Diamond Xtreme Sound 7.1 XS71HDU USB Sound Card Review

Looking around the Xtreme Sound 7.1

The Diamond Xtreme Sound 7.1 XS71HDU is a small and portable USB sound card. The square dimensions measure out to just a bit over 3 inches and the thickness is under 1 inch. The enclosure is made from plastic which makes the unit lightweight. The sides are black and the top piece is a metallic silver color with a reflective pattern that shapes reflected light to enhance the metallic color. Chrome colored accents border the edge of the top piece and the edge of the circular volume control wheel.

The edges of the Xtreme Sound 7.1 are shorter than the longest edge on a normal sized playing card.

There are ports on three sides of the Xtreme Sound 7.1. On the “left” side are 3.5 mm analog jacks for Line In, Mic In, and Headphones.On the “rear” side are outputs for a 5.1 speaker setup. The front channel jacks accept coaxial plugs while the side, read, and center channel jacks accept 3.5mm plugs.

On the “right” side is a mini USB port which powers and connects the Xtreme Sound 7.1 to a computer. Next to it are a pair of optical jacks for in and out.

Looking to the underside of the Xtreme Sound 7.1 are four small rubber feet to provide traction on surfaces and a small switch for USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 modes. Full functionality is enabled in USB 2.0 mode and USB 1.0 mode limits the sound card to playback only.

A blue LED on one corner shines through the smoky transparent black plastic indicating that the Xtreme Sound 7.1 is powered.