StarTech.com 56K USB Dial-up & Fax Modem
Quick take
This external, USB-powered 56K dial-up and fax modem is built for analog phone-line use, adding both data (V.92/V.90 compatible) and fax capability to a computer. It suits buyers who need legacy connectivity or a dedicated fax modem on a USB port, especially if they want hardware-based dial-up processing to keep CPU load down. The main caveat is that it can be unreliable or incompatible in some VOIP setups (notably Magic Jack-style services), and fax functionality depends on using compatible fax software.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hardware-based USB modem design intended to reduce CPU load during dial-up connections.
- Supports common dial-up and fax standards (data up to 56Kbps, fax up to 14.4Kbps), including V.92 for data.
- USB-powered and portable, with an RJ-11 phone jack for analog line connections.
- Caller ID support and DTMF support for dial-up/telephony use cases.
Cons
- Fax requires software/program support, which is not included with the modem.
- Does not work reliably with certain VOIP services, including Magic Jack, based on user experience.
- Windows setup may require running fax apps with elevated permissions, and installing the right drivers can matter.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed but generally focused on practical setup and compatibility rather than performance shortcomings. Several buyers report fax functionality working well on Windows when drivers are installed and the fax application is run with the appropriate permissions. Others highlight that installing drivers from StarTech’s site, then applying Windows driver updates can improve outcomes. One recurring theme is that this modem’s role is specific, a dial-up and fax hardware device that expects a traditional analog telephone line environment; when paired with VOIP services like Magic Jack, buyers report failures or missing connectivity.
Who this modem is for
- Homes or small offices that still rely on dial-up. If you need analog dial-up access for a specific system, the included data standard support (including V.92) is aligned with that use case.
- Users who need a fax-capable USB modem. If your workflow includes sending and receiving faxes, this external fax modem is built around that purpose, using an RJ-11 connection and supporting multiple fax modes.
- Buyers who want a portable, USB-powered solution. Since it uses the USB host for power, it is easier to take along than modems that require separate power bricks.
- People using supported operating systems. It is designed for Windows (including modern versions), macOS (10.9 to 12.x range), and Linux (kernel 3.16 and up, with LTS versions called out).
Key features that affect real-world use
Analog dial-up support with V.92 (and older compatibility)
This is an analog modem built to negotiate dial-up connections using common ITU-T standards. If your ISP or dial-up system expects those protocols, the modem’s support for V.92 and V.90 is a major reason to choose it over generic USB “internet” adapters.
Fax support over RJ-11, plus phone-utility features
The modem includes a telephone jack and supports fax transmission modes up to 14.4Kbps. It also offers caller ID support and DTMF support, which can matter for applications that use telephony signaling beyond basic dialing.
Hardware-based processing, connected over USB
Instead of relying entirely on the computer’s CPU, it uses controller-based, on-chip processing for dial-up connectivity. Practically, that is meant to make dial-up connections less taxing on your system compared to software-heavy approaches.
Setup and compatibility notes that come up in buying decisions
- Windows fax apps may require administrator permissions. Some buyers report that using Windows Fax and Scan works when launched as administrator, otherwise they encounter errors when trying to send.
- Driver installation can be the difference-maker. There is evidence that installing drivers from StarTech’s website and then checking Windows updates can help the modem function smoothly.
- VOIP compatibility is the biggest risk area. If your “phone line” is actually a VOIP service, expect problems. A user reported that the modem could not integrate reliably with Magic Jack, and they emphasized that the mismatch was discovered during installation and troubleshooting with support.
Pros and cons summary
- Best fit: buyers who need a dedicated analog dial-up and fax USB modem, especially for backup connections, remote/rural setups, or legacy systems.
- Not ideal: buyers who want a modem to work with VOIP-first phone services, or buyers who expect the modem to come with fax software.
Price and availability
The modem is positioned as a low-cost-to-mid priced specialty device, typically priced far below what some analog modem hardware historically cost, but it is still a niche product. If you are buying mainly for fax, it can be worth the cost compared to hunting for older internal PCI cards and dealing with complicated legacy hardware.
Alternatives to consider (based on your priorities)
- If you need fax only: look for a fax modem that is explicitly supported for your phone-line type (analog) and for your OS, and plan to supply or use existing fax software.
- If you need dial-up primarily for connectivity, not fax: prioritize analog USB dial-up modem support for V.92/V.90 and confirm VOIP restrictions before buying.
- If you are using VOIP: consider whether your requirement can be met with an adapter-free solution that works with VOIP, because analog fax/dial-up modems can fail depending on how the VOIP service handles signaling.
Verdict
The StarTech.com 56K USB Dial-up & Fax Modem is a solid choice for buyers who truly need analog dial-up and a hardware-based fax modem over USB. The feature set matches legacy connectivity needs (including V.92 support) and it is portable, but you should only buy it if your setup uses a traditional analog phone line and you are ready to run compatible fax software. If you rely on VOIP services like Magic Jack, plan on looking elsewhere due to reported incompatibility.
FAQ
Does this modem work with VOIP services like Magic Jack?
There is user-reported evidence that it does not work or does not work reliably with Magic Jack. If you are on a VOIP service, confirm compatibility before purchase, since fax and analog dial-up signaling may not translate well.
Do I need fax software to use the fax features?
Yes. Fax capability requires a compatible software/program, which is not included with the modem hardware.
What operating systems is it compatible with?
It supports Windows, macOS in the 10.9 to 12.x range, and Linux with kernel 3.16 and up (with LTS versions noted). Driver availability is mentioned for Windows.
Is the modem powered by USB?
Yes. It is USB-powered, so it connects to your computer and does not require an external power adapter.
How fast is the dial-up and fax performance?
It supports dial-up data up to 56Kbps downstream, and fax up to 14.4Kbps.
Will it reduce CPU load compared with software-based dial-up?
The design uses controller-based, on-chip processing intended to minimize CPU load during dial-up connections.
Specifications
| Product Title | StarTech.com 56K USB Dial-up & Fax Modem - V.92, External - Hardware Based USB Modem - Transfer rates up to 56Kbps (data) / 14.4Kbps (fax) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Modems |
| Brand | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Model Number | USB56KEMH2 |
| Item Weight | 0.03 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 3"L x 1.1"W x 0.8"H |
| Color | Black |
| Connectivity Technology | Modem (RJ-11) |
| Compatible Devices | Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019 Mac OS 10.9 to 10.10 Linux kernel 3.16 and up - LTS Versions only |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Maximum Downstream Data Transfer Rate | 0.56 Megabits Per Second |
| Maximum Upstream Data Transfer Rate | 0.36 Megabits Per Second |
| Data Transfer Rate | 0.06 Megabits Per Second |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 1 |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3"L x 1.1"W x 0.8"H |
| Internet Service Provider | ITU-T V.92 / V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A and Bell 103 |
| Modem Type | Analog Modem |
| UPC | 065030866477 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00065030866477 |
| Mfr Part Number | USB56KEMH2 |
| Item Type Name | Data Modem |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year |
| Built-In Media | 1xRJ11 Cable,1xDriver CD,1xQuick-start Guide |
| Internet service provider | ITU-T V.92 / V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A and Bell 103 |
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