PowerWave
Why PowerWave?There are a variety of reasons why PowerWave is preferable to thebuilt-in audio on existing PCs or Macs. The inside of your computeris electrically very noisy. High frequency noise from many sourcescan degrade a computer's audio input and output quality. USB audioprovides a far cleaner and more effective way of getting sound inand out of the computer. The audio A/D and D/A circuitry is externalfrom the computer away from noise that degrades audio performance.All signals are carried to and from your computer digitally throughthe USB connection. The net effect is audio quality that is farsuperior to what people have become accustomed to from theircomputers. The Griffin PowerWave builds upon thisadvantage using the best USB audio codec (compressor/de-compressor)available. The PowerWave uses the identical codec used in theprofessional USB audio solutions that cost 5-10x as much. In factmost users and reviewers agree that the PowerWave provides superioraudio input and output quality to these professional adapters.Further, software available only for the PowerWave allows you tocustomize your audio input and output far beyond what can be donewith any of these high end products. Some of the other advantages of thePowerWave include: Isolates internal electricalcomputer noise
The power supplies are full of transient noise from the CPU, harddrives, CD drives and other computer components. Built-in computeraudio hardware can transfer that noise into the audio I/O. ThePowerWave stays outside of your noisy computer system, attaching viathe external USB interface. Eliminates "Ground-loop hum"
Ground loops usually manifest themselves as a humming noise, oftendirectly related to the frequency of the electrical system beingused. In the United States, the hum is typically at 60Hz or a nearharmonic, while in many European countries the hum is 50Hz (or anear harmonic). In addition, the nature of the electricalconnections may also greatly exacerbate any possible radio frequencyinterference (RFI) that may be in the area. A "ground loop" canoccur when at least two devices are connected to a common groundthrough different electrical outlets. Typically, audio/video signals use zerovolts (0v) as the point around which all signals are compared andcontrasted, with any appreciable voltage either positive ornegative, representing the information being carried. This "zerolevel" is often called "ground", despite the fact that it rarelyrefers to a physical connection to the earth. The problem is that a piece of equipmentplugged in to one outlet will probably have a slightly different"ground potential" than another piece of equipment plugged in to anoutlet on a different house circuit. To prevent ground loops, allelectrical grounds must be connected together. If you must connectyour peripherals to two different power outlets that are on separategrounds, then you should use some method of isolating the signalsand grounds from each other. There is a case to be made that a lot of thequality problems affecting audio or video electronic devices can betraced back to ground loops. Utilize industry-standardconnections
PowerWave incorporates standard RCA stereo and mini-jackconnections, which eliminates potential problems caused by outdatedproprietary hardware such as the older Macintosh PlainTalk design.By adhering to both the world wide computer standard 1/8" ports andstandard stereo RCA connectors, PowerWave guarantees you'll be ableto connect peripherals from around the globe. In addition, there isno commercially available PlainTalk extension cable, since it's aninterface used only by Apple for its older microphones. WithPowerWave, you can use practically every kind of extension cable onthe market. Not only can you extend the audio connections, but youcan also extend the USB cables for even more flexibility in usageand placement. Hassle-free expansion
Many new Mac and PC desktop and portable computers are shippingwithout audio inputs. With PowerWave you can easily move one pieceof equipment between two or more computers with no hassles at all.Simply unplug PowerWave from your desktop machine and plug it inyour laptop; no drivers to install, no loss of expansion ports, notime wasted prying open the case and swapping cards in and out, andperhaps most significantly - no additional expense. | 
excerptfrom "Griffin Strikes Again" MacWorld -June 2003