StarTech. com ICUSBAUDIOB USB 2. 0 to External Stereo Audio Adapter - 3. 5mm Headphone & Microphone Jacks - Plug and Play - Black
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This audio adapter provides a straightforward bridge between digital USB audio and analog 3.5mm audio equipment. It features a USB 2.0 Type A male connector on one end, which plugs directly into a host device, and two 3.5mm mini-phone female jacks on the other end: one for audio output (headphones or speakers) and one for audio input (microphone). The adapter supports standard stereo audio channels, ensuring compatibility with most headphones, headsets, microphones, and speakers that use 3.5mm connections.
Internally, it complies with the USB audio device class specification 1.0, which guarantees broad operating system support and plug-and-play functionality across Windows, macOS, Linux, and other platforms that recognize USB audio class devices. This eliminates the need for proprietary drivers in most cases, allowing for immediate recognition and configuration as an audio input/output device upon connection.
Key Product Advantages
The ICUSBAUDIOB adapter addresses common audio connectivity gaps with a reliable, no-fuss design that prioritizes user convenience and broad compatibility. Its plug-and-play nature means you can connect it and start using audio peripherals almost instantly, without wrestling with driver installations or complex settings. This makes it an ideal tool for quickly restoring or adding audio capabilities to devices where internal sound cards have failed or were never present.
Universal Compatibility
Works with computers, laptops, PlayStation 3, and other USB hosts that support USB audio class devices, providing headphone and microphone support across platforms.
- Windows, macOS, Linux OS support
- PlayStation 3 compatible
- No drivers required for most systems
Compact and Portable
Its small footprint and lightweight design make it easy to carry in a laptop bag or pocket, ensuring audio connectivity is always available on the go.
- Palm-sized form factor
- Lightweight at 0.50 oz
- Durable plastic construction
Deployment / Use Cases
This adapter is versatile enough for various professional, educational, and personal scenarios. In office environments, it can provide dedicated audio jacks for VoIP headsets on computers that lack separate microphone and headphone ports, improving call clarity and reducing cable clutter. For home users, it serves as a quick fix for desktop PCs or laptops with malfunctioning built-in audio, allowing continued use of favorite headphones or speakers without hardware repairs.
Gamers and multimedia creators will appreciate its compatibility with PlayStation 3 for headphone and microphone support, enhancing gaming communication. IT support teams can keep these adapters on hand as reliable spares for troubleshooting audio issues or equipping thin-client workstations that omit traditional audio ports. Its plug-and-play design ensures minimal setup time, making it a practical addition to any tech toolkit.
Physical Profile
Encased in a sleek black plastic housing, the adapter measures 2.40 inches in length, 1.10 inches in width, and 0.59 inches in height, with a weight of just 0.50 ounces. This compact, rectangular design is engineered to sit discreetly on a desk or tuck away behind a computer without obstructing other ports or cables. The robust plastic construction ensures durability for daily use, while the matte finish resists fingerprints and blends with most peripherals.
- Width
- 1.10" (27.94 mm)
- Height
- 0.59" (14.99 mm)
- Weight
- 0.50 oz (14.17 g)
- Length
- 2.40" (60.96 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for immediate setup and use.
Highlights
- Adds 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks via USB 2.0
- Plug-and-play operation with no drivers required for most systems
- Compact, palm-sized design for easy portability
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 3
- TAA compliant for government and educational procurement
- RoHS, WEEE, and REACH environmental compliance
- Includes a USB extension cable for flexible placement
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ICUSBAUDIOB |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 2.0 to External Stereo Audio Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Audio Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Adapter Type | Mini-phone/USB |
| Connector Type on First End | USB 2.0 Type A - Male |
| Connector on First End Details | 1 x Type A USB 2.0 USB Male |
| Connector Type on Second End | Mini-phone Audio In - Female,Mini-phone Audio Out - Female |
| Connector on Second End Details | 1 x Mini-phone Audio In Female,1 x Mini-phone Audio Out Female |
| Features | Plug and Play |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Product Material | Plastic |
| Height | 0.59" (14.99 mm) |
| Width | 1.10" (27.94 mm) |
| Length | 2.40" (60.96 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.50 oz (14.17 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 2.0 to External Stereo Audio Adapter 1 x USB extension cable 1 x Installation Guide |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What devices is this USB audio adapter compatible with?
The StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIOB adapter is compatible with any computer, laptop, or device that has a USB 2.0 port and supports the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification. This includes most Windows PCs, Macs, Linux systems, and even gaming consoles like the PlayStation 3. It works as a plug-and-play audio interface, providing headphone and microphone jacks where they are missing or not functioning.
Does this adapter require any software or drivers to work?
In most cases, no additional software or drivers are required. The adapter complies with the USB audio device class specification 1.0, which is natively supported by modern operating systems like Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux. Upon connection, the system should automatically recognize it as an audio input/output device. Some older or specialized systems might need basic audio drivers, but these are typically included with the OS or available online.
Can I use this adapter with a headset that has a single 3.5mm combo jack?
No, this adapter has separate 3.5mm jacks for audio output (headphones) and audio input (microphone). It is designed for headsets or audio peripherals that use two separate connectors—one for sound and one for the microphone. If your headset has a single combo jack that carries both audio and mic signals, you would need a different adapter or splitter to separate the signals for use with this device.
What is the purpose of the included USB extension cable?
The included USB extension cable allows you to position the audio adapter more conveniently on your desk or workspace, rather than being limited by the direct USB port location on your computer. This can help reduce cable strain, improve accessibility for connecting headphones and microphones, and keep the adapter within easy reach without cluttering the immediate area around your computer's ports.
Is this adapter TAA compliant, and why does that matter?
Yes, the ICUSBAUDIOB is TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliant. TAA compliance means the product meets U.S. government procurement requirements, ensuring it is manufactured or substantially transformed in a designated country. This makes it suitable for purchase by federal agencies, schools, and other organizations that must adhere to TAA regulations, providing assurance of quality and origin for institutional buyers.
What warranty does StarTech.com offer with this audio adapter?
StarTech.com backs this USB audio adapter with a 2-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, providing peace of mind and reliable support. If issues arise within the warranty period, you can contact StarTech.com for troubleshooting, repair, or replacement, ensuring long-term value and durability for your investment.
What refresh rate or brightness details are available?
Display-oriented products are best judged through screen, connectivity, and installation specifications. Those facts help buyers confirm visual fit, mounting flexibility, and deployment suitability more clearly than generic summary text.
What input or connectivity options are listed?
Connectivity options include USB 2.0 Type A - Male, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.