What type of device could be used to manage different audio sources effectively?

An audio switcher is specifically designed to manage multiple audio sources effectively. This device allows users to select from various input sources and route the audio signals to a chosen output, simplifying the process of switching between different audio feeds. For example, in a conference room setting, an audio switcher enables the user to toggle between a microphone, a computer, and a presentation system without the need to physically disconnect and reconnect cables.

In contrast, a splitter would merely divide a single audio source into multiple outputs without any control over which source is active at a given time. A basic audio cable simply serves as a physical connector for transmitting audio signals and lacks any functionality for management or selection of sources. A loudspeaker is an output device that amplifies audio signals but does not manage sources in any way. The switcher's capability to dynamically route audio inputs makes it the ideal choice for managing different audio sources effectively.