Overview of 4 types of the best sound cards: how to choose what to buy, the pros and cons, features, rating

Sound cards (boards, chips, sound cards) are devices for processing sound in computer or laptop. Chips outputted and recorded acoustic signal. By using audio card is supplied to the sound loudspeakers, headphones etc. The first board is mounted in a slot. By contrast, modern audio converters are built into the motherboard of most PCs. Manufacturers make and autonomous sound, which are located outside of the computer. Outdoor models are connected to the system via a separate connector.

How to choose a sound card

Before you buy a sound card, decide how it will be used. Amateur board inexpensive, connected via USB. Such audio devices improve the quality of sound reproduction, easy to connect, working with a single device.

The most powerful audio card are connected via a PCI slot, or a modified PCI-Express. They are inside a PC or on a separate chassis. Usually, additional interfaces to connect them. Some models are equipped with their own DSP processors. This offloads the main processor of the computer and has a positive effect on the quality of Audio dubbing.

Which requires payment

Sound is used to improve the sound quality:

• when watching movies;
• listening to music;
• at game consoles;
• for professional use with musical instruments.

To improve the sound quality in everyday use sound cards with a single input and output. If you plan on watching movies in the home theater, set models with 2 inputs. To use the sound professionally processed by a device having the 3-4 slot.

To create audio effects using EAX technology. She demanded in games with multi-channel sound reproduction series.

Device sound cards

The sound card is:

• an analog filter that suppresses the interference in the audio signal conversion to digital;
• analog-to-digital converter (APC), which converts the sound into a digital number;
• digital processing unit, changing the sampling frequency (imposes effects);
• integration of the device with a computer or laptop;
• digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that provides listening to speakers, headphones;
• a filter for suppressing interference when converting a digital signal into sound.

How do the boards

At first, the sound is converted into numbers APC. Then processed by the program for the pure and high-quality sound. The resulting sound into a digital number is converted again into an acoustic number by the DAC. Processed audio output to headphones or other connected devices.

For easy connection of audio jacks are designed for a variety of operations, painted in special colors.

1. Microphone - pink.
2. Line in - blue.
3. Linear output (front speakers or headphones) - Green.
4. Linear output center channel or subwoofer - orange.
5. Yield for the surround sound speakers in the side - gray.
6. Output for the rear speakers - black.

What are the cards

Sound cards are distinguished by the location - both external and internal (integrated or discrete), for its intended purpose - to notebook or computer. Distinguish the board of sound intensity, frequency. New models create 3D-sound, contain several chips to maintain a high speed, performing several functions at once.

In most PC card in a motherboard. For use on the amateur level of sound produced such a card is enough. To get a high-quality audio, use additional sound cards. Often audio card setup is necessary after the failure of the main card.

subtleties choice

For a successful choice pay attention to the performance of the boards:

• frequency range;
• type tires;
• the ratio signal: noise;
• resistance;
• memory size;
• number of channels;
• location;
• cost.

Particular attention is paid to the signal: noise ratio. It shows how many times the sound more noise. Noise when playing computer sound always appears, but the most common cause is the sampling error. Often manufacturers supplied inaccurate correlation value, understating indicator. When choosing card based on their own perception of the sound. A good map should have:

• capacity of at least 24 bits;
• the ratio signal: noise in the range 100-114 dB;
• for use with musical instruments in the card must be provided to connect them.

the best views

Each type of audio card has its own technical indicators, price range. Devices with a sound work near have their advantages and disadvantages.

Best External Sound Card

External cards are used to play Audio dubbing on a professional level. This plastic or metal boxes with multiple slots for input and output. Connection to the computer is performed with special devices.

Cheap models give the sound of low quality, expensive options provide high-quality sound, have additional controls to adjust.

