How to choose a sound card. Sound card for a computer: how to choose. Useful tips

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

Built-in chips

Audio devices soldered directly on the system card board 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 overall performance by several percent.

It happens that the built-in sound card is located in close proximity to high-ampere power lines. The electromagnetic field created by them leads to increased interference and interference. The architecture of the built-in equipment is simplified to the maximum.

How to choose a sound card for a computer?

There is a variety of hardware for sound output, all of which can be divided into two types: music cards and multimedia.

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

Multimedia sound cards are suitable for 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 has a beneficial effect on computer performance.

Main characteristics

In order to choose a sound card for your computer, you must be familiar with the basic characteristics of the device. First of all, the main task is installed on the board - processing the digital signal and creating 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 DAC with a bit depth of 16 Bits and a maximum sampling frequency of 48 KHz is almost always sufficient. The last digit indicates how often the converter reads the signal during recording or playback.

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

Marketing Tricks

It must be said that the figures written in advertising brochures are not always true, they are often greatly exaggerated. For example, a card with a stated sampling rate of 98 KHz may 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 technology, pay attention to the company that manufactured the DAC. Ti-Burr Brown, Wolfson, Texas Instruments are considered the best.

In addition to the manufacturer, it is worth finding out the serial number of the DAC. It indicates the “advancement” of the model. That is, the higher the number, the more modern the development. You can only check the code name of the chip on the manufacturer’s website.

If there are several installed on the audio card, it is desirable that they all be the same. Often a high-quality DAC is used for the central channels, and an inexpensive one for the surrounding channels. 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, find out whether the hardware supports EAX technology. Also, be sure to check which version you are using. Today the oldest is 5.0.

In simple terms, EAX is an “audio positioning” technology. The closest analogue is DirectSound3D. It controls the coordinates of the audio source in three-dimensional space. In computer games, this system is used most often; with its help, effects are added to the game that create the illusion of distance from the sound source and its location relative to the listener (left, right, behind).

To what has already been said, it should be added that EAX emulates reflections and reverberations. This gives the user a sense of the parameters of the game world. For an open world, a cramped room, and an empty multi-story 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 dedicated applications is almost impossible if the ASIO does not support the computer's sound card. How to choose the best option?

For musicians, having 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, and how to choose a suitable device? An important feature of audio cards is the presence of midi inputs and outputs. They are used to connect synthesizers and musical keyboards.

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, and with what force and speed the user pressed it. All data is transferred to the program, and the program already plays 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 else preset.

Phantom power

If you intend to use a condenser, 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 card. Remember that dynamic microphones require the absence of this element! Phantom power can damage them.

Instrument and line inputs

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

Its resistance level 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 regular input, a significant part of the overtones and low frequencies will be lost, which will make the sound dull. In this case, not a clear, beautiful sound will be recorded, but a dull sound with loss of low frequencies. A large microphone jack is often used as a connector.

Line In is required for connecting various stereo devices (player, vinyl record player) to the audio card. Typically, each channel uses its own connector. You won't be able to connect a guitar or microphone to it; the recording volume in this case will be very quiet.

Built-in preamp

A preamplifier is another module that can be equipped with a computer sound card. 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. To record, 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. Even if the device has a microphone input, it may not have a preamplifier. Then the software does his job. However, in this case, the amplitude of not only the useful signal increases, but also noise with interference.

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

For musicians or announcers, having a preamplifier will be a good bonus. But in this case there was a fly in the ointment. The quality of built-in amplifiers is almost always quite modest, but the price rises significantly due to such a built-in element. It must be said that you can always add an additional device of this type, so you shouldn’t add it to 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 hardware stores. Of course, if you have no desire to study numbers, you can go another way - comparison. To do this, you need to listen to the same audio recording on different devices. In this case, the one that sounds most pleasant will be suitable.

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

The sound card is designed to process and transmit sound signals to external devices (speakers). Modern sound cards are mostly integrated inside the motherboard. Typically, they are associated with a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system.

If the device is built-in, it turns out that you don't pay for it since it's inside. However, external sound cards are also quite popular, as they have more features. If you need high quality sound, you will have to buy a separate sound card.

First of all, check the connector types. High-quality sound is possible when connecting an audio system with an S/PDIF interface. The device must have a noise reduction system, such as Dolby Digital. Also, do not forget that sound purity can be obtained with a good acoustic system. That is, if you have simple, cheap speakers, then purchasing an external sound card is not advisable. If you have a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system at your disposal, buy an external type device.

