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What is better external or internal sound card. How to choose a sound card? The most profitable option

Your computer or laptop needs a sound card, also known as an audio card, to operate audio playback devices. Such devices are external, internal.

They are also distinguished by the type of connection: USB, PCI, PCI-E, FireWire, ExpressCard, PCMCIA. Buying a sound card for a computer is a difficult task that requires knowing the exact characteristics of the device in which it will be installed.

What is a sound card

An audio card is a sound card responsible for creating, converting, amplifying, editing sound played by a personal computer, laptop or any other similar device. Maps are divided into several classes according to the nature of their location:

external;
internal;
internal with external module.

Why you need a sound card

The sound card is needed for the correct, accurate and timely reproduction of sounds requested by computer programs and the operating system of the device through speakers, headphones. Without it, a computer or laptop will not be able to send any sound signal to external playback modules, since it does not have another component with similar functions.

Device

The sound card of a computer consists of several related hardware systems responsible for the collection, production, and processing of audio data. The purpose of the two main audio systems is to "audio capture" and work with music: its synthesis, playback. The device's memory is accessed directly via a coaxial or optical cable. Sound generation takes place in a digital signal processor (DSP): it plays certain notes, adjusts their tone, frequency. The power of the DSP and the total amount of available notes is called polyphony.

Types of sound cards

You can find audio cards in the market in a shock-resistant, waterproof case. This type is better suited for connecting an advanced audio system, launching powerful games. Separate boards and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution with average parameters. Cards are divided into three types according to the possibility of dismantling, location relative to the device:

integrated;
internal discrete;
external discrete.

The best sound cards

Choosing a sound card is fraught with difficulties. Such devices are multifunctional, so the set of characteristics for one audio card can be very different from any other. Many expensive modules should only be purchased on sale or at a discount, because their price may be too high. To understand which sound cards are suitable for a particular purpose, check out the pros, cons, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

This audio card occupies a class above other external devices on the market. She is an excellent choice for studio recording:

model name: Motu 8A;
price: 60000 rubles;
characteristics: USB 3.0 connection, optional thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
pluses: support for ASIO 2.0, control module on the case;
cons: high price, fragile shell.

In the following model, Motu standards ensure high-quality signal processing, it is equipped with an external unit, and the design is pleasing to the eye:

model name: Motu 624;
price: 60000 rubles;
features: thunderbolt connection, via usb ports, 2 XLR inputs;
pluses: simultaneous work with several multichannel systems;
cons: the need for additional power, it gets very hot.

Multichannel

The ST-Lab board will delight you for a long time with high-quality sound and the absence of digital noise:

model name: ST-Lab M360;
price: 1600 rubles;
features: multi-channel audio output, 16-bit/48 kHz DAC, 8 analog audio outputs;
pluses: compact external card, low cost;
cons: ASIO 1.0.

ASUS is distinguished by reliability, quality, and durability of devices. See for yourself using the Xonar DGX as an example:

model name: ASUS Xonar DGX;
price: 3000 rubles;
characteristics: sound 7.1, 8 audio outputs, PCI-E connection with a separate internal module;
pluses: clear sound, many connectors;
cons: large size.

PCI cards

Internal discrete and integrated boards are famous for their excellent sound quality, high frequencies:

model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
price: 5000 rubles;
Features: PCI interface, 24bit/192kHz DAC, 7.1 multi-channel audio;
pluses: optical S/PDIF output, support for EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
cons: periodically produces loud digital noise.

Creative boards will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound of any multimedia format:

model name: Creative Audigy;
price: 3000 rubles;
characteristics: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 mini-Jack connector;
pluses: alternative drivers expand the capabilities of the audio card;
cons: emits a loud bang when the device is turned off.

USB audio card

Portable audio cards can deliver great audio anywhere:

model name: Zoom UAC-2;
price: 14000 rubles;
features: external card, USB 3.0 interface, shockproof case, 24-bit/196 kHz DAC;
pluses: quality/cost, necessary minimum for studio recording;
cons: the settings of the control panel buttons are not obvious, there are no symbols.

