Introduction
The Plugable USB-AUDIO adapter provides an immediate solution for adding 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks to any USB audio class enabled system. Its compact, black aluminum design ensures portability and durability. This adapter is designed for plug-and-play functionality, requiring no additional drivers for most operating systems. It serves as an excellent alternative for systems with faulty sound cards or as a primary audio interface for various computing platforms.
Image: The Plugable USB Audio Adapter, a compact black device with a USB-A connector on one end and 3.5mm audio input (pink) and output (green) jacks on the other.
Product Overview
The Plugable USB Audio Adapter is designed to offer convenient audio connectivity. Key features include:
- Convenient Audio: Enables USB connectivity for existing 3.5mm audio headphones, headsets, speakers, or microphones.
- Great Replacement: Ideal for bypassing a faulty sound card, audio port, or as a replacement for a broken USB audio adapter.
- Always Ready: Can be left connected to a USB hub or dock. Features a lightweight, compact, and durable black aluminum finish.
- Easy Install: No additional drivers necessary; plug-and-play on many devices.
Image: The Plugable USB Audio Adapter shown with labels indicating the pink jack as "Audio In" (microphone) and the green jack as "Audio Out" (headphones/speakers).
Setup
Connecting the Adapter
- Locate an available USB Type-A port on your computer or USB hub.
- Insert the Plugable USB Audio Adapter into the USB port. The adapter is USB bus powered, so no external power is required.
- Connect your 3.5mm headphones, speakers, or headset to the green (audio output) jack.
- Connect your 3.5mm microphone to the pink (audio input) jack.
Image: The Plugable USB Audio Adapter connected to a laptop, with a microphone and headphones plugged into the adapter, illustrating a "Plug and Play" setup.
Driver Installation
The Plugable USB Audio Adapter is a USB Audio Class compliant device. This means it does not require any specific driver installation on most modern operating systems, including Windows 10, 8.x, 7, Vista, XP, Linux, macOS, and Chromebooks. It functions as a plug-and-play device.
Audio Settings Configuration
After connecting the adapter, you may need to select it as your default audio input and output device within your operating system's sound settings.
- Windows: Go to Sound Settings (right-click speaker icon in taskbar) and select the USB Audio Device for both Playback and Recording.
- macOS: Open System Preferences > Sound, then select the USB Audio Device under both Input and Output tabs.
- Linux/Chromebook: Access your system's audio settings and choose the USB Audio Device as the preferred input/output.
Note: Most operating systems support multiple audio outputs, but typically only allow one to be active at a time. Ensure the Plugable USB Audio Adapter is selected as the active device.
Operating Instructions
Using with Headphones/Speakers
Once the adapter is connected and selected as the default output device, audio from your computer will be routed through the green 3.5mm output jack. Simply plug in your headphones or speakers to enjoy clear stereo sound.
Using with Microphones
For microphone input, ensure your microphone is connected to the pink 3.5mm input jack and the adapter is selected as the default input device. The adapter supports standard 3.5mm TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) microphones.
Important Note for TS Microphones: If you are using a TS (Tip-Sleeve) microphone (mono microphone with two conductors), a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) mono to stereo adapter is necessary to convert the microphone's signal from TS to TRS for proper functionality with this adapter.
Image: Icons representing a microphone, headphones, and a speaker, illustrating the adapter's compatibility with various 3.5mm audio devices via USB connectivity.
Compatibility
The Plugable USB Audio Adapter is broadly compatible with a range of operating systems and devices:
- Operating Systems: Windows 11, 10, 8.x, 7, Vista, XP; macOS; Linux; Chrome OS.
- Compatible Systems: Personal Computers (Laptops, Desktops), Raspberry Pi OS (ARM), PlayStation 4/5.
- Audio Jack Types: Designed for TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) 3.5mm plugs for both audio input and output.
Not compatible with USB ports on car audio systems. Not suggested for lapel microphones without appropriate adapters.
Image: A chart detailing compatibility, showing supported OS versions (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS), compatible systems (Laptops, PlayStation 4/5), and supported microphone/headphone jack types (TRS is supported, TRRS and TS are not directly supported without adapters).
Troubleshooting
- No Sound Output:
- Ensure the adapter is firmly plugged into a working USB port.
- Verify that the adapter is selected as the default playback device in your operating system's sound settings.
- Check the volume levels on your computer and on your headphones/speakers.
- Test with different headphones/speakers to rule out faulty audio equipment.
- Microphone Not Working:
- Confirm the microphone is plugged into the pink (input) jack.
- Ensure the adapter is selected as the default recording device in your operating system's sound settings.
- Check if your microphone requires a mono to stereo (TS to TRS) adapter.
- Test with a different microphone if possible.
- Some applications may have their own audio input settings; check these as well.
- Interference/Noise:
- Try plugging the adapter into a different USB port, preferably directly on the computer rather than a hub.
- Ensure all audio cables are securely connected.
- Minimize proximity to other electronic devices that might cause interference.
Specifications
| Brand | Plugable |
| Model Name | USB Audio Adapter (USB-AUDIO) |
| Product Dimensions | 4.45 x 0.76 x 2.79 cm (1.75 x 0.30 x 1.10 inches) |
| Item Weight | 15 g (0.53 ounces) |
| Color | Black |
| Hardware Interface | USB Type-A |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 48 KHz |
| Voltage | 5 Volts (USB Bus Powered) |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer, Headphone, Speaker |
| Hardware Platform | x86_64, ARM (Raspberry Pi OS), x86_64 (macOS), Chrome OS, Linux |
Image: Diagram showing the dimensions of the Plugable USB Audio Adapter: 10.6mm (0.4in) height, 28mm (1.1in) width, and 28.8mm (1.13in) length for the main body.
Warranty and Support
The Plugable USB Audio Adapter comes with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty. For technical assistance or warranty claims, please contact Plugable's Seattle-based email support. Refer to the official Plugable website for the most up-to-date support information and contact details.
We are committed to providing high-quality products and support to our customers.