Built-in and external sound cards

Built-in sound cards transfer most of the functions to the processor of the main device. External sound cards have their own sound cards, which do not waste the resources of your computer or laptop.

If you don't need special sound effects and are content with normal sound when playing media files, the built-in sound card is suitable for you. Being inside another device, it does not take up extra space.

If you are an advanced gamer or music lover, it is recommended to select and connect an external audio device that supports EAX ADVANCED HD technology. It makes it possible to feel the full power of audio effects in modern games.

Another advantage of an external board is that it can have the required number of interfaces to provide better sound quality. In addition, it is not affected by electromagnetic interference.

The sound card must have connectors for connecting to a computer, a 5.1 system, and a line output. It is also desirable to have an S/PDIF interface.

All computers have an integrated sound module designed for audio processing. Its technical characteristics do not allow you to get all the depth and realism from listening to studio recordings or high-quality films. A separate sound card can correct the shortcomings of the built-in analogue. But the wide range makes it difficult to choose the required device model. Reviews from specialists and videos demonstrating the operation of the equipment will help you choose the right option that will meet all the user’s needs.

Most computers that go on sale are equipped with one that is integrated into. They have low parameters to reproduce high-quality and clear sound. For music lovers or users who want to connect types 4.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc. To achieve the effect of presence while watching a movie, this sound card will not be enough, since the capabilities of the device will not allow this. The best way out of this situation is to purchase equipment with high technical characteristics.

Classification of sound cards

The main task assigned to it is processing the incoming audio signal. These products are divided into two main types:

external;
internal.

External devices are connected to a personal computer either via a USB port or FireWire. The second option is installed inside the system unit via PCI or PCIe connectors, depending on the model of the motherboard and the equipment itself. The price of internal sound cards is slightly lower compared to external devices. But they are sensitive to the quality of the electrical current received from the PC and are susceptible to the negative effects of interference. All this can affect the purity of the reproduced sound.

Attention! The design of laptops does not provide for the installation of an internal sound card.

Regardless of the type of execution, devices are divided into two types:

for professional use;
for household needs.

Professional equipment differs from home equipment in that it has connectors for connecting musical instruments: Jack 6.3 and XLR, as well as built-in filters for finer sound purification. There is also a price division of these devices, which divides them into three classes:

Budget. Such devices have the lowest quality sound reproduction. They have a minimum set of inputs and outputs for connecting an acoustic system.
Average. Products in this segment have high technical characteristics to create an immersive effect while watching films in 3D or Blu-ray format. They convert the audio signal from digital to analog during playback, and back during recording, without delay or noise. The package may include software to expand your audio processing capabilities.
Premium Equipment of this class reproduces high-frequency sound and is mainly used by professional musicians. Its interface allows you to connect multiple devices. They have several volume controls and their own equalizer. The package may include specialized software for professional audio recording.

Technical characteristics and selection criteria

On the modern market, sound cards are presented in a wide range from different manufacturers who have a large range of their products. This circumstance greatly complicates the selection of the necessary equipment modification. When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the following parameters: bit depth and sampling rate, hardware interface and supported technologies.

Advice. When purchasing an internal sound card, it is recommended to choose a device with a PCIe connector, since the PCI bus is obsolete and will soon fall out of use.

Signal converter

The sound card is equipped with a so-called central processor. It is designed for digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) of a signal with subsequent output to an acoustic system and analog-to-digital conversion when recording sound and saving data on. The processing speed of the streaming audio signal depends on its frequency. A device with 2 -3 DAC/ADC is capable of simultaneously processing several audio channels.

DAC capacity

This parameter is responsible for the quality of the processed audio signal during recording or playback. The standard bit width is 16 bits. There may be products on sale with 8-bit, 24-bit, etc. When using a 16-bit device, audio is reproduced at 65,536 volume levels, and on 8-bit – 256. Accordingly, the higher the bit depth, the better quality.

Sampling frequency

This device parameter is responsible for the quality of filtering the audio signal before saving it. To create stereo 2.0 audio, the sampling frequency must be 44.1 kHz, which is twice the hearing threshold of the human ear. This value is accepted as standard and is supported by all models of budget and mid-class sound cards. To watch movies in the format: DVD - 48 kHz, FullHD - 91 kHz, to transmit full sound and create the effect of presence, the parameter must be 192 kHz (studio recording, 3D or Blu-ray video playback requires 192 kHz).

Attention! Sound cards with a sampling frequency less than 44.1 kHz reproduce low quality sound with extraneous noise.

