Question 1

is it works well on Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

I use this device on windows 10.  At times it experiences short bursts of interference, not too bad but noticable.  I am connected to the motherboard's (about 8 year's old) sound output since I don't have a descrete sound card.  I assume that is why there is any interference.

Question 2

Will this let you have dual simultaneous audio streams going? 
I'd like something where I can have games going to desktop speakers from the ports in back, while ALSO having VoIP conversation coming from front ports at the same time.

Accepted Answer

So if youre using Windows, and i assume you are, you can actually do this without a sound card. First, locate the speaker icon on the bottom right hand corner of the start bar. Right click it and select playback devices. now you should see your speakers and headset (More depending on what ports are available on your PC). Right click your speakers and select "default device". Now right click your other output you want to use and select "default communication device". That should be it. No fancy sound card required! Happy gaming!

Question 3

Could you review/critique the performance of the built-in mics with respect to fidelity, range (i.e. how far the device can be from the user) ambient noise cancellation, etc.?

Accepted Answer

I honestly haven't used it for a microphone.   I bought this unit for use with my laptop where the max volume use through headphones was still very hard to hear in a noise environment.   The boosting of this unit for what I needed it for is very good.

Question 4

I have 6 speakers with 6 cables. Where do I connect them all with only 3 ports?

Accepted Answer

The three ports are stereo (2 channel) ports so 2 x 3 =6. If you have RCA cables then use a Headphone to RCA adaptor (you will need 3).

Question 5

Hi, I have a Logitech speaker system and it uses a cable with 3 colors to plug into a soundcard. I'm wondering if this will allow me to hook up my surround sound speakers in the same manner for 5.1 sound?

Accepted Answer

I use both the Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB and a set of Logitech speakers.  However, my speakers have only two cords, one with a green end and one with a black end.  The black is for the woofer and the green for the satellites.  The black plugs in directly in the port farthest from the RCA ports and the green plugs into the included RCA Y-plug, which plugs into the RCA ports.  This was not quite what I was looking for but I did not want to reopen my case (retired server without a sound card and without sound ports on the rear).  It works very well but has un-needed features for me.

Question 6

With Macbook Air (Mid 2013) will this card give true 5.1 through the optical output when I plug into my 5.1 receiver? Will it give me true 5.1 when I use the ouputs on the card itself?  The "dolby live doesn't work with Mac OS" is making me nervous to purchase this.

Accepted Answer

I have used this product to split the surround 5.1 into  6 separate channels. However you have to setup the Audio MIDI Setup utility app on the Mac to accomplish this and work with the application you are using (I've done this with Adobe Audition for example). Another option, the headphone jack of your mac OS will support 5.1 out since its also an optical out. You have to use an optical cable. BUT you also have to have a program that knows to not change the signal into stereo. VLC player has this option. But in preferences you have to change some settings so the 5.1 passes through and is not flattened to stereo (Audio>check "Use S/PDIF when available". At least that is what I remember. This works if you have an optical in to your 5.1 receiver and you DON'T need this Sound Blaster product!

Question 7

I run an internet radio station and sometimes do live broadcast from various live music events. Would the line in be effective for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

I have major problems with line out on Windows 10....let alone line in.

Question 8

This says it provides surround over a single cable. Does that mean that it provides emulated surround over stereo headphones?

Accepted Answer

Sure will. And you can select the speakers you want emulated in your headphones (center, sub, rear) and you can select which speakers you want to act as full range speakers (front and surround). You will be certainly pleased with this one.

Question 9

What cables and other accessories come with this device?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us in regards to your question.

The best way to confirm specs is actually by checking the manufacturer's website (that's where we get them). Click on the Specifications tab on the item page, and look in the Quick Info box on the bottom of the page. You'll find a link to the item on the manufacturer's own site with the most up-to-date details.

Thank you, 
Newegg Support

Question 10

Does this device allow for what you hear sound recording? Thank you

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is very easy to figure it out.  You right click on the speaker icon and right click on recording or playback and set things up there.

Questions & Answers