External computer modules should be not only convenient, but also of high quality. Line 6 POD gives you the ability to place your extended audio system anywhere:

model name: Line 6 POD studio UX2;
price: 16000 rubles;
Specifications: 24-bit/96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, 7.1 multi-channel audio;
pluses: the ability to connect many devices, excellent noise reduction;
cons: the price does not match the functionality, quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables provide unsurpassed protection against interference. Experience pure sound with Universal Audio audio cards:

model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin SOLO Thunderbolt;
price: 40000 rubles;
characteristics: optical output S/PDIF, EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
pluses: clear multi-channel sound, excellent card for studio recording;
cons: a small number of outputs.

With ASUS, it has become even easier to purchase a high-quality audio card. An excellent combination of cost / quality and clear sound will help to appreciate any track:

model name: ASUS Strix Raid PRO;
price: 7000 rubles;
characteristics: PCI-E interface, optical S/PDIF output, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
pluses: remote control, the ability to connect headphones up to 600 ohms;
cons: The software conflicts with other sound drivers.

Sound card 7.1

If you find it difficult to find a good inexpensive audio card, the portability, reliability, ergonomics and advanced control of this model will reveal all the possibilities of the audio system:

model name: HAMA 7.1 surround USB;
price: 700 rubles;
features: external audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
pluses: ease of control, good amplifier;
cons: low frequency.

Multi-channel analog audio outputs make listening to your favorite music comfortable with any audio system:

model name: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UM2;
price: 4000 rubles;
characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
pluses: perfect for rough recording of a vocal part;
cons: no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1

The common 5.1 format is suitable for both simple and advanced audio systems:

model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
price: 2000 rubles;
features: integrated 5.1 system sound card;
pluses: suitable for any computer, the card connects easily, quickly;
cons: sound chips are poorly soldered, which causes sound delays, microphone connection is unstable.

Creative SB Live! 5.1 is suitable for connecting professional sound systems and studio recording:

model name: Creative SB Live! 5.1;
price: 4000 rubles;
Specifications: 6 outputs of multi-channel audio;
pluses: support for sound extensions of modern computers;
cons: the card is not suitable for a music lover due to its low bit depth.

audiophile

True music lovers will appreciate the perfect sound experience available with ASUS Sonar Essence audio cards:

model name: ASUS Sonar Essence STX II 7.1;
price: 18000 rubles;
characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S/PDIF;
pluses: clear reproduction of vocals, instrumental music;
cons: non-SSD hard drives create strong background noise.

High-quality sound and unique solutions in driver settings will improve the performance of your audio system with ASUS xonar Phoebus:

model name: ASUS xonar Phoebus;
price: 10000 rubles;
characteristics: 2 analog channels, 2 jacks 3.5 mm;
pluses: all driver settings are on a special banner window;
cons: lack of technical support.

For headphones

Not all headphones can accurately transmit the audio signal. MOTU Audio Express converters solve this problem:

model name: MOTU Audio Express;
price: 30000 rubles;
features: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input / output, 2 headphone jacks;
pluses: strong body, clear playback through headphones;
cons: close location of external controls.

Tascam offers audio boards that help musicians work with excellent signal transmission:

model name: Tascam US366;
price: 10000 rubles;
features: USB 2.0, instrument output, phantom power.
pluses: analog outputs and jack give the perfect sound;
cons: unstable drivers.

For laptops

Laptop audio cards are gaining popularity. External modules will improve the sound:

model name: Creative X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro;
price: 5000 rubles;
features: USB 2.0 interface, Asio v.2.0, 5.1 multi-channel audio, 6 analog connectors;
pluses: headphone amplifier, stylish design;
cons: does not support Linux OS.

Sound quality on laptops has always been a problem. Solve it with Creative sound blaster:

model name: Creative sound blaster Omni Surround 5.1;
price: 9000 rubles;
characteristics: 24 bit/96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, connection via USB 2.0, optical S/PDIF output;
pluses: advanced options for optimizing the microphone, headphones;
cons: can produce digital noise when the load on the central processor increases.

For games

The Sound Blaster line board guarantees complete immersion in the sound world of a PC game:

model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
price: 5000 rubles;
specifications: 24 bit / 192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multi-channel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
pluses: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
cons: when the sound is amplified, rattling, background noise appears.