Interface

Depending on the user’s needs, the device can be equipped with connectors for connecting various equipment: speaker system type 2.0, 4.0, 5.1, 5.2 (number of channels), Jack 6.3 sockets (musical instruments), optical inputs and outputs S/PDIF (transfer of information without compression and deterioration in quality). Equipment with a MIDI interface provides the ability to connect MIDI devices: keyboards, controllers, etc. The presence of Full Duplex connectors ensures simultaneous recording and playback of signals from several channels. External cards may have volume and balance controls for each channel.

Technologies

Sound cards, depending on their class, support various technologies designed to improve sound quality.

Dolby Digital – provides suppression of electrical, electronic and mechanical noise.
DTS Digital – creates surround sound and presence, used for recording films in 3D and Blu-Ray format.
EAX ADVANCED HD – used to create sound effects in games, 3D and Blu-Ray films to ensure maximum realism. Due to reverberation and reflection of sound waves, it creates a virtual world of everything that happens around the user.
ASIO protocol – provides optimization of data transfer when working with various applications, thereby increasing computer performance.

Advice. It is recommended to select a device that supports certain technologies depending on the capabilities and technical characteristics of the speaker system.

The main criterion when choosing the optimal sound card model is the needs of the consumer, based on which the necessary requirements are presented. The number of different connectors, support for various technologies and form factor (type of execution) determine the class of the device and its cost. When purchasing this equipment for, it is recommended to give preference to those modifications that receive power via a USB port, which will increase mobility. The right products can connect the required equipment, deliver high-quality sound and depth to create realism and full presence.

How to install a sound card in a computer: video

To enable audio playback devices to function, your computer or laptop requires a sound card, also called an audio card. Such devices can be external or internal.

They are also distinguished by connection type: USB, PCI, PCI-E, FireWire, ExpressCard, PCMCIA. Buying a sound card for a computer is a difficult task that requires knowledge of 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, and editing sound reproduced 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 do you need a sound card?

A sound card is needed for the correct, accurate and timely reproduction of sounds requested by computer programs and the device’s operating system through speakers and headphones. Without it, a computer or laptop will not be able to send any sound signal to external playback modules, since there is no other component with similar functions.

Device

A computer sound card consists of several related hardware systems responsible for collecting, producing, and processing 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 occurs in a digital signal processor (DSP): it plays certain notes, adjusts their tone and 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 on the market in a shockproof, waterproof case. This type is better suited for connecting an advanced audio system and running powerful games. Separate boards and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution, characterized by average parameters. Cards are divided into three types according to the possibility of dismantling and 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 strikingly different from any other. Many expensive modules should only be purchased on sale or at a discount, because their price may be inflated. To understand which sound cards are suitable for a specific purpose, check out the advantages, disadvantages, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

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

Model name: Motu 8A;
price: 60,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 connection, additional thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
pros: ASIO 2.0 support, control module on the case;
cons: high price, fragile shell.

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

Model name: Motu 624;
price: 60,000 rub.;
characteristics: thunderbolt connection, via USB ports, 2 XLR inputs;
advantages: simultaneous work with several multi-channel systems;
Cons: requires additional power, 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 rub.;
characteristics: multi-channel audio output, DAC 16 bit/48 kHz, 8 analog audio outputs;
pros: compact external card, low cost;
cons: ASIO 1.0.

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

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

PCI cards

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

model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI interface, DAC 24 bit/192 kHz, multi-channel audio 7.1;
pros: optical output S/PDIF, support for EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
Cons: Periodically produces loud digital noise.

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

Model name: Creative Audigy;
price: 3000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 mini-Jack connector;
pros: alternative drivers expand the capabilities of the audio card;
Cons: Makes a loud bang when the device is turned off.

USB audio card

Portable audio cards can provide great audio anywhere:

Model name: Zoom UAC-2;
price: 14,000 rub.;
characteristics: external card, USB 3.0 interface, shockproof case, DAC 24 bit/196 kHz;
pros: quality/cost, minimum required for studio recording;
cons: the settings of the control panel buttons are not obvious, there are no symbols.

External computer modules should not only be convenient, but also of high quality. Line 6 POD will give you the opportunity to place an extended audio system anywhere:

Model name: Line 6 POD studio UX2;
price: 16,000 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, 7.1 multi-channel audio;
pros: ability to connect many devices, excellent noise reduction;
Cons: the price does not correspond to the functionality and quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables provide unmatched protection against interference. Experience clear sound with Universal Audio cards:

model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin SOLO Thunderbolt;
price: 40,000 rub.;
characteristics: optical output S/PDIF, EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
pros: clear multi-channel sound, excellent card for studio recording;
cons: small number of outputs.