Characteristics

• connectivity - USB, firewire;
• bit - 24 bit;
• frequency - to 192 kHz;
• signal: noise - 90-114 dB;
• multi-channel connection - yes;
• ASIO system - provided depending on the model.

pros

• do not depend on interference due to autonomy;
• It can be easily connected to a computer;
• They have great functionality in comparison with the internal chips;
• You can connect a microphone;
• supplied with the software automatically updates the driver;
• in case of damage there is no need to disassemble the computer.

Minuses

• We need strong loudspeakers;
• Additional space is required is a PC, and if the sound card is powerful, it takes a lot of space;
• to work requires a separate power supply;
• expensive.

Ranking of the best models

• Dynamode C-Media 108 (7.1) - better sound;
• ASUS Xonar U7 - Home Theater;
• Bahamut - play sound card.

Better internal sound card

Internal boards are integrated and discrete.

integrated card

This type of card is a chip soldered to the motherboard. This is the cheapest option, designed for those who sound quality is not so important. Themselves integrated chips reproduce high-quality sound. But by placing in charge there is noise. Most often interfere with playback sound quality electrical interference.

discrete chips

This is the first payment, which allowed to reproduce the sound of a number of the computer. They are placed in a PCI-slot, equipped with sound processor, which reduces the load on the main processor. Due to the high quality autonomy receive the acoustic signal. With their help, connect speakers, headphones, home theater. The package with the discrete chip includes a CD with the software. It automatically handles the sound.

Characteristics

• installed in a PCI or PCIE-slot;
• bit - 24 bit;
• signal: noise - 75-90 dB;
• multichannel output - no.

pros

• compact - no place for the installation of the chip;
• discrete board reduce the load on the central processor;
• cheap.

Minuses

• poor quality of the reproduced sound;
• in the case of failure it is necessary to disassemble the computer;
• integrated chips do not have a processor that increases the load on the main processor and reduces its power;
• subject to electromagnetic interference;
• often work with only one source.

Ranking of the best internal card

• ASUS Xonar D2 / PM - universal card;
• Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx - to work with the music;
• Creative Sound Blaster Z - gaming board.

Best sound card for laptop

Laptops are not usually equipped with a high quality digital sound. To get a good sound using external sound cards. The latest models are connected via USB. In addition to creating high-quality audio series by connecting external media cards, reduces the load on the processor in the older and low-power laptops.

Some devices for external connection are sized and shaped flash, others represent a box with buttons for controlling the operation.

Characteristics

• bit - 24 bit;
• frequency - 192kHz;
• ratio signal: noise - 114 dB;
• resistance of about 150 ohms.

pros

• multi-channel model;
• easy connection;
• high audio quality;
• Some samples have surround sound;
• of the adapters can be connected in addition to headphones 8 and microphone channels.

Minuses

• Additional space is required for the card;
• high price;
• sometimes when you connect the laptop can not see the map, then you need to include through the other end.

Ranking of the best models

• Creative Sound Blaster Play 2 - Universal board;
• FOCUSRITE SCARLETT SOLO STUDIO 2ND GEN - for professional musicians;
• ASUS Xonar U7 - Sound for home theater.

Best sound card for your computer

Sound cards for computers sold with drivers. Devices provide integration card to the PC. If there is no disc, program download online audio card manufacturer. Installing the card is carried out just as modern operating systems to quickly find and download the sound card drivers.

Connection is carried out through connectors located on the sides or at the rear. In some of the provided PC game port.

Characteristics

• sound - 24 dB;
• frequency - 192kHz;
• the combination of the signal: noise - 75-114 dB;
• multipathing.

pros

• easy connection;
• multifunctionality;
• high sound quality;
• connecting multiple devices without loss of reproduction quality;
• It works well over a wide range of signal: noise;
• high power;
• possibility of connecting professional sound cards with great functionality;
• high speed.

Minuses

• Installation requires additional space;
• relatively expensive.

Ranking of the best models

• AVID - working with musical instruments;
• UAD-2 DSP - universal;
• Egosystems Juli @ ̶ used for games.

Although modern PCs come with integrated audio devices, connecting autonomous audio card outputs an audio playback on a professional level, expanding the scope of work with sound.