The gaming acoustic module UR22 differs from analogues in the absence of distracting noises:

model name: Steinberg UR22;
price: 12000 rubles;
characteristics: interface USB 3.0, 24 bit/192 kHz, 2 x multi-channel outputs XLR, Jack, analog;
pluses: availability of all necessary connectors;
cons: registering in the driver support program can cause difficulties for the user.

Best budget sound card

There are inexpensive audio cards on sale that are not inferior in quality to expensive options:

model name: ASUS Xonar U3
price: 1400 rubles;
characteristics: external audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bit/42 kHz;
pluses: perfectly improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
cons: lack of ASIO support.

Creative offers cards that do not exceed 2000 rubles in value:

model name: Creative SB Play;
price: 1600 rubles;
specifications: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bit/48 kHz, 2 analog connectors;
pluses: small, convenient audio card, durability;
Cons: The output frequency is lower than most internal integrated boards.

How to choose a sound card

To find the right sound card for your laptop or computer, pay attention to the following criteria when choosing:

Form Factor It is also a location type. An external card is needed only in certain cases, and an internal card is not suitable for every device.
Playback sampling rate. Audio file formats may have different requirements for the frequency of the synthesized wave. For a standard MP3 file, you need 44.1 kHz, and for a DVD format it is already 192 kHz.
Signal/noise level. The higher the value, the better the sound. Standard sound - from 70 to 80 decibels, ideal - about 100 dB.

external

The discrete sound card is designed to connect powerful professional audio systems that create near-perfect sound. It is also suitable for fans of computer games, in which the sound component plays an important role. Important parameters:

Frame. Any external module is subject to potential danger. The shell must be made of shock-resistant material.
Connectors and number of channels. The more types, the better. Not all audio systems use standard jack, mini-jack, micro-jack outputs.

internal

The choice of an internal audio card or board is based mainly on the presence of a slot for it or the type of attachment to the motherboard, but there are other criteria:

Connection type. The PCI connector was used in older models of motherboards, most manufacturers have replaced it with PCI-Express. First, find out which connector is supported by your computer.
Attachment type. Internal cards can be discrete and integrated. To install the latter, you may need the help of a computer wizard.

Video

There are many different sound cards on the market today, but only a few of them are positioned as gaming. With the improvement in the quality of integrated audio interfaces, very cheap products turned out to be of little demand, and the main demand shifted to the pro-audio and portable Hi-Fi segments.

advertising

Gamers, unlike other buyers, prefer to play with headphones, so the first thing they update if they want to improve the quality of the audio path is a headset. Top-end, especially wireless, headset models come with a branded integrated or external sound card that is not available for purchase separately, and when buying cheap headphones, as a rule, there is no money left on the card.

Thus, due to the lack of high demand, manufacturers have been selling the same products for years. There is nothing critical in this, because audio interfaces are not smartphones and become morally obsolete much more slowly, but healthy competition would definitely not hurt here.

If we talk about leaders, then there are two of them: ASUS and Creative. The first has an extensive Xonar gaming line and another smaller one - Strix, and the second is no less large Sound Blaster and Sound BlasterX. There is something from Sennheiser, BenQ, Astro Gaming and Sewell Direct, but they cannot be compared with ASUS and Creative in terms of assortment.

All sound cards on the market can be divided into internal (PCI-e slot, rarely PCI), external (separate module with a patch panel and USB connection) and combined (PCI-e card + external module). The performance on the board, due to the design features, is not very convenient for connecting headphones, and the output volume control and profile switching buttons, often present on external audio interfaces, are more convenient than software controls, to access which you will have to stop the game. Therefore, almost all top products are either external or hybrids.

To enjoy all the benefits of high-definition video and the latest PC games, you need both a powerful processor and a powerful graphics adapter. However, very often users forget that for complete immersion in the atmosphere, high-quality multi-channel sound is also required. At the same time, codecs, drivers and an integrated sound card will not help much in such a case. You need a serious device. The article will describe how to choose a sound card. Useful tips when choosing also will not go unnoticed.

Embedded chips

Sound devices soldered directly on the motherboard of the system card are unable to compete with discrete equipment. First of all, the codec installed on the motherboard actively uses processor resources during its operation, which reduces the overall performance by several percent.

