Hello all,
I’ve been looking for an external USB soundcard that allows me to use my microphone, use stereomix, and has line-in functionality since I enjoy recording from external sources. That’s it. That’s basically all I need, so info on a relatively cheap card that can do these things well would be much appreciated. The soundcard on my vista laptop is absolutely horrible and lacks these basic features. I really hope some of you can help as I have no idea what to buy. Thanks guys!
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Looking for USB soundcard with these features.
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Windows » Windows Vista, XP and earlier » Questions: Vista, XP back to 3.1 » Looking for USB soundcard with these features.
- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago.
AuthorTopicWSmusicman2004
AskWoody LoungerMarch 25, 2010 at 10:19 am #467700Viewing 2 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
WSGfamily
AskWoody LoungerMarch 25, 2010 at 12:36 pm #1215085Hello all,
I’ve been looking for an external USB soundcard that allows me to use my microphone, use stereomix, and has line-in functionality since I enjoy recording from external sources. That’s it. That’s basically all I need, so info on a relatively cheap card that can do these things well would be much appreciated. The soundcard on my vista laptop is absolutely horrible and lacks these basic features. I really hope some of you can help as I have no idea what to buy. Thanks guys!For some reason related to the RIAA control of the music industry and imposing rules on what people are allowed to do, Vista is generally shipping with restricted functionality on Soundcards. As a result of theirf lobbying , Stereo Mix is often disabled.
Before you buy yourself a new soundcard, try this.
Go to the sound controller in Control Panel and right click. to bring up the properties.
Select ‘Display Disabled Devices’ and ‘Display Disconnected Devices’This may well bring up the missing ‘Stereo Mix’ device, which you can then enable.
-
WSmusicman2004
AskWoody LoungerMarch 25, 2010 at 2:21 pm #1215100Hello Gfamily
yup I’ve tried that in the past. Perhaps I should’ve clarified. my card has stereomix, but it sounds all distorted and is quite unusable. also it doesn’t support line-in which is a feature that even my extremely old XP computer had. Since this machine is a laptop, I’ll need an external card. I’ve even tried registry hacks and it made no difference. The only options that show up for my soundcard are microphone and stereomix, and vista won’t even let me use both simultaneously. If you know of any cards, please let me know as I’m quite desperate hehe. -
WSTonistein
AskWoody LoungerApril 13, 2010 at 9:37 am #1218087I have been using this usb sound device called Musical SX from Creative for 2 years. It has 2 line in, 1 line out, 1 SPDIF in, 1 jack each for headphone & mike. Adjust level for input & headphone usage & volume control. I have one more set which I used as an amplifier for my Dvd player & TV. You can connect 5.1 series speakers too. It’s reasonably priced too.
Viewing 2 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
Windows Spotlight broken on Enterprise and Pro for Workstations?
by
steeviebops
4 hours, 54 minutes ago -
Denmark wants to dump Microsoft for Linux + LibreOffice
by
Alex5723
6 hours, 21 minutes ago -
How to get Microsoft Defender to honor Group Policy Setting
by
Ralph
5 hours, 30 minutes ago -
Apple : Paragon’s iOS Mercenary Spyware Finds Journalists Target
by
Alex5723
15 hours, 39 minutes ago -
Music : The Rose Room – It’s Been A Long, Long Time album
by
Alex5723
16 hours, 45 minutes ago -
Disengage Bitlocker
by
CWBillow
6 hours, 43 minutes ago -
Mac Mini M2 Service Program for No Power Issue
by
Alex5723
18 hours, 44 minutes ago -
New Win 11 Pro Geekom Setup questions
by
Deo
3 hours, 25 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5651 released to DEV
by
joep517
1 day, 2 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.4441 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
1 day, 2 hours ago -
iOS 26,, MacOS 26 : Create your own AI chatbot
by
Alex5723
1 day, 5 hours ago -
New PC transfer program recommendations?
by
DaveBoston
1 hour, 18 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22631.5545 (23H2) released to Release Preview
by
joep517
1 day, 10 hours ago -
Windows 10 Build 19045.6029 (22H2) to Release Preview Channel
by
joep517
1 day, 10 hours ago -
Best tools for upgrading a Windows 10 to an 11
by
Susan Bradley
22 hours, 21 minutes ago -
The end of Windows 10 is approaching, consider Linux and LibreOffice
by
Alex5723
2 hours, 24 minutes ago -
Extended Windows Built-in Disk Cleanup Utility
by
bbearren
11 hours, 18 minutes ago -
Win 11 24H2 June 2025 Update breaks WIFI
by
dportenlanger
2 days, 5 hours ago -
Update from WinPro 10 v. 1511 on T460p?
by
CatoRenasci
1 day, 2 hours ago -
System Restore and Updates Paused
by
veteran
2 days, 7 hours ago -
Windows 10/11 clock app
by
Kathy Stevens
1 day, 18 hours ago -
Turn off right-click draw
by
Charles Billow
2 days, 10 hours ago -
Introducing ChromeOS M137 to The Stable Channel
by
Alex5723
2 days, 14 hours ago -
Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys) R.I.P
by
Alex5723
1 day, 8 hours ago -
Master patch listing for June 10, 2025
by
Susan Bradley
2 days, 15 hours ago -
Suggestions for New All in One Printer and a Photo Printer Windows 10
by
Win7and10
1 day, 18 hours ago -
Purchasing New Printer. Uninstall old Printer Software First?
by
Win7and10
2 days, 21 hours ago -
KB5060842 Issue (Minor)
by
AC641
1 day, 10 hours ago -
EchoLeak : Zero Click M365 Copilot leak sensitive information
by
Alex5723
3 days, 5 hours ago -
24H2 may not be offered June updates
by
Susan Bradley
1 day, 21 hours ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.