Audio USB adapters are essentially external computer expansion cards that plug into the computer via USB. The audio card facilitates the input and output of sound signals to and from a computer according to control of computer programs. All the sound is created in software programs within the Computer. The audio USB adapter box only provides for connectivity coming from the computer by means of the usb bus to an external device like a microphone in or line in/out connector. These external USB boxes are more accurately termed audio USB adapter interfaces rather than sound cards.

The USB specification defines a standard interface, the USB audio device class, allowing a single driver to work with the various USB sound devices on the market. Audio USB adapters meeting the USB 2.0 specification have a sufficient amount of data transfer capacity to support a high quality audio operation.

The benefit to users of this type of solution is they do not have to install an internal sound card to get sound from the computer.  All they need is a computer with a USB port.  This allows the user to be able to unplug the audio adapter at any time and remove the sound capability from their computer.  Also they gain easy transportability because they can unplug the adapter from one computer and plug it into another.

Here we will describe a few audio USB adapters for you to consider:

1. C-Media USB External Sound Box ICUSBAUDIO7 from www.startech.com


StarTech.com Virtual 7.1 USB 2.0 Stereo Audio Adapter

This USB to Audio Adapter lets you connect headphones or speakers, and a microphone to your computer without the need to unplug other devices! Compliant with USB 2.0 and USB audio device specification 1.0, this USB to audio adapter couldn’t be any simpler to install. PC 2 x 3.5mm – Female 1 x Audio Line Out 1 x Microphone In Audio Line In 2 1 Year External StarTech.com Virtual 7.1 USB Stereo External Sound Card Operating System(s) Supported: Windows XP Windows 2000 Windows Vista Linux Mac OS X StarTech.com Yes RoHS

2. External Sound Box 0.98″ Height x 2.36″ Width ICUSBAUDIO7D from www.startech.com


7.1 USB Audio Adapter External Sound Card

Turn your computer into a personal digital entertainment system! This USB 5.1 Audio Adapter from Startech enables you to generate Dolby Digital or DTS Surround Sound through your desktop or laptop. Now you can listen to your MP3 and WMA files that are on your PC through your stereo receiver. Get the clarity of an expensive 5.1 sound card with easy to use, cost-effective USB technology. This attractive audio adapter connects your computer to your mini disc recorder, receiver, amplifier, portable stereo, or PC multimedia speakers delivering full 5.1 sound.
In digital playback mode, the USB 5.1 Audio Adapter receives an audio stream from your PC via the USB interface. The box then transmits the audio data according to the S/PDIF consumer interface standards, either 3.5mm analog audio or Toslink digital audio. It supports 48KHz in 2-channel digital/analog audio playback and AC97 Codec for analog playback.

18″ Audio Cable Adapter GC16031 www.griffintechnology.com


Griffin iMic USB Audio Interface Cable Adapter

The original USB audio adapter! iMic lets Mac and PC users add stereo input and output to USB computers even if they lack audio-in or -out ports. iMic allows you to connect microphones and other input devices to your iBook, PowerBook, PowerMac or other Mac or PC systems. All you need is a USB port. iMic supports both mic and line level inputs via a selectable switch, and provides a line-level output for connecting speakers or headphones.

4. GUW101A Wireless USB Audio Adapter


GUW101A Wireless USB Audio Adapter

The Wireless Stereo Audio Adapter enables you to connect an audio system or stereo speakers wirelessly to your desktop or laptop PC*. The Adapter is based on the Wireless USB technology with the integration of 3.5mm TRS stereo connector for home and office use. By eliminating the audio cable, you can now play your favorite music or high definition audio content wirelessly from your computer* through your home entertainment system up to 30-feet away in the same room as your computer.

3.5mm TRS audio connector Works on WiMedia Band Group 1 GUW101A Wireless USB Audio Adapter USB Cable 3.5mm to 3.5mm Cable (3 ft.) 3.5mm to RCA Cable (6 ft.) Power Adapter Manual Installation CD Warranty/Registration Card Wireless Converter IOGEAR’s Wireless VGA Kit (GUW2015VKIT) 1 x Omnidirectional Antenna 3.15″ Height x 1.40″ Width x 3″ Depth 3.10 GHz to 4.80 GHz GUW101A www.iogear.com  1 x USB 1 Year 1 lb Up to 30 ft IOGEAR, Inc GUW101A GUW101A Wireless USB Audio Adapter QPSK DCM IOGEAR Yes RoHS

*Your PC must be enabled with the Wireless USB Adapter (GUWA200) or have Wireless USB built-in.

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This is a good video presenting the benefits of an audio USB adapter. The adapters we have presented above offer many of the same benefits.

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