It happens that the built-in sound card is located in close proximity to high-amperage power lines. The electromagnetic field created by them leads to an increase in interference and interference. The embedded hardware architecture has been simplified to the maximum.

How to choose a sound card for a computer?

There are many hardware devices for sound output, all of which can be roughly divided into two types: music cards and multimedia.

The first group is used for recording, playback and processing of sound information. This makes them narrowly focused, and such devices are intended mainly for musicians. They can be installed both inside the system unit and connected to the USB connector. The price of this type of equipment is high.

Multimedia sound cards will suit a wider range of users. They are ideal for both stereo systems and acoustics with five and seven channels. Codecs are already built into the sound card and do not require additional configuration; in addition, in addition to codecs, the device has its own processor, which favorably affects the performance of the computer.

Main characteristics

In order to choose a sound card for a computer, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the device. First of all, it is installed on the board. Its main task is to process a digital signal and create its analog equivalent. This device is essentially the brain of the audio card.

DAC parameters

How to choose a sound card for a computer, what characteristics should a DAC have? A 16-bit DAC with a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz is almost always sufficient. The last digit indicates how often the transducer reads the signal during recording or playback.

It is believed that this parameter should be twice the one that will be reproduced. According to this theory, we can say that 44.1 kHz is enough for almost any recording; this level exceeds the threshold of frequencies audible to humans by two times. However, tests show that the rule does not always work as written on paper, which means that it makes sense to choose a device with a higher sampling rate for greater audio fidelity.

Marketing tricks

I must say that the figures written in the brochures are not always true, they are often greatly exaggerated. For example, a card with a declared sampling rate of 98 kHz can sound much worse than a device with more modest numbers. "How to choose the right sound card if you can't trust the specifications?" the user will ask. When studying the technique, pay attention to the company that made the DAC. Ti-Burr Brown, Wolfson, Texas Instruments are considered the best.

In addition to the manufacturer, it is worth knowing the serial number of the DAC. It indicates the "advancement" of the model. That is, the larger the number, the more modern the development. You can check the code name of the chip only on the manufacturer's website.

If several are installed on the audio card, it is desirable that they all be the same. Often, a high-quality DAC is used for the center channels, and an inexpensive one for the surrounding ones. This reduces not only the price of the final device, but also the quality of multi-channel sound.

EAX

Before choosing a computer sound card, ask if the hardware supports EAX technology. Also, be sure to check which version is being used. To date, the oldest is 5.0.

In simple words, EAX is an "audio positioning" technology. The closest analogue is DirectSound3D. It controls the coordinates of the audio source in 3D space. In computer games, this system is used most often; with its help, effects are added to the game that create the illusion of the sound source being far away and its location relative to the listener (left, right, back).

To what has already been said, we must add that EAX emulates reflections and reverbs. This gives the user a sense of the parameters of the game world. For an open world, a cramped room, and an empty high-rise building, the character of the same audio recording will be different.

ASIO

ASIO is a protocol used to transmit audio information with minimal delays. Recording in special applications is almost impossible if ASIO does not support the sound card for the computer. How to choose the best option?

For musicians, this technology is a must. If the computer is used not as a recording studio, but as a multimedia processor, ASIO can be considered an optional feature.

MIDI interface

If the user is going to write arrangements, then what should a sound card for a computer have in this case, how to choose a suitable device? An important feature of audio cards is the presence of midi-inputs and outputs. With the help of them, synthesizers and musical keyboards are connected.

With the help of such an interface, not an analog signal is supplied to the sound device, but information about which key is pressed, whether it is completely lowered, with what force and speed the user pressed it. All data is transferred to the program, and the program is already playing the sound. Moreover, the possibilities of these programs are enormous. You can use those that emulate real instruments (for example, piano, guitar, drums), or you can create your own unique and unlike anything preset.

phantom power

If you intend to use a capacitor, you should know that not every sound card for a computer can work with such equipment. How to choose the right device? It's simple - ask about the presence of phantom power on the audio board. Remember that dynamic microphones require just the absence of this element! Phantom power can damage them.

