StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO2D USB Stereo Audio Adapter with SPDIF Digital Audio - External Sound Card for PC or Laptop
External sound card with USB, featuring SPDIF digital audio and stereo mic for laptops or PCs, adding high-quality audio capabilities.
Stores where to buy this product
Sponsored This site contains affiliate links for which we may receive compensation. More information
This product has not been found in any sponsored store recently, please check similar products from our sponsors or review other stores we offer where you may find the product.
Similar products
StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO2D USB Stereo Audio Adapter
The ICUSBAUDIO2D is a compact, high‑performance external sound card that transforms any PC or laptop equipped with a USB 2.0 port into a full‑featured audio workstation. Designed for audiophiles, content creators and professional users alike, this adapter delivers pristine analog and digital audio through its versatile set of outputs while maintaining an ultra‑low profile suitable for both desktop and portable setups.
Key Features at a Glance
- USB 2.0 Powered – No external power supply required; draws power directly from the host USB port.
- 24‑bit/96 kHz Audio Quality – Supports high‑resolution audio for studio recording and playback.
- 5.1 Channel Surround Output – Full surround sound via a single TOSLINK optical connector.
- Integrated Stereo Mic Input – Built‑in mic jack with dedicated gain control.
- Dual 3.5 mm Jacks – One for headphones, one for a stereo microphone.
- LED Status Indicators – Real‑time visual feedback on power and audio activity.
- Cross‑Platform Compatibility – Works seamlessly with Windows (XP to 11), macOS (10.6+), Linux, and various server OSes.
- Compact Form Factor – Only 16 mm tall, 46 mm wide, and 47 mm deep; weighs just 40 g.
- Robust Build – Plastic housing with a durable cable shield of Mylar‑aluminum foil.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Chipset | VIA VT1630A & C‑Media CM6533 |
| Audio Output Channels | 5.1 Surround (optical TOSLINK) |
| Analog Output | Stereo headphones (3.5 mm) |
| Microphone Input | Stereo mic jack (3.5 mm) |
| Digital Audio Output | TOSLINK optical (1 channel) |
| Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio | 91 dB |
| Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 5,000 Mbit/s (USB 2.0 spec) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 60 °C |
| Storage Temperature | 0 °C to 70 °C |
| Humidity Range | 10 %–90 % RH (no condensation) |
| Cable Length | 0.4065 m (1.33 ft) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 16 mm × 46 mm × 47 mm |
| Weight | 40 g (1.41 oz) |
| LED Indicators | Yes – Power & Audio activity |
| Operating System Support | Windows 7/8/10/11, macOS Snow Leopard to Ventura, Linux (kernel ≥3.0), Windows Server 2003/2008 R2/2012/2016/2019 |
| Compliance | FCC Part 15, RoHS |
| Packaging | Black plastic box (173 mm × 143 mm × 32 mm), 50 units per carton |
Why Choose the ICUSBAUDIO2D?
The adapter’s 24‑bit/96 kHz capability ensures that every nuance of your audio is captured and reproduced with fidelity. Whether you’re mixing tracks, watching high‑definition video, or gaming in immersive surround sound, the 5.1 channel output delivers a cinematic experience without the need for an internal sound card upgrade.
The dual 3.5 mm jacks allow simultaneous headphone listening and microphone input, making it ideal for video conferencing, streaming, or recording podcasts. The built‑in mic jack includes gain control, giving you precise audio level management without external equipment.
With its USB 2.0 powered design, the adapter is plug‑and‑play on virtually any modern computer. No drivers are required for basic functionality; however, installing the full driver package unlocks advanced features such as custom equalizer settings and multi‑channel routing.
Installation & Setup Guide
- Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. The device will be recognized automatically.
- If prompted, install the driver package from the included CD or download it from the manufacturer’s website for additional features.
- Connect your headphones to the left‑hand 3.5 mm jack and a microphone (or headset mic) to the right‑hand jack.
- For surround sound, connect an optical cable from the adapter’s TOSLINK port to your AV receiver or soundbar.
- Adjust volume levels via the operating system’s audio mixer or the adapter’s on‑board controls if available.
Applications Across Industries
- Home Entertainment – Transform a laptop into a portable home theater with full surround sound.
- Content Creation – Record high‑resolution audio for podcasts, video production, and music recording.
- Professional Audio Workstations – Provide reliable external audio input/output for studio setups lacking internal sound cards.
- Gaming & Virtual Reality – Deliver immersive audio experiences with low latency and high channel count.
- Corporate Communications – Enhance video conferencing quality with clear microphone input and crisp speaker output.
Design & Build Quality
The adapter’s plastic housing is engineered for durability while keeping the unit lightweight. The cable features a 28/24 AWG wire gauge shielded with Mylar‑aluminum foil, ensuring minimal interference and reliable signal integrity even in electrically noisy environments.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
The ICUSBAUDIO2D meets stringent FCC Part 15 and RoHS standards, guaranteeing safe operation and reduced environmental impact. Its compact size and low power consumption make it an eco‑friendly choice for modern computing setups.
