STARTECH ICUSBAUDIO7D 7.1 USB sound card
Adds 7.1-channel audio with optical S/PDIF and dual microphone inputs to a computer via USB
- Interface typeUSB
- Part type or numberICUSBAUDIO7D
- Audio chipC-Media - CM6206
- Audio channels7.1
- Sample rate48 kHz
- Digital audio output16-bit
Style Multi Output + Dual Mic
- 4 Pos TRRS + Mic$29.99
- Multi Output + Dual Mic$45.99
- HP + Mic$15.99
- 1 surround sound via 3.5 mm mini-jacks for home-theatre audio
- Optical S/PDIF input and output for digital pass-through
- Dual microphone inputs with full-duplex recording and playback
- Built-in volume control buttons for quick level adjustment
- USB powered external adapter compatible with Windows 10 through 2000
USB 7.1 audio adapter for laptops and desktops
The StarTech ICUSBAUDIO7D adds full 7.1-channel surround sound through a single USB connection. It uses a C-Media CM6206 chipset to deliver 16-bit digital audio at 48 KHz sample rates. The external box provides three 3.5 mm mini-jacks for analogue output plus an optical S/PDIF input and output. Dual microphone inputs and hardware volume buttons complete the feature set for home-theatre or communication use.
Consistent 7.1 playback during extended sessions
The adapter maintains steady 48 KHz or 44.1 KHz sample rates without dropping channels during long movies or gaming sessions. Full-duplex operation keeps recording and playback active simultaneously for voice chat while audio streams. Driver support across Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Server 2008 R2 ensures the same behaviour on older and current operating systems. No thermal throttling or bandwidth contention occurs because the device draws minimal power from the USB bus.
Silent operation with negligible power draw
The compact enclosure has no moving parts, so it produces zero audible noise in normal use. Power consumption stays within standard USB limits, adding no measurable load to a laptop battery or desktop supply. The 1.00 by 3.90 by 2.40 inch footprint fits beside a keyboard or behind a monitor without blocking adjacent ports. Optical S/PDIF pass-through remains active without extra heat or interference.
How it compares
Measured against everything we stock in Internal & USB Sound Cards, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.
- Price $45.99
- Pricier than about 73% of the 185 comparable items (median $29.99).
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Specifications
| Product | |
|---|---|
| Brand name | StarTech.com |
| Model name | ICUSBAUDIO7D |
| Part type or number | ICUSBAUDIO7D |
| Audio & video | |
| Audio chip | C-Media - CM6206 |
| Audio channels | 7.1 |
| MIC in | Yes |
| Ports & slots | |
| Interface type | USB |
| Digital audio output | 16-bit |
| Size & build | |
| Product dimensions | 1 in × 3.9 in × 2.4 in |
| Product weight | 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) |
| Shipping weight | 0.91 kg |
| Package size | 178 × 146 × 32 mm |
| Compatibility | |
| Supported operating systems | Windows 10 (32 / 64), 8 / 8.1 (32 / 64), 7 (32 / 64), Vista (32 / 64), XP (32 / 64), 2000 Windows Server 2008 R2, 2003 (32 / 64) |
| In the box | |
| External box | Yes |
| In the box | 1 x USB to Audio Adapter 1 x USB Cable 1 x Installation CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| More details | |
| Sample rate | 48 kHz |
| SPDIF in | Optical |
Other versions of this model
2 more in the same range
STARTECH ICUSBAUDIO2D USB 2.0 5.1 sound card 96KHz 91dB
- ICUSBAUDIO2D
- VIA VT1630A
Questions about this item
Does the ICUSBAUDIO7D generate noticeable heat or fan noise when running continuously?
The ICUSBAUDIO7D is a compact external USB adapter with no moving parts, so it runs silently and produces negligible heat even during all-day use.
What cables or ports must I already have to connect this 7.1 sound card?
You need a free USB-A port on your computer and 3.5 mm speakers or headphones for the analogue channels; an optical cable is required only if you use the S/PDIF input or output.
Will the ICUSBAUDIO7D work alongside my older PCI sound card that only supports stereo?
Yes, the ICUSBAUDIO7D appears as a separate USB audio device in Windows 2000 through Windows 10, so both cards can coexist and you select the active one in the sound control panel.
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