Does anyone use a USB soundcard

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dixierose

New Member
My company PC has a lousy integrated sound card and I was looking for a better sound card. I am restricted in opening the PC so I was looking at the ASUS Xonar U3. I listen to wav and dss voice files. The company PC sound card makes everything muffled and difficult to hear. I am interested in knowing if external/USB sound cards could really improve the sound quality. I have no problems with volume only quality. Thanks
 
Hey getting a sound card will make a big difference most USB and FireWire cards today do 24bit at 44.1 kHz and up, a big difference from your intergraded soundcard. Also if you plan on doing some recording it will be night and day with the quality. You should take a look at some of maudios stuff or presonus it's affordable and quality stuff both companies make. Good luck.
 
dixierose said:
My company PC has a lousy integrated sound card and I was looking for a better sound card. I am restricted in opening the PC so I was looking at the ASUS Xonar U3. I listen to wav and dss voice files. The company PC sound card makes everything muffled and difficult to hear. I am interested in knowing if external/USB sound cards could really improve the sound quality. I have no problems with volume only quality. Thanks
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Some USB sound cards are OK but would not really match a dedicated pci sound card.
Give it a try since they are cheap.
 
Hmmm, never heard of a firewire card.

Maybe I better do a little more research before I buy anything. I appreciate everyone's coments.
 
The Creative X-Fi HD is a great cheap alternative to an internal soundcard. I have had mine for about 3 months now enjoying it at my work. It's 99 bucks and sounds very decent for what it is. It has a fairly neutral sound and comes with a control panel that allows you to add some THX effects. Here is a review from HARDOCP:
http://hardocp.com/article/2011/09/20/creative_xfi_hd_usb_sound_card_review/

Another alternative that is also portable would be a Fiio E7 (found here) and a Fiio E11 (found here) This combo would allow you take it with you anywhere you go and still enjoy the higher quality.

What are you using for playback? Headphones or speakers?
 
Thanks for your suggestions. I need this for my company PC (desktop Dell Optiplex 380) I have speakers plugged into the PC and headphones plugged into the speakers. This is to easily control volume as the dictators are varied..some are loud, some are soft, so I am constantly turning the volume up and down.

I am not "looking for cheap." I'm willing to pay for a good soundcard, it just has to be external. I am not authorized to open the PC to put in an internal sound card. I am not even sure this PC has a PCI slot as Dell custom built these to my company's specs.

I listen only to voice files (no music). I am just sick and tired of straining to hear the dictator because everything is so muffled. I can play these same voice files on my personal PC and they are very clear - I am just not allowed to use my PC due to HIPAA regulations.

Thanks so much for your help.
 
Ps #2

I was looking for a soundcard that had equalizer software which helps when a doctor has a screechy voice - usually a female - :eek: Then I can tone it down a bit with the equalizer.

When you listen to someone talking in your ears for 8-9 hours a day you need all the help you can get. :D
 
I use Stereo Link, great for hooking up to Home Entertainment System\

220x110stereolink.jpg
 
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not using it actually actually i don't have any idea regarding usb sound cards...I like to see one if ever
 
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