Card Software — F998 Sound
Before discussing the software, it is crucial to understand the hardware. The F998 is typically a USB-A to 3.5mm adapter (sometimes dual 3.5mm for headphone and mic). It uses the CM108 or CM119 series chipset (often a clone variant). Because it is a "virtual" 7.1 card, it does not have physical multiple speaker jacks; instead, it uses software algorithms to simulate a surround environment.
The F998 sound card software is the proprietary control panel that interfaces with this chipset. Unlike high-end Creative or ASUS cards, the F998 relies on a lightweight, generic driver package known as Xear (C-Media’s audio driver suite).
Short answer: No—and yes.
If you bought this card for gaming or streaming, installing the proprietary software is mandatory.
If you are writing a product description or manual, here is the proper content: f998 sound card software
Product: F998 External USB Sound Card System Requirements: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP, macOS, and Linux. Installation: No external software installation is required. The device is plug-and-play. Simply connect the USB connector to your device, and the system will automatically recognize the sound card. Settings: To use the device, go to your computer's Sound Settings and set the F998 Audio Device as your default Input and Output device.
By AudioTech Staff | Updated: June 2025
If you have recently purchased an external USB sound card labeled “F998” (often sold under generic brands like “UGREEN,” “Sabrent,” or no-name Chinese OEMs), you have likely encountered the biggest headache in budget audio: finding the correct F998 sound card software.
Unlike premium brands (Focusrite, Creative, or ASUS) that have dedicated support pages, the F998 is a generic, mass-produced USB audio adapter. Consequently, finding stable drivers, control panels, and configuration tools can feel like a digital scavenger hunt. This article provides everything you need—from driver installation to advanced software tweaks. Before discussing the software, it is crucial to