Can you output audio through USB?
What is USB?
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard interface for connecting peripherals to computers and other devices. It was first introduced in the mid 1990s to standardize the connection of devices like keyboards, mice, joysticks, printers, external storage, and more. Since then, USB has become the most common interface for computer peripherals.
The USB standard has gone through several revisions. The original USB 1.0 and 1.1 specifications provided speeds up to 12 Mbps. USB 2.0 was introduced in 2000 and offered speeds up to 480 Mbps. The most recent version, USB 3.1, can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps. Each version is backwards compatible with older USB devices.
Some common uses of USB include:
- Connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and game controllers
- Transferring data between devices and computers
- Charging mobile devices like phones and tablets
- Connecting storage devices like flash drives and external hard drives
- Streaming audio and video to speakers, headphones, and displays
- Networking devices and internet connections
USB has become ubiquitous because of its ease-of-use, versatility, and ability to provide power and data over a single standardized connector. Newer USB versions continue to increase speeds and power delivery for new applications.
USB for Audio Output
USB has become a popular way to output audio from computers and mobile devices. Here are some of the advantages of using USB for audio output:
USB supports high-quality digital audio output. USB audio devices can output uncompressed PCM audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, which exceeds CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz). This allows you to play back high-resolution audio files in full quality (1).
USB is convenient and universal. Most computers, mobile devices, and audio gear now have USB ports. This makes it easy to connect USB devices without extra adapters. USB also provides plug-and-play connectivity without driver installation on modern operating systems (2).
USB audio devices are compatible with common audio formats. This includes uncompressed PCM, MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, and more. USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters) will decode these digital audio formats and convert them to analog signals for amplification (1).
USB offers two-way audio transfer. USB audio devices can both input and output audio signals. This allows using a single USB device for recording, playback, and real-time audio processing (3).
USB audio can provide clean power. Unlike 3.5mm analog ports, USB provides power for connected devices. This removes the need for separate power adapters in many cases (2).
In summary, USB is a versatile digital audio standard that provides high-quality, universal connectivity for audio output from computers and mobile devices. Its advantages make USB a convenient option compared to analog outputs.
(1) https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/blog/our-guide-usb-audio-why-should-i-use-it
(2) https://www.amazon.com/USB-Sound-Adapter/s?k=USB+Sound+Adapter
(3) https://us.focusrite.com/categories/audio-interfaces/usb
Setting Up USB Audio
Connecting a USB audio device like a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or audio interface to your computer is easy. Simply plug the device into an available USB port using the included USB cable.
However, you may need to install drivers or software for the USB audio device to function properly. Many devices include custom control software that allows you to adjust settings and routing. Check the device manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers and software.
On Windows, visit the Sound settings to select the USB audio device as the default output device. On Mac, open System Preferences > Sound and choose the USB audio device. This ensures system audio gets routed to the USB device rather than your computer’s built-in audio.
For more detailed setup instructions, refer to the manual included with your USB audio gear. With the proper drivers installed and output device selected, you’ll be able to enjoy pristine audio through your computer’s USB connection.
Sources:
What is USB Audio and how do I configure Windows or Mac computer for USB audio and the DAC ?
USB vs Other Audio Outputs
USB has emerged as a popular audio output alongside traditional 3.5mm and HDMI connections. Here’s how USB compares:
USB vs 3.5mm
The 3.5mm audio jack has been the standard output for headphones and speakers for decades. It uses an analog signal. USB converts digital audio to an analog signal internally before sending it to headphones or speakers.
Pros of 3.5mm:
- Ubiquitous – found on most devices
- Simple plug-and-play connectivity
Pros of USB:
- Capable of higher quality digital audio signal
- Powers headphones and accessories through the connector
Overall, USB capable devices may provide higher quality audio, but 3.5mm remains convenient and compatible with more equipment (source).
USB vs HDMI
HDMI is a digital audio and video interface found on TVs, monitors, and other A/V equipment. It carries multichannel surround sound signals.
Pros of HDMI:
- Higher bandwidth for lossless surround audio
- Single cable for audio and video
Pros of USB:
- More portable and widely compatible
- Powers connected devices
HDMI is better suited for home theater audio, while USB is more flexible for headphones and portable use.
USB Audio Quality
USB audio quality is dependent on two main technical factors – bitrate and sampling rate. Bitrate refers to the amount of data transmitted over USB per second, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). Higher bitrates allow for transmission of more data, resulting in better audio quality. Common bitrates for USB audio include:
- 16 bit/44.1 kHz: Standard CD-quality audio bitrate
- 24 bit/48 kHz: Slightly higher quality than CD
- 24 bit/96 kHz: High resolution audio
- 24 bit/192 kHz: Ultra high resolution audio (1)
Sampling rate refers to how many times per second the audio signal is sampled digitally. Higher sampling rates allow for reproduction of higher frequency sounds. In addition to bitrate, factors like the DAC (digital-to-analog converter), amplifier, and headphone driver quality also impact audio fidelity over USB.
