Vantec USB External 5.1 Audio Adapter

Introduction:

With all the high-end hardware attracting attention nowadays, computer audio doesn't get noticed too much. Indeed, in the age of quad-core processors, 768MB videocard frame buffers and terabyte hard disk drives, soundcards have often taken a backseat. Many people have settled for onboard audio, as for many applications it will suffice.

Surround sound is one area that hasn't been neglected, however. Most speaker manufacturers have offer 5.1-capable systems, but if your soundcard doesn't support 5.1-channel output, you're not using the system to its full effect. In this case, you'll have to settle for the speaker system's built-in effects, which may use an algorithm to create a 5.1 channel source from only a stereo source, or might only mirror the rear channels from the front, or even worse, provide nothing at all for those extra channels.

The situation is worst for laptop users, who often only have stereo sound and no means to upgrade it. This USB External 5.1 Audio Adapter from Vantec is a low-cost solution that aims to provide 5.1 audio outputs in these situations.

Specifications:

The audio adapter is a USB device that operates completely independently from any existing sound cards or devices inside your computer. It receives digital audio from your computer, and provides 5.1-capable output through the use of three mini-stereo jacks. There are also two mini-stereo inputs, one for a microphone and another for a generic line in.

• Full Specifications

Though it's labeled as being compatible with both Windows and Mac OS, you don't get the advertised features with Mac OS usage; with Mac OS you only get stereo output and the volume control buttons on the unit don't work. Thus, in practice it's really only worthwhile for Windows users.

The Vantec 5.1 audio adapter came in the hard-to-open hard plastic display packaging that's both difficult and dangerous to open. You usually need a pair of garden shears and protective eyewear to crack the seal on this packaging, the sharp edges of which are defined as a dangerous weapon in 43 countries. This one's a bit easier though, since there's a strip down the side of softer plastic that can be more easily cut, but you'll probably still want to keep small children away.

Plastic packaging.

It can get sharp.

Contents liberated.

The audio adapter is quite unremarkable in its appearance, though its sleek design and look is in line with other Vantec products. In addition to the unit, you also get a software CD and a small manual. The included software is not necessary, since Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers when you plug in the audio adapter. However the software adds the ability to up-convert stereo streams to 5.1 channels so you can take full advantage of your speaker system. This is useful if you have a stereo source, say a track from your favourite album that you'd like to hear using 5.1 channels.

Audio adapter.

Inputs.

Outputs.

The outputs are arranged on the outside of the adapter, which is circular in shape. It'll look quite messy with all the cables plugged in, but hopefully the adapter won't move around too much with cables tugging at it from all directions. On the top are the volume control buttons and a white part that covers up the red power LED. This LED flashes whenever there is sound being output, so that might be a bit annoying; you'll want to place the adapter out of sight if this is the case.

Controls on top.

Feet on bottom.

Cord length is about 2 ft.

The USB cord length is about 2', so you should room to position it so that it's in reach of your speakers' cables. The volume controls on the unit adjust the system volume within windows, and are not a separate volume control like those on your speakers. Thus, you don't need to have the adapter within easy reach to adjust the volume; you can just use Windows. The rubber feet on the bottom offer a good grip, but with the adapter not being that heavy, this may not help too much.

Power LED beneath white cover.

Unit on.

There's not much to say for installation, other than it's a plug and play device. The software on the CD, "Sound Station", is easy to install and just offers more controls, features and the ability to up-convert stereo sources to 5.1 channels as mentioned before. If you don't need this ability or won't use it, you don't need to install the software.

Testing:

The Vantec 5.1 audio adapter was easy to install. Windows automatically detected and installed the drivers for it as a USB audio device once it was plugged in. The optional software installation was also a breeze, and did not require a reboot. The software provides a decent array of features, but is curiously quite dated, listing a build date of 2003!

In addition to the standard mixer and volume controls, there's also a page for setting the per-channel volume of each of the speakers in a 5.1 setup. Here, you can also enable the "5.1 effect", where the software will up-convert a stereo source into a 5.1 source using an algorithm to create some level of surround effect. There's also a testing page to help you setup your speakers, but since the outputs are clearly labeled, it's not really needed. Since it's a separate device from any other soundcards in your system, all of the volume controls here only affect the Vantec audio adapter, and not your other soundcards.

Software mixer controls

5.1 channel settings.

Output testing.

I tested these with my Logitech Z-5500 5.1 speaker set. The sound quality was roughly equivalent to that of onboard sound, so while you won't get Sound Blaster X-Fi quality from it, the output is decent. Watching 5.1-capable movies was obviously a big step up from watching them with stereo output, and the same goes for games that support surround sound. The 5.1 effect (where stereo output is up-converted to 5.1 output) was alright for simulating a sound field, but wasn't better than similar features provided with other soundcards.

An important point to note is that this adapter is not a 5.1 decoder. That means if you have something like a Dolby Digital stream with a movie, it'll have to be decoded into the separate output channels by software before being sent to the adapter. The adapter merely outputs the 6 channels to the proper jacks. Since most DVD playback software does this, you should not have a problem. This is usually the case with most soundcards.

Conclusion:

The Vantec 5.1 audio adapter isn't for everyone. If you already have a soundcard in your system capable of outputting 5.1 channels, you probably won't need this, which adds another external device to the mix. However, if you have a laptop or other portable system, most of which only have stereo outputs, this adapter will be helpful, especially if you watch movies a lot and would like to take full advantage of your 5.1 speaker system. Watching movies with a full 5.1 channels is far better than listening to them in down-converted stereo mode. This is the audio adapter's intended use, as it quickly and easily adds 5.1 output support to any system, and does it well.

Pros:

• Easy to setup and use

• Adds 5.1 output support

• Two inputs provided: Mic and Line In

• Software provides for up-conversion of stereo sources to 5.1 output

• Volume control buttons on unit to adjust system volume

Cons:

• Light flashes with sound - may be distracting

Thanks to Vantec for making this review possible.

Got News? Send 'em in!