Instrument and line inputs

If you are going to install an audio card for recording an electric guitar in your computer, it must have an instrument input (another name is high-impedance).

The level of its resistance is quite high (about 1 megaohm), which makes it possible to transmit a signal from the instrument to the computer without loss. If you connect a guitar to a normal input, a significant part of the overtones and low frequencies will be lost, which will make the sound muffled. In this case, not a sonorous beautiful sound will be recorded, but a dull sound with a loss of low frequencies. A large microphone jack is often used as a connector.

Line input (Line In) is necessary for connecting various stereo devices to the audio card. Usually, each channel has its own connector. It will not work to connect a guitar or a microphone to it, the recording volume in this case will turn out to be very quiet.

Built-in preamp

A preamplifier is another module that can be equipped with a sound card for a computer. How to choose the right one and which one is better - with or without it?

First you need to understand what a preamplifier is. The amplitude of the signal that goes from the microphone to the input is very low. For recording, you have to amplify it, and then stabilize the volume. It is this function that is assigned to the preamplifier. Not all audio cards have it available. Even if the device has a microphone input, there may not be a preamplifier. Then the software does its job. However, in this case, the amplitude of not only the useful signal increases, but also the noise with pickups.

Choosing a sound card for a PC: is a preamp required?

For musicians or announcers, having a preamp would be a nice bonus. But not without a fly in the ointment in this case. The quality of built-in amplifiers is almost always quite modest, but the price rises significantly because of such a built-in element. I must say that you can always add an additional device of this type, so you should not write it down in the list of required ones.

Conclusion

Since it is impossible to choose a sound card without wasting time, you will have to familiarize yourself with a large number of offers from different computer equipment stores. Of course, if you have no desire to study numbers, you can go the other way - by comparison. To do this, you need to listen to the same audio recording on different devices. In this case, the one that sounds the most pleasant will be appropriate.

Remember that the audio board is only part of the sound reproduction system. You also need a high-quality amplifier and solid speakers. Without them, all efforts aimed at the selection of equipment will be in vain.

The main task of any sound card is to convert digital data into a simple one that can be transmitted to headphones or speakers. In all motherboards produced now, they are already built-in, and they provide the necessary sound quality.

But some sound cards do not have enough functionality for all programs to work, for example, they cannot play and record sound at the same time. Therefore, in order to expand the playback capabilities, a separate sound card, such as a USB sound card, is used, and for little money the sound quality can be improved significantly.

Another plus of such a sound card is that it can slightly offload the computer processor. The fact is that the regular card transfers many sound processing functions to the processor, in addition, it also occupies a certain part of the memory. So an additional USB sound card is a rational purchase anyway.

Three groups of cards can be distinguished according to the connection method:

Via PCI or PCI Express slot. This connection is through connectors located directly on the motherboard. Such cards are somewhat cheaper than similar external ones. But in terms of quality and functionality, they usually lose to them.
External USB sound card - connects via USB port, suitable for any laptop or versatility - this is one of its advantages. A modern USB sound card can immediately output sound when recording,
External FireWire cards - connect via FireWire. These are the highest quality professional sound cards, they are resistant to interference. To connect them to a laptop, you need a PCMCI - FireWire adapter.

When buying a sound card, pay attention to the number of inputs and outputs it has. The more of them, the better. There must be a MIDI input and a MIDI output. They are intended for connecting a MIDI keyboard. By connecting it, you will get a good synthesizer. Well, if there are optical SPDIF outputs. The optical SPDIF interface provides the highest quality, clearest sound. To record music from instruments, you also need the appropriate number of I/Os to connect the required number of devices, although you can record them one at a time.

You should also look at the number of microphones and the sound card can be supplemented with special inputs for synchronization during multi-channel recording and additional monitor outputs.

Today, the variety of market offers makes it easy to find a card of the right quality and price. By paying a modest amount for a purchase, you can significantly improve the sound quality of your computer and expand its functionality. Even a simple USB sound card can provide this.

A high-quality card can become the basis for a home sound studio, it comes with its own software for ease of use, but this card is very expensive. Such devices are used by professionals in their work; an additional internal card is enough for a simple layman to get high-quality surround sound to accompany games and watch movies.