USB audio interfaces and DACs with high-end components can rival traditional analog connections in quality. However, lower quality USB audio products may suffer from artifacts, noise, crosstalk between channels, and other distortions (2). Choosing devices that support high bitrate/sampling USB audio can maximize quality.
USB Audio Applications
USB audio is commonly used for headphones, speakers, and recording interfaces. Some of the key applications and benefits of using USB audio include:
Headphones: USB audio allows you to connect USB headphones directly to your computer without needing a separate audio jack. USB headphones can provide higher quality audio, noise cancellation, and other advanced features.
Speakers: External USB speakers can connect directly to your computer to provide stereo or surround sound. USB speakers allow for higher power delivery compared to traditional 3.5mm audio jacks.
Recording interfaces: Musicians and podcasters use USB audio interfaces to connect microphones, instruments, and other gear to record high quality audio on a computer. USB provides lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to older connections.
Overall, USB audio allows for higher quality digital sound, easier connectivity of audio devices, and advanced features like noise cancellation and surround sound. It’s become the standard for digital audio applications where quality, convenience, and performance matter.
Choosing USB Audio Gear
When selecting USB audio gear, the most important components to evaluate are the digital-to-analog converter (DAC), audio interface, and cables. The DAC converts the digital audio data to an analog signal that can be sent to headphones or speakers. Look for a DAC that supports high sample rates and bit depths for the best audio quality.
For interfaces, focus on the number and type of inputs/outputs needed for your setup. Top brands recommended by Sweetwater include Focusrite, Presonus, and Native Instruments. Make sure the interface has enough headphone outputs if multiple people will be listening. Choose an interface with phantom power for condenser microphones.
USB cables play a role in signal quality too. Opt for cables that are short, high-quality, and fit tightly in the ports. Gold-plated USB cables can help maintain a clean audio signal over longer distances.
USB Audio on Different Devices
USB audio can be used across a wide range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more. However, there are some differences in how USB audio works across operating systems and platforms.
On Windows PCs, USB audio devices like interfaces and headsets generally work seamlessly with no drivers required. According to Focusrite, their USB interfaces offer “plug and play” functionality on Windows. The experience may vary slightly across versions of Windows, with Windows 10 offering the most seamless USB audio support out of the box.
For Macs, many USB devices also work without additional drivers, but some may require extra software installation for full functionality. Brands like Focusrite provide custom software to enable advanced features on Mac OS. iPhones and iPads generally recognize USB audio interfaces automatically as well. On iOS devices, USB audio can be used for monitoring and playback.
On Android smartphones and tablets, USB audio support varies more widely depending on the specific model. Some Android devices will recognize USB audio devices natively, while others require an additional app or OTG (On-The-Go) adapter. The open nature of Android leads to less consistent USB audio support across devices.
When using USB mics, headsets, or interfaces, consult the device documentation to check OS and platform compatibility. Some additional troubleshooting or drivers may be required, especially on less common platforms. But major operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android generally provide plug-and-play support for USB audio output.
Troubleshooting USB Audio
USB audio can sometimes encounter issues that prevent it from functioning properly. Here are some of the most common USB audio problems and potential solutions:
If you don’t hear any audio output, first check that the USB device is properly recognized by your computer. Open Sound Settings and confirm the USB device is listed under Output Devices. If not listed, try reconnecting the USB cable or plugging into a different USB port. Install the latest USB audio drivers from the device manufacturer if needed [1].
No sound could also mean the USB device is set as the default communications rather than default audio device. Go to Sound Settings, select the USB device, and set as Default Device under Output. Also check the device volume is turned up and not muted [2].
If you get distorted, crackling or intermittent audio, try changing the sample rate or bit depth in your audio application settings. Lower buffer sizes in the software can also cause glitches. Adjusting these settings may require some trial and error [3].
Using USB hubs, extenders, and low-quality cables can impact reliability. For best results, plug your USB audio interface directly into a USB port on your computer. Also try updating USB and chipset drivers to latest available versions.
If problems persist, use Device Manager to uninstall the USB device and driver software, reboot your PC, and let Windows automatically reinstall upon detecting the device again. As a last resort, perform a clean reinstall of the audio interface drivers.
Future of USB Audio
The future of USB audio looks bright with the continued development of the USB4 and Thunderbolt standards. USB4 is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, which utilize the USB-C connector and offer even greater bandwidth and capabilities compared to standard USB.
This compatibility with Thunderbolt means USB4 audio interfaces and devices will be able to achieve lower latency, support more channels, and transfer higher resolution audio than current USB 2.0 and 3.x devices. The increased bandwidth allows for audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz resolution to be transferred over USB.
Additionally, USB4 offers bidirectional data transmission thanks to its compatibility with Thunderbolt. This allows for simpler workflows and integration between audio interfaces, microphones, monitors and other gear connected over USB.
Adoption of USB4 is expected to steadily increase as it replaces USB 3.2 and manufacturers release new USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 compliant devices. The increased performance and seamless compatibility between USB4 and Thunderbolt will likely make it the preferred connection type for pro and high-end consumer audio applications in the future. As long as the USB-C connector remains ubiquitous, USB audio has a strong future ahead. [1]