Really weird workstation request

[T_Minus]

I put together one of my old E3 v2 workstations for my garage computer and have been getting the software on it I'll need, and use. I ran into a snag... no onboard sound! How can I get work done watching Youtube videos in the garage with no sound?! LOL.

Do they make USB "Sound Cards" or am I stuck on PCIE?

Anyone have any suggestions for some <$50 ? I haven't gotten one in years!

 

[T_Minus]

FWIW it will be connecting to a Lapai AMP and Micca speakers leftover from another fun/side project.

Not sure how/if that affects which sound card / outputs matter

It's far from high-end, more opposite end DIY spectrum but hey, it'll work for garage music!

 

[marcoi]

yes they do. i havent used one in a while but you can get em cheap. for example:
Amazon.com: Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and play No drivers Needed. (AU-MMSA): Computers & Accessories

 

[Patrick]

Like this? Amazon.com: AUKEY USB Audio Adapter, Aluminum External Stereo Sound Card with 3.5mm Headphone and Microphone Jacks for Laptops and Desktop Computers: Computers & Accessories

 

[Marsh]

search Ebay USB "Sound Cards" , price range from $5 to $500

 

[Marsh]

Software solution that I am using to stream audio to any Airplay device around the house
TuneBlade | Stream Windows Audio over AirPlay

Another interest pieces of software TuneAero | AirPlay Compatible Audio Receiver
TuneRelay | AirPlay Audio Relay System
http://tunerelay.com/

 

[Aluminum]

Tons of options out there, USB DACs are actually the best way to get sound from computers in most cases IMO. A lot of the audio nerds have given up on internal cards, especially for mainly playback uses.

Some headsets even come with built-in DACs now, I got a hyperx2 in a R6 siege bundle super cheap last year and it is actually really good.

 

[T_Minus]

Thanks guys for all the options! I'm hoping to find one that doesn't have any hiss or background 'electrical' sound... @Aluminum I did the whole $$ amp, dac, headphone, etc... def. not going that route this time but $50 or less, sure

Ordered a couple cheapy USB to try out and we'll see how it works also snagged a cheap internal PCIe to compare to!

 

[TLN]

Yeah, that's called DAC nowadays. Just get simple with RCA out and call it a day.

 

[_alex]

the Sabrent for sub-10 USD works for me in similar setup under debian and also osx without any extra drivers.

 

[T_Minus]

Some were supposed to arrive today but with Amazon dropping UPS my USPS service has been TERRIBLE!!! Amazon "big" boxes are constantly left at the Post Office for me to find time to pickup, ugh.

 

[Klee]

What OS?

If you have a video card with an HDMI connector you can use that for sound with an adapter.

Or pick up a Asus Xonar DSX pci-e card, works perfectly in Ubuntu 16.04 and Windows 10.

It's a little over $50 on newegg but it sounds amazing!!! IT ROCKS!!

ASUS Xonar DSX Audio Card-Newegg.com

EDIT: its under $45 with a rebate.

It's the only sound card that I have found that you can use the headphone under windows and Ubuntu with out having to reconfigure depending on os.

Also Windows 2016 Server if you search for UNi-Xonar driver since the Asus oem driver wont install.

I use the UNi-Xonar driver exclusively under windows because it just works great.