DriverGenius External 7.1/5.1USB Sound Card, with 3.5mm MIC and 2.1 SPDIF - Compatible for Windows 11 & Mac (U2AUDIO7-1)

I am a professional video editor and producer. My main editing platform is a high-end Dell PC with a Realtek-based 5.1 sound card. After the last Windows update (I lost track of which version #), the card would no loner operate in 5.1 mode.I actually bought this card to add an optical audio input to my laptop, but just for the heck of it, I connected it to my desktop. It works perfectly in both stereo and 5.1 surround modes. I wish I had discovered this product sooner, since it would have saved me hours and hours of fighting with the drivers for the Realtek device. Now I need another one!Highly recommended.

I’m using this to connect my Bose soundbar (via optical) to my PC. Works good. I recommend installing the driver that is mentioned in the manual then restarting the PC to get everything going.

Pros:Windows 10, Version 10.0.19042, Build 19042, recognizes the device.Cons:Will not perform duplex function. The main purpose was to connect SPDIF to my laptop, so that I can record the material (using dedicated software) i.e. I was not able to hear/monitor the sound from the VTOP headphone connection while I fed a signal (SPDIF input) to the VTOP.- Allegedly supports 44.1 and 48 KHz sampling rates for recording with SPDIF, however, after confirming both sampling rates on the VTOP and setting my recording software to match the same samples, the recorded audio would sound sped up and slightly higher-pitched. I know if the system was set to a sample rate of 48kHz and I used a 44.1 kHz audio file, the system would read the samples faster than it should. The inverse happens if the system sample rate is on the 44.1kHz scale and the audio files are on the 48kHz scale; audio sounds slowed down and slightly lower-pitched. Even after adjusting the VTOP to 48kHz and my recording software to a LOWER sampling rate, the recorded audio would sound sped up and slightly higher-pitched, which makes me wonder if the option to choose between 44.1 or 48kHz on the VTOP is even functioning or is just there for "cosmetic" reasons.After several tests, I gave up. I can overlook the lack of duplex function, thanks to the real-time meters on the recording software but when the recorded material sounds sped up and at a higher pitch, that's the deal breaker. Going to dig up my Windows 7 laptop (internet disabled) and attempt to re-use a name brand sound card, only this time use the SPDIF interface. Fingers crossed.

I have always had internal Pcie PC sound cards, such as the sound blaster, or the sonar card from Asus.Most of these cards are adequate when it comes down to sound quality for every day use, as well as gaming.If you want to listen to loud music full of bass, then you will have to buy an external DAC or amplifier. Internal sound cards are not good enough. You will also need a superb headset. The V moda crossfades, comes to mind.Recently my sound blaster card has been giving me grief. The sound cuts in and out in certain video games, and I cannot find the cause. It could also be the game itself (pubg and the like). Could also be driver related, who knows?I bought this external gadget, and the sound is comparable to a Sound blaster audigy card.Windows sees this as "speakers, USB sound device" It's plug and play. (No drivers needed).The sockets and where to plug in your headset are quite confusing.The green 3.5mm audio plug on your headset has to go into the hole labelled "front". The pink "Mic" has to go into the hole labeled "stereo" on the short side of this box.Both sound and mic do work, but it's a non obvious layout.

With the deadline for supporting Windows 7 looming, I know I either needed to upgrade to Windows 10 (a daunting measure for a 12-year old Dell. I did it anyway, what the heck. The only thing that did not work is the audio (old Sound Blaster audio card that came with computer). This USB audio external card fit the bill. It does come with a driver disk, but none was needed. My computer recognized the device and worked perfectly. I can now use this computer for several more years (until Bill Gates stops support for Windows 10). Life saver.

These do require a separate driver install while I was looking for something that had drivers built into Windows 10. Also, the headphone out and optical out are not treated as separate devices. Cannot mute one without muting the other.

Had a sound card that worked in Windows, but not in Linux. This one works perfectly in both operating systems, just plugged it in and it worked. I'm no audiophile but it sounds great in games, definitely better than my onboard sound and I can't tell the difference from my previous sound card (Asus Strix Soar).

Setup was easy. Worked right out the box. No driver needed. My gaming laptop only came with a stero headphone/mic jacks and the idea of gaming with a headset at home seemed dumb. I figuered I would try this device first before investing in new speakers. I was not disappointed. (Side Note) Windows controls all the levels and there are no real configuration you can do, but this device does come with software for that purpose if you choose to use it.