USB sound card
Updated: 10/18/2022 by Computer Hope
![USB external sound card adapter with two audio jacks.](/jargon/u/usb-sound-card.png)
Also known as an external sound card and stereo sound adapter, a USB sound card is a USB (universal serial bus) device that gives a computer additional audio jacks. The picture shows an example of a USB sound card with a headphone/speaker jack and microphone jack.
Why would I need a USB sound card?
Below are a few reasons you may need a USB sound card adapter on your desktop or laptop computer.
- The computer doesn't have a speaker or microphone jack.
- Speaker, headphone, or microphone jack is damaged.
- The computer's sound card is not working.
- Need extra sound jacks.
Does a USB sound card need drivers?
No. These external USB sound cards are adapters that change one connection into another and, therefore, don't require drivers.