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

model name: ASUS Strix Raid PRO;
price: 7000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI-E interface, optical output S/PDIF, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
pros: control panel, ability to connect headphones up to 600 Ohm;
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 controls of this model will reveal all the capabilities of the audio system:

Model name: HAMA 7.1 surround USB;
price: 700 rub.;
characteristics: external audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
pros: ease of control, good amplifier;
cons: low frequency.

Multi-channel analog audio outputs facilitate comfortable listening to your favorite music with any audio systems:

Model name: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UM2;
price: 4000 rub.;
characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
pros: perfect for rough recording of a vocal part;
Cons: There is no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1

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

Model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
price: 2000 rub.;
characteristics: integrated 5.1 system sound card;
pros: suitable for any computer, the card connects easily and 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 rub.;
characteristics: 6 multi-channel audio outputs;
pros: support for sound extensions of modern computers;
Cons: the card is not suitable for music lovers due to its low bit depth.

Audiophile

True music lovers will be able to appreciate the ideal sound available with ASUS Sonar Essence audio cards:

model name: ASUS Sonar Essence STX II 7.1;
price: 18,000 rub.;
characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S/PDIF;
pros: clear reproduction of vocals and instrumental music;
Cons: Non-SSD hard drives create strong background noise.

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

model name: ASUS xonar Phoebus;
price: 10,000 rub.;
characteristics: 2 analog channels, 2 3.5 mm connectors;
pros: all driver settings are located on a special banner window;
cons: lack of technical support.

For headphones

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

Model name: MOTU Audio Express;
price: 30,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input/output, 2 headphone jacks;
pros: robust body, clear playback through headphones;
cons: close location of external controls.

Tascam offers audio cards that help musicians work due to excellent signal transmission:

Model name: Tascam US366;
price: 10,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0, instrument output, phantom power.
pros: analog outputs and jack provide ideal sound;
cons: unstable drivers.

For laptops

Audio cards for laptops are gaining popularity. External modules will improve the sound:

Model name: Creative X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, Asio v.2.0, 5.1 multi-channel sound, 6 analog connectors;
pros: headphone amplifier, stylish design;
cons: does not support Linux OS.

Sound quality on laptops has always been an issue. Solve it with Creative sound blaster:

Model name: Creative sound blaster Omni Surround 5.1;
price: 9000 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, connection via USB 2.0, optical output S/PDIF;
pros: advanced optimization options for microphone and headphones;
Cons: May produce digital noise when the CPU load increases.

For games

The Sound Blaster line board guarantees complete immersion into the sound world of a computer game:

Model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multi-channel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
pros: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
cons: when the sound is amplified, rattling and background noise appear.

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

Model name: Steinberg UR22;
price: 12,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 interface, 24 bit/192 kHz, 2 multi-channel outputs XLR, Jack, analog;
pros: availability of all necessary connectors;
Cons: Registration in the driver support program can be confusing 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 rub.;
characteristics: external audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bit/42 kHz;
pros: perfectly improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
cons: lack of ASIO support.

The company Creative offers cards that cost no more than 2,000 rubles:

Model name: Creative SB Play;
price: 1600 rub.;
characteristics: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bit/48 kHz, 2 analog connectors;
pros: small, convenient audio card, durability;
Cons: Output frequency is lower than most internal integrated boards.

How to choose a sound card

To find a suitable audio card for a laptop or computer, pay attention to the following criteria when choosing:

Form factor. This is also the type of location. 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 the DVD format it is already 192 kHz.
Signal/noise level. The higher the value, the better the sound. Standard sound is from 70 to 80 decibels, ideal is about 100 dB.

External

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

Frame. Any external module is subject to potential danger. The shell must be made of impact-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 availability 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 motherboard models; most manufacturers have replaced it with PCI-Express. First, find out which connector is supported by your computer.
Mounting type. Internal cards can be discrete or integrated. To install the latter, you may need the help of a computer technician.

Video

Many musicians and other people who often work with sound on a computer or just listen to music are dissatisfied with the standard sound on a computer. This is where a sound card comes to the rescue. Let's talk about how to choose a sound card, what are its types.

When purchasing a computer or laptop, you will in any case have a standard sound card installed in the motherboard. Often it is enough for ordinary ordinary users who do not care about sound quality and who just need sound.

Interesting fact: About 15 years ago, standard sound cards were not inserted into the motherboard, and you had to buy one separately. Because there was simply nowhere to connect speakers (headphones).

