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Compact black rectangular USB sound card with silver trim and multiple 3.5 mm jacks

ASUS

ASUS Xonar U5 5.1 USB sound card

SKU CH-8AD2-92QWY MPN Xonar U5

Compact USB sound card delivers 5.1-channel 24-bit 192 kHz audio with 104 dB SNR and coaxial output

  • Audio ChipsetC-Media CM6631A
  • Channels5.1
  • Sample Rate192KHz
  • Digital Audio24-bit
  • SNR104dB
  • Line In1 x 3.5 mm jack (1/8") (Line-in/ Mic-in combo)
  • 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.

Highlights

  • 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

Specifications

BrandASUS
ModelXonar U5
Audio ChipsetC-Media CM6631A
Channels5.1
Sample Rate192KHz
Digital Audio24-bit
SNR104dB
Line In1 x 3.5 mm jack (1/8") (Line-in/ Mic-in combo)
Line Out4 x 3.5 mm jack (1/8") (Headphone out /Front out/Center-Subwoofer out/Rear out)
SPDIF Out1 x Coaxial
MIC In1 x 3.5 mm jack (1/8") (Line-in/ Mic-in combo)
InterfaceUSB
External BoxYes
Operating Systems SupportedWindows 8.1
Windows 8 , 32bit/64bit
Windows 7 , 32bit/64bit
Mac OS X *
* Xonar U5 playback under OS X without any driver needed.
FeaturesTrue 5.1-channel HD (192kHz/24-bit) surround sound from a compact USB-powered device
104dB signal-to-analog ratio (SNR) ensures pure sound
Sonic Studio provides complete control over loads of sound technologies
Perfect Voice technology eliminates noises for clear in-game communications
Independent mic and master-volume controls for instant in-game adjustments
Integrated headphone amplifier provides clear, detailed sound for an immersive audio experience
Dimensions0.98'' x 5.12" x 3.15'' (H x W x D)
Weight1.35
Package ContentsXonar U5 x 1
S/PDIF adapter x 1
USB cable x 1
Driver CD x 1
User manual x 1
Shipping weight1.36 kg
Package size254 × 229 × 76 mm

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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