Add Speaker Through Usb Software To Our

The fear driving this shift, which did not happen: the so-called analog hole.

The analog hole can allow someone to record otherwise protected audio on its way to speakers.

The person who recorded the song can then share it via P2P with millions of music fans who would never bother connecting an analog recording device to a computers output and hijacking the audio that way.

Add Speaker Through Usb Software To Our

One solution that was bandied around back then: to create a Secure Audio Path (SAP) all the way from the playback software to our speakers, protecting then whole chain with digital rights management (DRM).

Happily for music fans, that vision was never realized, meaning that USB Audio devices--a standard compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux--can play music from any source normally handled by your regular analog output--the one most people connect to headphones or speakers.

Connected devices have largely obviated the need for onerous DRM technologies in the first place by letting listeners prove they have the right to listen to a piece of music simply by signing in to an app or Web site.

DRM is invisible.

Luckily for us, it doesnt care whether your output is analog (the regular kind) or digital (USB).

Now, to the main topic at hand: your computers USB audio port, which can connect to external audio devices that play music from any Web site, file, music service, or app.

Using the regular output, you can actually hear a buzz from some computers with sensitive headphones--especially with a laptop.) In addition, USB Audio devices can offer surround sound (5.1- or 7.1-channel sound), even if your computer lacks that option.

This is probably the simplest tutorial I have ever written in terms of the steps youll need to take.

The trick is mainly just knowing that USB Audio works with everything.

You can buy any USB Audio-compatible module, amplifier, speaker, headphone, or microphone (examples below), and simply plug it into your computer and youre pretty much good to go.

Heres how you switch your output to a USB audio device in Windows.

All of them will work with all of your desktop and web music apps, making them sound better.

Altec Lansing Orbit Stereo USB PC speakers have a nice, tubular design, and any USB-powered speakers make for easier travel, because you dont need to carry a power cord with you--they get all the juice they need from your computer.

Frequent travelers might also consider a completely cordless Bluetooth option like the Jawbone Jambox.).

If youre looking to boost your sound quality in your home, dorm room, or office, go with a USB audio module like the ones listed here on CNET (disclosure: I worked at CNET from 1997 to 2005) and then connect those to powered speakers or your sound system of choice.

There is one more, far more out there option for music fans with some extra scratch (about 800) who want to turn extremely digital sources like Spotify into warm, tube-amplified sound: the Glow Audio Amp One ( manufacturers Web site ), pictured to the right, which runs your sound through four vacuum tubes--the same kind found in some high-end audiophile systems.

Its a great conversation piece, and sounds great too, although its definitely for the desktop at 5 watts per channel for powering speakers (you can also use headphones).

More practically-minded folks will want to stick with the less-expensive (and still great-sounding) digital options listed here.

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How To Add Speaker For Mac Through Usb