i will buy a usb or pci card, but i need to know what models work with leopard ???

The wiki is down right now... But normally, I would tell you to check the Hardware Compatibility Lists at:
http://wiki.osx86project.org/

In the meantime, use this thread as a starting point:
http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=85762

Same here. Except my server only has once USB1.1 port, so I need PCI. Only ones I've heard of working without a hitch so far have been RME Hammerfall cards. Nice quality but more than I was going to spend.

USB 5.1 working in OS X:

• Soundblaster Live! 24-Bit External (SB0490) - 4 stars, 97 User
• Zalman ZM-RSSC External USB 5.1 Sound Card
• CN-126 USB to Audio 5.1 Adapter
• SWEEX External Sound Card 5.1 with Digital InOut USB 2.0 (SC004)
• Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro 5.1 USB
• Digitus 5.1 USB (DA-70770)

USB 5.1 only output working:

• Hercules USB 5.1 / Muse Pocket LT (same product - output working)
• Terratec Aureon 5.1 (working sound out only with CMI8738PCIAudioDriver.kext)

Firewire 5.1 working in OS X:

• Focusrite Saffire LE
• Griffin 4019-FIRESS FireWave Surround Sound for Macs

USB 7.1 working in OS X:

• Creative Audigy 2 NX
• M-AUDIO SONICA THEATER 7.1 USB

--------------------- how2: --------------------------
You can get 5.1/ 7.1 using audio-midi setup:

1. select your sound card in "Properties for:"

2. in the Output Format drop down box there are frequencies from 2-7.1 setup. Select what you want, e.g 5.1

3. select "configure speaker". The default is stereo, change to multichannel, then select in the drop down 5.1 or 7.1, depending on what you selected in the previous step.

@BugsBunny
great list! thanks!

Does anyone know which ones of those soundcards don't need powered speakers? Because the Griffin FireWave for example outputs only low-voltage, that means if I were to hook up normal (unpowered) speakers directly I wouldn't hear a thing, right?

got a 3D Sound USB adapter working under 10.5.2 oob!

it`s cheap and works great! (headphones out + microphone in)

The one in my sig works great. Bit pricey, though...

i`ve payed for mine 3 bucks (with delivery to Europe)))

you're welcome, mb21 - thanks.

no, I don't know any, sorry.

Just got my Creative X-Fi 5.1 USB from Amazon. Plugged it in and it came right up and works great. The biggest problem that I have is I cannot control the volume. OSX says "The selected device has no output controls". So the volume is basically "stuck" all way up. I can change the volume from apps that have their own controls like iTunes though. Would be nice to find a way to control the master volume though.

Can I know do you need to install any driver for the Creative X-Fi 5.1 USB to work?

Hi There GreyMD

Please can you send me the link to your USB device ? I would like to buy one for myself .

thanxxxx

I have this Hercules Muse Pocket LT USB card, and it works great, no extra drivers/patching, full support, also both inputs (mic and linein) work, so really it should be in the category USB 5.1 working in OS X:


There is only one problem: you cannot selectively mute mic sound in front output (and pay attention I mean mic output, not mic recording levels set in sound/audio midi setup -- I mean the "Thru" checkbox in AUDIO/Midi does not work for this card). Of course you can just unplug the mic and that's it.

Small question : mic works for X-Fi Surround 5.1?

Just wondering if the full 5.1 channels worked straight of out the box or if it's just 2 channel stereo (as seen with other 5.1 usb sound cards.

I've got creative x-fi surround 5.1 works with Leopard, output 5.1 but I can not control volumn. I must control volumn in the speaker.
Greats