USB-C audio setup: Step-by-step for PC and laptop

Tired of that tangled mess of green and pink 3.5mm jacks and a separate power brick just for your speakers? It’s time for an upgrade. A clean USB-C audio setup is the modern, minimalist solution for any South African gaming rig or work-from-home station. It delivers crisp digital sound and power through a single, reversible cable. No more clutter, no more fuss… just pure, high-quality audio that makes your setup look as good as it sounds. 🔊

Why a USB-C Audio Setup is a Smart Move

Switching to USB-C for your audio isn't just about reducing cables. It's about embracing a simpler, higher-fidelity standard. Unlike the old analogue 3.5mm jack, USB-C sends a pure digital signal from your PC to the speakers. This means the digital-to-analogue conversion (the part that turns 1s and 0s into sound waves) happens inside the speakers, often using a superior DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) than the one built into your PC's motherboard.

The result? Cleaner sound, less potential for electronic interference, and a setup that's incredibly easy to manage. Whether you're connecting to a powerful desktop or a sleek laptop, the process is universal. It's the perfect foundation for a modern audio experience, whether you're exploring our full range of speakers or just starting out.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your USB-C Audio 🔧

Getting your new speakers running is usually a breeze. Here’s a simple guide to your new USB-C audio setup for any PC or laptop.

Step 1: Connect the Cable

This is the easy part! Simply plug the USB-C cable from your speakers into a compatible USB-C port on your computer. For most audio devices, any standard USB-C port will do. Your PC should automatically detect the new hardware and start installing any necessary drivers. Brands like Promate speakers are well-known for their plug-and-play convenience.

Step 2: Select Your Audio Output

Once connected, you just need to tell your computer where to send the sound.

• On Windows: Click the speaker icon in the bottom-right of your taskbar. An arrow or ^ symbol should appear next to the volume slider. Click it to see a list of available audio devices and select your new USB-C speakers from the list.
• On macOS: Open System Settings > Sound. Under the Output tab, choose your new speakers.

That's it! Play some music or fire up a game to test it out. The reliability of a direct physical link makes wired speakers a top choice for lag-free gaming audio.

Choosing the Right USB-C Speakers for Your Rig

Now that you know how easy the setup is, what kind of speakers should you get? Your choice often comes down to the configuration.

A simple 2.0 speaker system includes two satellite speakers (left and right) and is perfect for clear dialogue, music, and general gaming in a smaller space. They offer a fantastic stereo experience without taking up too much desk real estate.

For those who want to feel the bass drop and the explosions rattle their chest, a 2.1 speaker system is the way to go. This adds a dedicated subwoofer for deep, low-frequency sounds, making movies and action games far more immersive. ✨

And while a direct USB-C connection is fantastic for performance, many top-tier wireless speakers also use USB-C for fast and convenient charging, helping you keep your entire setup on one modern, unified standard.