| Vantec NBA-100U 5.1 Channel USB Audio Adapter
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Software:
The software is functional and fairly complete, but not very attractive or well documented. The images shown below provide a look at many of screens available, except for the About tab of the "Sound Station: Control Panel". This screen didn't provide much useful information, but did indicate that the software was from 2003, which seems about right based on the layout and lack of style.
The below left image shows the Speaker Test screen which allows you to either automatically or manually toggle each speaker to ensure proper connection. One bit of undocumented confusion was that the speaker labeled "LFE" is actually for the subwoofer. The below right image shows the Volume Control tab which provides a familiar interface for adjusting the master volume, as well as the volume for individual components.
 
In the below left image we see the Remote Controller tab which seems to integrate controls for popular media players with the Vantec NBA-100U. The below right image shows the Record tab which allows for simple recording of audio files from the microphone or line-in connections.
 
The next tab allows for the conversion of audio files recorded with the Sound Station. And finally, we have a 6-band graphic equalizer that also features a variable low pass cross-over for the subwoofer.
 
Installation and Operation:
Once all of the connections are completed you have something like a high-tech, six-legged bug to deal with. For use with a desktop PC, the NBA-100U could easily be hidden out of sight, and it wouldn't be all that much different than having all of these connections made to a standard sound card. For use with a laptop PC, you will most likely be forced to deal with the cables projecting in different directions right on your desktop. They can be tidied up a bit, but the short USB cable means they will probably be on your work surface anyway.
If you are able to conceal the device to reduce the clutter of wires, you are then faced with the issue of the integrated volume controls being inaccessible. While they are not essential since they are available in software, they might be convenient to some.
Another reason to try to conceal the Vantec NBA-100U while in use is that the white oval located near the USB cable connection actually doubles as a status light of sorts. The oval flashes with a fairly bright red light the entire time it is connected, which might get a bit annoying if it was located in your main field of view.
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