USB 2.0 External Sound Card 6 Channel 5.1 Surround Adapter Audio S/PDIF for PC -Blue

My use case: I have a KVM to share all of my inputs and outputs between my home desktop computer and my work computer's Thunderbolt dock. Unfortunately my gaming desktop's sound system is a multiple 3.5mm 5.1 setup, which even if the KVM accommodated audio at all (which it doesn't, apart from via DisplayPort), KVMs that do share sound usually have just one 3.5mm jack.This external sound card was the right solution. It has inputs for exactly what I need plus additional possibilities that I don't have but someone else might. On Windows 10 and 11 at least, just plugging it into a USB port immediately makes it into either THE audio output or a selectable option with no driver installation necessary. That was critical because the work computer is completely locked down and won't allow installation of drivers or other software. I just needed to see that this is the default audio device, and from then on, it's all good to go. When I dock the laptop, Windows 11 sees the docking arrangement and automatically reconfigures everything to default to it while on the dock. Both computers see it as the full 5.1 setup that I have and it works exactly that way. Sound quality seems at least as good as the on-board Realtek audio that my desktop computer has, though my 52 year old ears are much less sharp than my 25 year old ears were and I'm less apt to notice subtle sound quality differences, plus my 10 year old mid-level Logitech speaker setup never was audiophile quality. I'd guess if you have higher end speakers and are used to a high quality dedicated add-on sound card, this will probably not be an equivalent. For the rest of us, it works great.The price was very good for what I got, especially considering how few of this kind of device showed up when I was looking. There were lots of them for regular 2 channel sound but were quite scarce for more complex inputs. I've had it for a few months now and it's still working flawlessly. As an alternative to using a second switchbox just for the audio, I enjoy the ability to have this as just another item on the USB that is handled by the KVM and a single KVM button switching everything from one system to the other. I do recommend this if your needs are similar to mine.

I read a lot of comments for this device. It does work as expected, and really well, better than my motherboards spdif because of the 5.1 channel output with dolby digital. Do NOT install the software this comes with from the CD, it is the wrong driver! Also the driver doesn't auto install, it uses some generic driver for USB audio. To get the full potential of this device you must download CM6206 LX driver. I found this driver from Softpedia. The CD comes with the non-LX driver that doesn't work properly. I would have gave this 5 stars if it did. I went to device manager in windows and found the USB sound device under the Sound, video and game controllers. I right clicked it from here then went to properties and then drivers and update drivers. The zip file I got from softpedia I extracted to a folder and this is the folder I have selected for the driver. It should say C-MEDIA ELECTRONICS INC. as the digital signer. Important note is that I didn't run the software installation setup this zip file came with due to potential compatibility issues with windows 11, since the software was made for windows 8. Hope someone finds this helpful!

I wanted a simple USB adapter to drive my vintage 5.1 audio system that had analog inputs. Bought this adapter one year ago, and it didn't last. The problem is a strange pulsating sound that is very low volume. It isn't affected by changing the volume at the computer - or - at the 5.1 audio controller module. I had originally thought that my 5.1 audio system developed the problem, since my headphone connection that bypassed the 5.1 kept working. Fortunately, while watching a video review about Riowois soundbars, a one star reviewer (Joshua) complained as he switched inputs, and EUREKA - his system exhibited the same strange pulsating fluttery noise. Definitely the fault of digital circuitry. (Sound bars use DACs, too )Unfortunately, this particular model is sold under different brand names, that coincidentally go out of business...UPDATE -The culprit turned out to be inductively coupled noise from a nearby WiFi router. The two power cords were entwined. Once the power cord was relocated, all noises ceased.Rating 5 stars.

Does not work with windows 11 properly. I found and downloaded the 1.09 windows 10 driver, and it seemed to install, the app even worked. Problem is that the 5.1 did not ever work properly. I tried swapping all of the channel plugs, changing the configuration in control panel, and the software settings. To no avail. Just do yourself a favor and get a different one if you have a 3.1/5.1/7.1 speaker setup that you want to work properly in windows 11. Also causes tons of micro stuttering when you use the stereo mode in games. This thing is trash.

When it does work, it works well for all the ports included. Line in was the one I utilized most for streaming with a sound mixer, and sound was great going across Facebook Live.Two gripes:1. The use of the old mini-USB was not the best idea. The plug felt loose and finding these on Amazon is simple, sure, but in an emergency, finding these at your local electronics stores isn't easy, if not impossible. Micro-USB would have been a better choice because we all have at least 65 of these damn patch cords in our cars alone! Android users know what I'm speaking of ;)2. Having to disconnect and reconnect once, twice, thrice to get it to recognize was disappointing. Sometimes I got lucky with "first try", but that was only two times in 4 weeks that I've had it. I stream 5 days a week.If you're patient, the inexpensive cost is a go for this one. If you're not, stay away because you'll be throwing this against the wall in 5 minutes.The best of luck for those brave enough to try this.