If you have been using computers for more than a few years it is likely that you have seen plenty of sound cards.  If someone were to ask you about a USB sound card, would you think of a less than ideal dongle with little to no features with entry level sound quality?

Well, that was then and times sure have changed with feature packed external soundcards that are of good quality on the market.  There are even ones out there that will be good with gaming and allowing the user to experience 3D surround sound while wearing headphones to help pinpoint the action.  The Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB soundcard is a shining example of what an external sound card these days should be.

Specifications

• Model: Sound Blaster Omni #70SB156000000
• Channels: 5.1
• Interface: USB

System Requirements

On PC platform

• Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor at 2.2 GHzMicrosoft Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Windows Vista
• 1GB RAM600MB free hard disk space
• 600MB free hard disk space
• CDROM / DVDROM driveUSB 2.0 port
• USB 2.0 port

On Mac Platform

• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz
• Mac OS 10.6 & above1GB RAM
• 1GB RAM
• 600MB free hard disk spaceInternet connection
• Internet connection
• USB 2.0 portFeatures

Features

• USB simplicity and portabilityBuilt-in dual microphones with CrystalVoice technology
• Built-in dual microphones with CrystalVoice technology
• Sound Blaster Omni Control Panel
• Dolby Digital Live600-ohm headphone amplifier
• 600-ohm headphone amplifier
• Scout mode
• Comprehensive connectivity for all your PC and Mac audio needs

The post You Need a USB Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Reviewed appeared first on VR World.

Asus (TPE:2357) is well-known for its Xonar range of DACs, and while most solutions that the vendor offers are aimed at enthusiast users, it is now looking to target a more mainstream audience with the Xonar U3 Plus.

The Xonar U3 Plus is a USB powered DAC that comes with a suite of audio enhancements as well as a 150-ohm headphone amplifier and studio-grade vocal effects. Aimed at delivering an enhanced audio experience for PC and notebook users, the sound card — which is slightly larger in size than a standard USB drive — offers the ability to easily adjust audio quality and settings.

Thanks to a dedicated digital signal processor that provides low latency while recording, users can record using a microphone in real-time. Other vocal-based enhancements include a 10-band equalizer, precision low- and high-frequency filters, and a reverb adjustment filter.

This isn’t the first portable DAC from Asus, as the Taiwanese vendor launched the Xonar U3 with Dolby Home Theater technology in 2011. This time around, there are new features being added to the mix. Asus also mentions that utilities like Stereo Mix allow users to mix vocals with a backing track with ease, while DJ Mix automatically reduces the volume of background audio as soon as a vocal track is detected.

If you’re looking to buy the Xonar U3 Plus to listen to high-fidelity audio, the DAC offers five preset modes: Rock, Rock Pro, Ballad, Ballad Pro, and Special. The price tag has not been announced yet by Asus, but if you’re looking for an easy-to-use solution that delivers great audio on the go, the Xonar U3 Plus should be high on your list.

The post Asus Goes Small With The Xonar U3 Plus DAC appeared first on VR World.