Will a USB DAC reduce microphone hiss?

[PepuroniPeetsa]

I currently have a HyperX Cloud 2 headset with a HyperX Splitter cable. Anyways, my motherboards on board audio isn't that great, my microphone has noticeable hiss when plugged in the 3.5mm microphone jack.

Would some kind of USB DAC reduce this hissing?

[Kaihekoa]

A DAC will reduce EMI interference (hiss, buzz, pop) for the audio output not input. Read this if you care about what a DAC does: https://www.audioadvice.com/content/what-is-a-dac/.

If there's a mic hiss that others hear while you're transmitting, it could be a problem with the onboard audio if it's cheap/defective or with the mic itself. Test the headset out on another computer to see which one it is. If you discover it's your onboard audio, the most cost effective solution would probably be to buy a soundcard. A cheap ASUS Xonar would do the job until you upgrade your board, or if you want to invest more into something that will last a few builds, try the Sound BlasterX AE-5.

[End0fDayz]

I'd get a soundblaster AE-5 that has a dedicated headphone DAC and mic input. I have a FiiO DAC and this card performs infinitely better.