The built-in sound card is not suitable for musicians and audiophiles, so sooner or later they are faced with the question of buying an additional sound card. Any, even the most budget external sound card will make the sound much richer and brighter.

Of course, first of all, you must decide why you need a sound card. And based on this, you can choose a specific device.

What you might typically need a sound card for:

You just need more connectors (inputs and outputs).
Do you want high-quality sound in games?
To listen to music.
For sound recording and sound processing (for musicians).
To watch movies.
Etc.

Types of sound cards

To know, how to choose a sound card, you need to understand that they are all conditional can be divided into 2 categories:

Musical. Such devices are intended mainly for musicians, sound engineers - for people who have to work with sound recording and processing. Such sound cards are more expensive than other cards.
Multimedia. These models are suitable for ordinary users: for watching movies, for playing games, for recording videos, for general listening to music. Such devices are more common and cheaper than musical ones.

In addition, sound cards are also divided into the following types:

It is worth noting that if you are choosing a sound card for a laptop (or tablet), then you should choose an external device. You simply cannot connect the internal card anywhere.

Audio outputs

The more sound outputs, the more devices you can connect to the sound card. Of course, each user needs their own number of connectors. Therefore, first decide why you need a sound card in order to estimate how many sound outputs you need.

Ideally, at a minimum, the sound card should have the following connectors:

Microphone input.
Headphone output.
S/PDIF connector. S/PDIF - you can connect various devices. It is believed that when connected through this connector, you can get better sound.
Line output.
MIDI inputs and outputs (if you plan to connect MIDI devices, such as synthesizers.

Which connector is needed for what:

Availability of headphone and microphone preamplifiers

Before, how to choose a sound card, please note that there are devices that are equipped with built-in preamplifiers for headphones and microphone, and there are also those without preamplifiers.

What is a preamplifier? The fact is that, for example, the microphone itself is weak, and in order to record it, a preamplifier is needed.

If sound quality is really important to you (both when recording and when listening), it is better to take an audio speaker without preamplifiers, and buy them separately, because the built-in preamplifiers are not of very good quality. But keep in mind that separate preamplifiers will take up additional space. At this point, decide for yourself what is most important to you.

Availability of built-in ASIO driver

When choosing a sound card, be sure to check or ask the seller whether the device has a built-in ASIO driver. What it is?

This is a special protocol that is needed to minimize the delay of sound when it is transmitted from the sound card to the computer.

For example, when you play a guitar (through a sound hook into a computer), you first hit the strings, and you hear the sound in the speakers after a while (even a split second - and you can already hear how the sound lags behind). Or when you play, the same thing can happen: first you press a key, and you hear the sound in the speakers after a while.

So, the ASIO driver minimizes this delay to such an extent that you will not hear it. That is, it will, of course, be there, but it will be so minimal that the human ear will not hear it.

So if this is important for you, make sure that such a driver is available when choosing a sound card. Otherwise, you will have to additionally install an ASIO driver for the program in which you will work, which is not always convenient.

Compatibility with your software

There are problems when you bought a sound card, connected it - but it does not want to work with your operating system, or with the program in which you work as a musician.

Therefore, inquire in advance and make sure that the sound card will not conflict with your software. As a last resort, do not hesitate to ask the seller about it.

How to choose a sound card: price

Of course, it is difficult to talk about prices for a particular model, since the price depends on many factors: the type of device, the manufacturer, the number of inputs and outputs, and the quality of the sound card.

We can only say that music sound cards are more expensive than multimedia ones, because the former are more demanding on sound quality.

The cheapest and most primitive sound card can cost you literally 100 rubles. For example, this one from China ():

Of course, don't expect a significant improvement in sound quality from this interface. Unless you get a couple of additional connectors, and that’s it. Moreover, for that kind of money, especially from China :) But for those who want to indulge, this option may be suitable.

Sound card of average quality, normal, may cost about 10-15K ruble y.

Professional sound cards, especially for professional musicians and sound engineers, can be very expensive, up to 300K rubles, and even higher.

Conclusion

So we figured out a little about this issue - how to choose a sound card. We can conclude that before you buy this device, you need to clearly understand why you need it. Based on these goals, you should choose a sound card.

Pay enough attention to choosing a sound card, don’t be lazy. You shouldn’t immediately run to the store and buy the first model you come across. Also, do not forget to study the technical characteristics of the device you like.

Do you know what other criteria you need to pay attention to when choosing a sound card? Write in the comments!