In order to know the functions of motherboard audio ports, you should know the audio port first. On a laptop or desktop, an audio port is an essential component of the sound system. It acts as a connector being used to plug an audio system such as speaker systems, headsets, or microphones. Several fundamental audio connections are incorporated into every motherboard, enabling users to attach stereo monitors and microphones.
Numerous jacks for linking stereo sound devices or audio output equipment are available on higher-end motherboards and PCs with separate sound chips. It is required to state the motherboard audio ports together and with their functionalities in addition to understanding them. Almost every motherboard feature a similar number of audio ports or a similar type of audio connectors. Next, every motherboard does have a unique audio circuit that is unique and generates varied audio quality.
Types of audio port
Audio ports on motherboards allow you to plug the audio outputs and inputs of your desktop. The headphones port on the motherboard is where users may connect in their headsets. Analog and digital audio interfaces are the two types of audio ports that are available on motherboards. A 3.5 mm jack is used for the analog port, whereas an optical cable is used for the digital port.
Analog port of audio
A maximum of 2 speakers and a subwoofer can be connected to the standard audio port, which is commonly designated “audio out”, “line out”, or “headphone”. Insert the audio cord into the green audio out connector to link a set of stereo speakers or headphones. Insert a microphone wire to the pink microphone connector if you do have one, whether it is a freestanding or fitted into a headphone. To identify the two differences if your audio ports do not have color coding, search for etched symbols of a microphone and a set of headsets. Surround-sound speakers come with extra colored wires that complement the black and orange audio connectors on some PCs.
Digital port of audio
Some computers include one or two forms of digital audio outputs, referred to as S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) together. An RCA-style connection, comparable to the composite cords associated with a DVD player, is one sort of digital interface that is hardly seen on desktops. Toslink (Toshiba Link) is a much more popular digital audio connection that appears like a blazing red light. More than a fiber-optic connection, this light transfers audio information.
Neither category of the digital audio connector may be used to link a set of speakers straightforwardly:
-
- External amplifiers
- sound systems
- Digital-to-analog converters can all be connected to digital audio outputs.
The Functions of Motherboard Audio Ports: Input of Audio
There are inputs for line-in, line-out, and microphone. Every one of those ports features a 3.5mm wide connection known as an Audio Jack. On typical motherboards, they appear to be Blue, Lime, and Pink, yet on high-end motherboards, they could be totally black with representations.
Line-in port
The Line-in port is used to link external sound systems such as CD players, musical equipment, and speakers.
Line-out port
Sound output equipment such as speakers and headphones are connected to line-out ports. This connection is being used to link computers to 2.1 or stereo speakers. It really is essential to note that this connectivity uses two-ring connectors rather than the more common three-ring connectors found on smartphones and tablets. Primarily for two rings, the connector is divided into three parts:
- Right
- Left
- Sleeve
It’s because stereo speakers and headphones create sound using dual speakers on the left side and on the right side.
Mic-in ports
Mic-in ports, like the term indicates, are being used to interconnect microphones for audio recordings.
Audio ports on center, rear, and side jack
On specific motherboards, there are 6 audio jacks. The other three components are used to interconnect surround sound devices in 5.1 or 7.1 configurations. The rear black port would be unplugged if 5.1 speakers are used.
On motherboards, a side or rear jack may not necessarily be included. Alternatively, they use the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) connection, which refers to the Sony/Philips Digital Interface. It provides greater audio quality since it does not transform digital audio information into analog signals.
It looks different from standard 3.5mm audio connectors and is featured on high-end motherboards.
6.3mm audio jack
Some motherboards might contain a 6.3mm audio jack, which is meant for high-end professional quality audio devices.
What triggers the audio jack on a computer to stop working?
The failure of a motherboard’s audio interface might be caused by one of three factors:
- The front audio jack component and the motherboard have a poor connection.
- The PC has audio drivers that are out of the current.
- It is indeed possible that the appropriate port is really not activated in the audio
configuration.
In the best situation, the computer’s installed drivers are in good working order, and the link between the motherboard and the audio connector is secure. Likely, the audio device associated with the front audio jack is unestablished as the usual device for connectivity, which could pose complications. By changing these parameters and then see if the problem goes away.
Second, while each desktop has front audio connectors, audio jacks on the underside of the tower are always specifically linked to the motherboard. Plug the audio device into the audio jack, which is most likely green in color (pink for microphone). These will automatically connect, allowing you to utilize the audio equipment without any problems.
