USB COMPUTER SPEAKER SYSTEM & AUDIO FAQ

Last Updated: 07/19/2010

OPTIMIZE ITUNES EQUALIZER FOR USB SPEAKER REPSONSE

Note here how a custom iTunes Preset can shape the sound for smaller portable speakers by cutting the lowest sub 100HZ frequencies, boosting around the 125HZ+ range, then shaping the midrange and uup to your ears and your particular USB speaker's response curve. By eliminating the 32HZ and lower completely, by reducing the 64HZ and lower - you'll get cleaner sound by not asking your smaller driver to poorly reproduce sound it often can't.

SOUND VOLUME & QUALITY USB TRADE-OFFS?

Self-Powered USB speakers do vary widely in sound quality. This site aims to point out some of the BETTER CHOICES based on 1st hand experience, product research and customer reviews. But nearly all easily outperform even the best laptop's tiny, tinny built-in ones. The larger the drivers - the more likely you'll get better low-end response: Look for drivers that are LARGER than 40mm if possible. But enclosure design, driver quality, and frequency response curve specs all play a part whether the audio is loud, well-balanced and satisfying - or just hollow and lifeless.

USB sound volume is largely determined by the amount of power available - and the sensitivity of the driver cones. Completely self powered USB speakers typically output 1.5 up to 3 watts RMS of sound because that's the most the USB port's 500 milliamp, 5v voltage can deliver. (Volts x Amps = Watts ) Some speakers that also support AC adaptors however can be MUCH LOUDER - 10 watts or more when they have plenty of power available.

DO USB SPEAKERS AFFECT LAPTOP BATTERY LIFE?

Totally self-powered USB speakers do add some extra stress to your laptop's battery - and the current drain is directly correlated to volume level. Smarter designed USB speakers such as Yamaha uses can use digital Class-D power amplification techniques to step-up sound output to give you the loudest sound possible from a USB port's 5 volt, 500ma maximum output.

USB PORT BANDWIDTH ISSUES?

Digital stereo audio works fine on older USB 1.1 ports - but is pretty demanding - it fully saturates the bus. USB speakers don't NEED USB 2.0 speeds. But other devices on the USB bus might. Compared to the occasional, intermittent data stream of a keyboard, mouse or printer - Audio pumps a constant stream of bits. So... IF you have other "isosynchronus" high-bandwidth USB 2.0 video devices such as a USB TV tuner stick Video Capture device or a Mac or PC compatible webcam, sometimes it's smart to SPLIT or BALANCE the loads to completely separate, independent USB ports on your computer or laptop - so they don't compete and interfere with each other. You'll get uninterruped audio on one port - and better video frame rates on the other.

USB PORT POWER ISSUES?

You definitely want to plug totally self-powered USB speakers DIRECTLY into a computer's port - or into a fully AC-Powered USB HUB. Their current draw is simply too high to be shared on an UN-powered USB hub or keyboard port. Otherwise you're likley to get a 'There isn't enough power. Please unplug the USB device' alert on your computer screen.

"FAKE" USB SPEAKERS THAT _ONLY_ GET USB POWER

Beware of far too many cheap portable 'USB' speakers you might find elsewhere or on eBay - Far too many actually ONLY USE USB FOR POWER, and yet still have a second wire with standard 1/8" 3.5mm plug for the analog audio into the speakers.

What's the point?!? Keep it simple, for truly compact computer audio you want 1 USB cable for BOTH power AND clean digital audio. There are high-end speakers in the Audiophile class where home users want USB digital connection for technical reasons (such as the Alesis system featured on the main page.) For an iPod, it's wiser to look for units that incorporate a DOCK connector that can pass audio to it's speakers - and also charge and sync your 'Pod. This site doesn't try to address the Gi-Normous iPod audio scene.

ALREADY HAVE TOO MANY GIZMOS?
CONSOLIDATE WITH USB SPEAKER - HUB - WEBCAM COMBO UNITS

Combo & All-In-One units are now appearing on the market - rolling desirable USB features beyond the speakers themselves. The Logtech Audio Hub which does require and uses AC Power, as a result is the loudest of the bunch with exceptional frequency response.

Powered by a single cable, the Boynq Cubite Speaker with 4 Port Hub puts big sound in a compact 4" cube + hub that also offers a Treble and Bass control to shape the sound to your liking. Unfortunately it's hub is ONLY USB 1.1 speed - which is NOT ideal given most USB gizmos today supporting USB 2.0. Which slower USB devices you connect to the Cube would need to be chosen wisely.

Others Like the Genius 313 Webcam + Speakers + Hub roll audio, a video chat web cam, and extra USB 2.0 ports into a single package. These can help consolidate your USB needs into a tidy mobile package with a minimum of cables - to use at home or take on the road.

BEWARE! CUTE BUT CRAPPY USB SPEAKERS - CASE IN POINT:

SANRIO HELLO KITTY USB SPEAKER - WITH REMOTE!
Discriminating audiophiles may wish to pass on these hard-to-find Hello Kitty USB Speakers . With a frequency response down to a lousy 200hz, you won't hear the thumping bass you hope for. Note the innovative and revolutionary notion of Rear-Facing Speaker drivers in Hello Kitty's Skull-Holes to assure as few of the soundwaves reach your ears as possible. And of course the attached remote volume and mute control assures you'll be able to halt the deficient sound quality with a simple tap. One listen is all you're ears need to help your buying decision...