album. Give it a whirl, you might be pleasantly surprised at the results, especially if you're not expecting miracles, just a bit more volume and spread. Good luck, and keep those speakers thumping (together, preferably)!