As my ICH4/AC97 Soundcard on OSx86 won't allow me to change the sound of the speakers and the headphones apart from each other, I am now looking to buy an external USB Soundcard that solves this problem.

What I am looking for is an external USB Soundcard that has a headphone jack and is fully supported by OSx86 - of course it would be nice if it would be cheap too...

Is anyone of you aware of/using such a device?

Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

My choice is the Creative Labs Soundblaster 24-bit USB soundboard. Its fully supported without the need for drivers, has 5.1 surround sound capabilities, digital audio out, and all mic and line-in ports work. Plus, the sound quality is pretty damn good.

I think I bought mine for about $35 at a CompUSA, but hopefully the price has dropped since then.

Mine is Superb, M-Audio Sonica Theather 7.1 ch, even that today doesn't have drivers yet. But those driver is used to get surround settings only.

I even got SPDIF, also with 5.1 DD movies I could connect my home theather, although I don't have a DTS receiver I don't know if it passes that signal too.

There is also a M-Audio USB Transit with optical digital output and stereo analog output that has Universal Drivers.

Thanks so far, I'll have a look if I can dig up any of those...

I sent AldusHxIE a message, but realized others might want to know the same information.
AldusHxIE, is this the same card you are talking about?
http://us.creative.com/products/product.as...p;product=10702
I only ask because Creative changes their product line up faster than just about any company I can think of.
Thanks!
Chris

Chris, sent you a PM, but yes, that's the same soundboard I use.

Thanks! You just saved me a whole lot of grief!
Chris

I just wanted something to enable audio in, so I could use Skype, so I went looking for a bargain USB audio solution. I found this Skype phone at newegg, the Syba Sky Basic. I got it for 10 bucks US, I see the price has changed to 13.00 or so.

The device is detected as a C-Media chipset, and I found that there are some others out there. The chipset supports 5.1 audio.

This device has jacks for a mic and headset. The mute and volume buttons work fine.

I believe that full support for my chip will be enabled by one or another of the fine hackers hereabouts -- this solution works perfectly in the meantime, and was stupid cheap.

AuldousHxIE:

Yep, that did it. I bought the Sound Blaster, and it works great. Stereo sound and the microphone, everything looks like it is detected, and working. I think even 5.1 sound, but I'll have to try it. Looks promising there, too though. Thanks again!
Chris

Glad to hear it worked. Enjoy!