ASUS Xonar U5 5.1 USB sound card
Compact USB sound card delivers 5.1-channel 24-bit 192 kHz audio with 104 dB SNR and coaxial output
- Interface typeUSB
- Audio chipC-Media CM6631A
- Audio channels5.1
- Sample rate192 kHz
- Digital audio output24-bit
- SNR104 dB
- True 5.1 surround sound from a compact USB-powered device
- 104dB signal-to-analog ratio ensures pure audio quality
- 24-bit 192kHz high-definition playback and recording
- External design with headphone amplifier and S/PDIF output
- Driver-free playback on Mac OS X with Sonic Studio control
Compact USB audio device
The ASUS Xonar U5 is an external sound card that delivers 5.1-channel surround audio over a single USB connection. It targets laptop owners and small-form-factor PC builders who want multi-channel output without opening the case or installing a PCIe card. The unit draws power from the USB bus, so no separate adapter is required. Mac users gain plug-and-play stereo playback on OS X without installing drivers.
Fits via USB and frees expansion slots
Because the device communicates over USB, it needs only a spare Type-A port and works on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) and Mac OS X. Four 3.5 mm analogue outputs handle front, centre-subwoofer, rear and headphone channels, while a combo 3.5 mm jack accepts line-in or microphone signals. A coaxial S/PDIF output adds a digital path for external decoders. The external box layout leaves internal drive bays and motherboard slots untouched.
Steady output with 104 dB SNR
The C-Media CM6631A processor maintains a 104 dB signal-to-noise ratio during extended playback sessions at 24-bit 192 kHz resolution. USB bus power keeps the circuit stable without an external brick, and the bundled Sonic Studio software lets users adjust equalisation, virtual surround and headphone gain on the fly. The aluminium-top chassis helps dissipate heat during long gaming or media marathons.
How it compares
Measured against everything we stock in Internal & USB Sound Cards, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.
- Price $53.99
- Pricier than about 79% of the 185 comparable items (median $29.99).
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Specifications
| Product | |
|---|---|
| Brand name | ASUS |
| Model name | Xonar U5 |
| Audio & video | |
| Audio chip | C-Media CM6631A |
| Audio channels | 5.1 |
| MIC in | 1 × 3.5 mm jack (1/8 in) (Line-in/ Mic-in combo) |
| Ports & slots | |
| Interface type | USB |
| Digital audio output | 24-bit |
| Size & build | |
| Product dimensions | 0.98 in × 5.12 in × 3.15 in (H × W × D) |
| Shipping weight | 1.36 kg |
| Package size | 254 × 229 × 76 mm |
| Compatibility | |
| Supported operating systems | Windows 8.1 Windows 8 , 32bit/64bit Windows 7 , 32bit/64bit Mac OS X * * Xonar U5 playback under OS X without any driver needed. |
| In the box | |
| External box | Yes |
| In the box | Xonar U5 × 1 S/PDIF adapter x 1 USB cable x 1 Driver CD x 1 User manual x 1 |
| More details | |
| Sample rate | 192 kHz |
| SNR | 104 dB |
| Line in | 1 × 3.5 mm jack (1/8 in) (Line-in/ Mic-in combo) |
| Line out | 4 × 3.5 mm jack (1/8 in) (Headphone out /Front out/Center-Subwoofer out/Rear out) |
| SPDIF out | 1 x Coaxial |
Questions about this item
How many 3.5 mm output jacks does the Xonar U5 provide for 5.1 surround?
The Xonar U5 provides four 3.5 mm output jacks for front, centre-subwoofer, rear and headphone connections.
Does the USB-powered Xonar U5 need an external power supply when running all day?
No, the Xonar U5 draws all its power from the USB connection and has no separate power adapter.
Which operating systems are supported without installing extra drivers?
macOS works with the Xonar U5 without any driver installation; Windows 7 and 8.1 require the supplied driver.
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