Question Why can't I connect two audio sources via a (1 female/2 male) 3.5mm Y-connector to one stereo, assuming only one active source at a time?

[Zed-is-Dead]

This question has come up before but nobody has yet provided an explanation as to why it won't work. Obviously if both sources are broadcasting a signal there would be issues, but assuming one source is shut off, why won't the 3.5 mm y-connector work?

 

[Etrius vanRandr]

why won't the 3.5 mm y-connector work?

It should work fine. I use a Y connector in my office. One goes to my phone and the other goes to my PC.

I don't know why people say it won't work as this type of analogue mixing is used to make songs to this day.