Sigma's USB/audio hub

Japanese gadget maker Sigma have come up with a slightly different take on the lowly USB hub, adding audio capabilities to the mix. In addition to three USB 2.0 ports, the device includes jacks for headphones, speakers, and a microphone, along with a button that'll let you switch between them on the fly. What's more, if Google's translation tools are to be trusted, it appears that the device effectively acts as a sound card as well, which may be good for some people, but probably not those who've invested in a high-end card for their PC. On the upside, the device doesn't require any drivers, although it'll only work with Windows.

[Via Fareastgizmos.com]

[Jonathan Keim @ Jul 18th 2006 4:19PM]

I would buy something like this

[.ed @ Jul 18th 2006 4:23PM]

i thought that was a DS lite

[mario @ Jul 18th 2006 4:45PM]

It can't be a DS Lite, the hinges are not cracked.

[slyecho @ Jul 18th 2006 4:45PM]

The only way to get audio out of USB is to have the DAC in the device, which means it will effectively be a sound card.

[Dm @ Jul 18th 2006 5:24PM]

OK i'll bite, if it is usb and doesn't require any drivers why is it only windows?

[Handsome Jon @ Jul 18th 2006 6:03PM]

It probably just has a 1/8" sterio input, instead of pulling the audio from the usb.

[Handsome Jon @ Jul 18th 2006 6:06PM]

Eww.. and it needs external power?

[AndrewNeo @ Jul 18th 2006 7:57PM]

"It'll only work on Windows."
And in a couple months it'll be working on Linux too, don't worry. It might even work right away if it uses an existing USB sound chipset.

[David @ Jul 19th 2006 12:06AM]

If it doesnt require drivers than its USB HID compliant (which means it talks the standard language for a USB audio class). Thus it should work in linux as well. YMMV. Creative Labs's extigy has two modes, and works in windows with the HID class driver or with its own proprietary driver. But is garbage in linux.

[Sir.Pinkerton @ Jul 19th 2006 8:58AM]

Think Geek has been selling a product that's quite similar to this for several months. http://murl.se/10581

[cuby @ Jul 19th 2006 9:37AM]

i got a device that does the exact same thing from radio shack about 5 years ago, and still use it. same deal -- push button to toggle between speakers and headphones. ten bucks!

[Jason @ Jul 19th 2006 2:48PM]

It needs to work with OS X, so I can buy one for my PPC Mini. No mic, you know.

[Jonny Hughes @ Sep 23rd 2006 8:10AM]

Does any one know where i can buy this unit? cant seem to find a link....