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Cheap C-Media (?) sound card

Wednesday November 30, 2016 / Ibrar Ayyub
Categories: Electronics News and Updates
Tags: cheap, media, sound
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1.1 Ibrar Ayyub

This USB sound card that presents itself as C-Media is one of the cheapest sound cards available with price $1.1-$2 depending on vendor.

Cheap C-Media sound card

Device markings: HX2010-0705, production date 40th week of 2013 (or later?).

Device enumerates as composite device: sound card + HID input. HID input part is used for audio volume and mute control and it functionality is slightly broken – same as with multimedia keyboard it controls default sound card settings, not necessary settings for this specific device.
USB descriptor dump:

VID=0x0D8C PID=0x000C
Product string: C-Media USB Headphone Set
Audio Device Class + HID (composite device)

Judging by the descriptors chip inside is identical as in previously described “C-Media” sound card version without any control keys.

Unlike the previous “C-Media” USB sound card I’ve tested and similar card from this thread it was easy to find point where DC signal component is not blocked:

  • according to device properties reported by Win7 it offers 44100 and 48000 Hz sampling
  • there is 2.23V voltage (DC offset for ADC) on the C6; output impedance of this offset source is relatively high – short-circuit current is 20uA; adding 120k resistor in series reduces it to 8uA
  • resistor in series (I’ve used 120k and software is calibrated for it by default) seems like the cheapest way to extend measured voltage range to 0-6V; noise measured in this configuration = 20mVpp
  • make sure to disable AGC and set fixed volume (by default plugin is calibrated for Volume = 0) for sound input associated with card (Win7 below):

 

For more detail:  Cheap C-Media (?) sound card

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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