StarTech.com
StarTech.com USB Sound Card w/ SPDIF Digital Audio & Stereo Mic
Bottom line: The StarTech.com USB Sound Card w/ SPDIF Digital Audio & Stereo Mic: S/PDIF out with AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through to a receiver; main trade-off: 5.1 surround support is limited to Windows.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ S/PDIF out with AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through to a receiver
- ✓ 96kHz / 24-bit playback over a single USB connection
- ✓ 4-position TRRS jack for single-plug headsets, plus separate 3.5mm ports
- ✓ Hardware volume knob and Bass/Treble boost switch for quick adjustments
- ✓ Tiny 0.6 x 1.8 in body with LED sample-rate indicators
Cons
- ✗ 5.1 surround support is limited to Windows
- ✗ Attached 16-inch USB cable can't be swapped for a longer one
- ✗ EQ is a single Bass/Treble boost switch, not an adjustable equalizer
- ✗ Analog output is stereo; surround depends on an S/PDIF-connected decoder
Manufacturer description
The StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO2D USB sound card adds an S/PDIF digital output and 3.5mm analog audio to any laptop or PC through one USB port. You don't need to open the case or install an internal card. If your onboard audio hisses, or your laptop has no digital output, this compact external sound card goes around the problem. The S/PDIF output supports AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through, so you can send surround soundtracks straight to a home-theater receiver or soundbar for decoding. 5.1 surround is supported on Windows only. Playback runs at up to 96kHz / 24-bit, and LED indicators…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com USB Sound Card w/ SPDIF Digital Audio & Stereo Mic using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. StarTech.com's streaming gear lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the ICUSBAUDIO2D send Dolby Digital and DTS to my AV receiver?
Yes. The S/PDIF digital output supports AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through, so your receiver or soundbar does the surround decoding.
Does 5.1 surround sound work on Mac or Linux?
StarTech.com lists 5.1 surround as supported on Windows only. For macOS or Linux, check the product listing for current compatibility of the stereo and S/PDIF features.
Can I plug in a gaming headset that has one combined 3.5mm plug?
Yes. The card has a 4-position TRRS headset jack for single-plug headsets with a mic. It also has separate 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports for two-plug headsets.
How big is it and how long is the USB cable?
The unit measures 0.6 x 1.8 inches and uses an attached 16-inch USB cable. The cable is not detachable, so you may need a USB extension cable for longer runs.
What audio quality does this USB sound card support?
It supports up to 96kHz / 24-bit audio. LED indicators show the current sample rate, and a hardware knob and Bass/Treble boost switch control output.
Key Features
- SPDIF OUTPUT: This external USB sound card is equipped with SPDIF digital output with AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through support.
- EXTERNAL FEATURES: Use this USB external sound card audio adapter to easily adjust the sound output with its external volume and EQ controls.
- SOUND CARD REPLACEMENT: This USB stereo audio adapter lets you replace an internal sound card on your laptop or PC with a small, compact device.
- MULTI-USE SOUND CARD: This digital audio adapter with SPDIF can be used in a variety of applications, including home-theater surround sound support.
- Add home-theater surround sound support with the integrated digital S/PDIF output
- Replace an internal sound card easily with a compact external USB device
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mac OS X |
| Model Name | USB Stereo Audio Adapter External Sound Card with SPDIF Digital Audio |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | ICUSBAUDIO2D |
| SPDIF OUTPUT | This external USB sound card is equipped with SPDIF digital output with AC3 (Dolby Digital) and DTS pass-through support. |
| Compatibility | PC |
| Built-In Media | USB Stereo Audio Adapter External Sound Card with SPDIF Digital Audio |
| Item Type Name | External Sound Box |
| Mfr Part Number | ICUSBAUDIO2D |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Audio Output Mode | 2.1 |
| EXTERNAL FEATURES | Use this USB external sound card audio adapter to easily adjust the sound output with its external volume and EQ controls. |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Laptop, Mac, Headphone, Speaker, Amplifier |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 96 KHz |
| MULTI-USE SOUND CARD | This digital audio adapter with SPDIF can be used in a variety of applications, including home-theater surround sound support. |
| Warranty Description | 2 Years |
| Full listing title | StarTech.com USB Sound Card w/ SPDIF Digital Audio & Stereo Mic – External Sound Card for Laptop or PC – SPDIF Output (ICUSBAUDIO2D),Black 0.6" x 1.8" |
Ready to buy?
StarTech.com USB Sound Card w/ SPDIF Digital Audio & Stereo Mic – External Sound Card for Laptop or PC – SPDIF Output (ICUSBAUDIO2D),Black 0.6" x 1.8" is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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