Final Thoughts
The StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO2D USB Stereo Audio Adapter stands out as a versatile, high‑quality audio solution that bridges the gap between basic PC sound and professional audio performance. Its combination of 24‑bit/96 kHz fidelity, full surround support, dual analog inputs, and cross‑platform compatibility makes it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking superior audio experience without the complexity of installing internal hardware.
| This product in Comparor | |
|---|---|
|
Category
This product is cataloged in our store in these categories
|
|
|
International
Find this product in one of our international stores
|
 39.96 EUR   |
| Colors
Predominant colors of the product |
|
| Tags | Sound Card USB Sound Card 7.1 sound card SPDIF Sound Card Digital Sound Card Stereo Sound Card Audio Sound Card External Sound Card Laptop Sound Card PC Sound Card 5.1 Sound Card Converter Sound Card Adapter Sound Card USB Audio Sound Card SPDIF Digital Sound Card External USB Sound Card External SPDIF Sound Card USB Stereo Sound Card Laptop USB Sound Card PC USB Sound Card Digital Audio Sound Card Stereo Mic Sound Card Audio Converter Sound Card USB Adapter Sound Card SPDIF Adapter Sound Card Digital Audio Adapter Sound Card Stereo Mic Adapter Sound Card Stereo Audio Sound Card USB Digital Sound Card Digital External Sound Card Stereo USB Sound Card Audio USB Sound Card |
| Identifiers | |
| Brand | STARTECH.COM Startech.com is a brand that specializes in computer and electronic accessories. They offer a wide range of products, including adapters, cables, storage solutions, and more. |
| Model | STARTECH.COM ICUSBAUDIO2D |
| MPN | STARTECH.COM ICUSBAUDIO2D |
| ID | 1835845 |
| Dimensions / Weight | |
| Key Features | |
|
Audio output channels Indicates the total number of independent audio channels that a product can produce or process, including sub‑channels such as those used in surround sound configurations (e.g., 5.1, 7.2). The value may be an integer or a decimal to represent fractional channel groups.
|
5.1 channels |
|
Chipset El chipset es el conjunto de circuitos integrados que controla la comunicación entre la CPU, la memoria y los dispositivos periféricos en una placa base. Indica la familia de soporte del procesador y las características disponibles, como número de puertos SATA, tipos de ranuras PCIe y compatibilidad con memorias.
|
VIA VT1630A |
|
Depth The linear measurement of an object from front to back or top to bottom, expressed in a physical unit such as millimeters, centimeters, inches, etc. It indicates how deep the item is and can be used for fitting, compatibility, or spatial planning.
|
47 mm |
|
Headphone outputs Represents how many separate headphone output ports a product provides, such as the number of 3.5 mm jacks or other audio connectors available for headphones or earphones.
|
1 |
|
Height The vertical dimension of a product measured from its lowest to highest point. It is expressed in a physical unit such as millimetres, centimetres or inches and applies to any item where height is relevant, including books, electronics, furniture and other objects.
|
16 mm |
|
Host interface List of physical or logical interfaces that allow communication between a host device and other components, such as USB, PCI Express, SATA, M.2, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, or similar standards.
|
USB |
|
Housing material Indica el material o la combinación de materiales con los que está fabricado el componente más importante de un producto, como metal, plástico, vidrio u otros compuestos. Este atributo ayuda a comprender la durabilidad, peso y estética del artículo.
|
Plastic |
|
Internal Indicates whether the product is designed to be installed inside a computer system, such as an internal hard drive, SSD, or network card. A value of "Yes" means it can be mounted within the chassis; "No" indicates it is intended for external use.
|
No |
|
LED indicators A list of the functions or statuses that an LED indicator on a device can display, such as power status, activity, link, and other operational signals.
|
Yes |
|
Linux operating systems supported List of Linux operating systems that the product can run or support, including specific versions and architectures when relevant. Each value represents a distinct Linux distribution or kernel version supported by the hardware or software.
|
Yes |
|
Mac operating systems supported A list of macOS operating system versions that the product supports or is compatible with, such as "macOS 10.15 Catalina", "macOS 11 Big Sur" or newer releases. Each entry represents a distinct OS version that can run on or be supported by the device.
|
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard,Mac OS X 10.7 Lion,Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion |
|
Microphone in Indicates whether the product includes at least one built‑in microphone. A value of "Yes" means that the device has an integrated microphone, while "No" indicates it does not.
|
Yes |
|
Package depth The linear measurement from front to back or top to bottom of a product’s packaging, expressed in a physical unit such as millimeters, centimeters, inches, etc. It indicates how deep the packaged item is and can be used for fitting, compatibility, or spatial planning.
|
143 mm |
|
Package Height The vertical dimension of a product’s packaging measured from its lowest to highest point. It is expressed in a physical unit such as millimetres, centimetres or inches and helps customers assess how tall the package will be when stored or shipped.
|
32 mm |
|
Package width The horizontal measurement of a product’s packaging, expressed in a linear unit such as millimetres or inches. It indicates how wide the package is from one side to the other and helps customers assess fit for storage, shipping, or display.
|
173 mm |
|
Server operating systems supported A list of operating systems that the product can run or support, including specific versions and architectures when relevant. Each value represents a distinct OS that is compatible with the hardware or software.
|
Windows Server 2003,Windows Server 2003 x64,Windows Server 2008 R2 |
|
USB powered Indicates whether the device receives its power supply through a USB connection. A value of "Yes" means the product can be powered directly from a USB port, while "No" indicates it requires an external power source.
|
Yes |
|
Weight The mass of the product expressed in a standard unit such as grams or kilograms. It represents how heavy the item is and can be used for shipping calculations, handling instructions, or consumer information.
|
40 g |
|
Width The horizontal measurement of a product, expressed in a linear unit such as millimetres or inches. It indicates how wide the item is from one side to the other and is used for sizing, fitting, and compatibility purposes.
|
46 mm |
