The best external sound cards for the computer. Integrated audio card VS Full Audio Interface ESI Maya44. Internal sound cards

To ensure the operation of the sound playback devices, the computer or laptop requires a sound card, also called audioparticle. Such devices are external, internal.

They also distinguish them by connection type: USB, PCI, PCI-E, Firewire, ExpressCard, PCMCIA. Buy a sound card on a computer is a difficult task that requires knowledge of the exact characteristics of the device into which it will be installed.

What is a sound card

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

external;
internal;
inner with an external module.

Why do you need a sound card

The sound card is needed for 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 by external playback modules any beep, since there is no other component with similar functions.

Device

The soundboard of the computer consists of several related hardware systems responsible for collecting, manufacturing, processing audio data. The purpose of two main audio systems is "Audit Clamp" and working with music: its synthesis, playback. Access to the memory of the device is carried out directly through a coaxial or optical cable. Sound generation occurs in the digital signals processor (DSP): it loses certain notes, adjusts their tone, frequency. The DSP power and the total amount of available notes is called polyphony.

Types of sound cards

You can find in the market of audio photographers in a shockproof, moistureproof case. This type is better suitable for connecting an advanced audio system, launch of the most powerful games. Separate fees and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution that is distinguished by the averaged parameters. Maps are divided into three types by dismantling, location relative to the device:

integrated;
internal discrete;
external discrete.

Best sound cards

A sound card selection is associated with difficulties. Such devices are multifucional, so the characteristic set for one audio driver can differ decorated from any other. Many expensive modules should be purchased only on sale or discounted, because their price can be overestimated. To understand what sound cards are suitable for a particular purpose, read the advantages, disadvantages, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

This audioist occupies a position of the class above other external devices on the market. It is an excellent choice for the studio entry:

model name: Motu 8A;
price: 60000 r.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 connection, additional Thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
pros: Support ASIO 2.0, control module on the housing;
cons: High price, illegal shell.

In the next model, MOTU standards provide high-quality signal processing, it is equipped with an external block, and the design pleases the eye:

model name: Motu 624;
price: 60000 r.;
characteristics: Connect Thunderbolt, via USB ports, 2 xlr inputs;
pros: simultaneous work with several multichannel systems;
cons: the need for additional nutrition is greatly heated.

Multichannel

The ST-LAB fee will delight high-quality sound and lack of digital noise:

model name: ST-LAB M360;
price: 1600 r.;
characteristics: The withdrawal of multichannel sound, DAC 16 bits / 48 kHz, 8 analog audio outputs;
pros: Compact external card, low cost;
cons: ASIO 1.0.

ASUS is distinguished by reliability, quality, durability of devices. Make yourself on the example of Xonar DGX:

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

PCI cards

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

model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
price: 5000 r.;
characteristics: PCI interface, DAC 24 bits / 192 kHz, multichannel sound 7.1;
pluses: Optical output S / PDIF, Support EAX V.2, ASIO 2.0;
cons: Periodically gives out loud digital noise.

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

model name: Creative Audigy;
price: 3000 r.;
features: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 Mini-Jack connector;
pros: Alternative drivers expand the capabilities of the audio card;
cons: publishes loud cotton when the device is turned off.

USB audio card

Portable audio information will be able to provide a magnificent audio signal anywhere:

model name: zoom uac-2;
price: 14000 r.;
features: External Card, USB 3.0 Interface, Shockproof Case, DAC 24 BIT / 196 kHz;
pros: Quality / cost required for a minimum for studio entry;
cons: no applied settings of the control panel buttons, there are no designations.

External computer modules must be not only comfortable, but also high quality. Line 6 POD will provide an opportunity to arrange an extended audio system, anywhere:

model Name: Line 6 Pod Studio UX2;
price: 16000 r.;
characteristics: 24 BIT / 96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, multichannel sound 7.1;
pros: the ability to connect a set of devices, excellent noise reduction;
cons: the price does not correspond to functionality, quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables give unsurpassed interference protection. Rate Clean sound with Universal Audio audiocards:

model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin Solo Thunderbolt;
price: 40000 r.;
characteristics: Optical output S / PDIF, EAX V.2, ASIO 2.0;
pros: Pure multichannel sound, excellent card for studio entry;
cons: Small number of outputs.

With the company ASUS, it became even easier to purchase a qualitative audiolate. Excellent combination cost / quality and clean sound will help appreciate any track:

model name: ASUS Strix RAID PRO;
price: 7000 r.;
characteristics: PCI-E interface, Optical output S / PDIF, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
pros: control panel, the ability to connect headphones up to 600 ohms;
cons: By conflicts with other audio drivers.

Sound card 7.1.

If it is difficult for you to find an inexpensive good audiolate, portability, reliability, ergonomics and extended management of this model will reveal all the possibilities of the audio system:

model Name: Hama 7.1 Surround USB;
price: 700 r.;
characteristics: External audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
pros: Easy control, good amplifier;
cons: Low Frequency.

Multichannel analog audio outputs contribute to a comfortable listening to favorite music with any audio systems:

model name: BEHRINGER U-CHORIA UM2;
price: 4000 r.;
characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
pros: perfectly suitable with the draft recording of the vocal party;
cons: There is no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1.

Common format 5.1 is suitable when using both simple and extended audio systems:

model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
price: 2000 p.;
characteristics: Integrated System System 5.1;
pros: Suitable to any computer, the map connects easily, quickly;
cons: Sound chips are badly soldered, which causes audio delays, connecting the microphone is unstable.

Creative SB Live! 5.1 Suitable for connecting professional audio systems and studio records:

model Title: Creative SB Live! 5.1;
price: 4000 r.;
characteristics: 6 Multichannel Sound Conclusions;
pluses: Support for sound extensions of modern computers;
cons: the card is not suitable for music mounted in view of low bit.

Audiophile

Real music lovers will be able to estimate the perfect sound, affordable with ASUS Sonar Essence Audiosets:

model name: ASUS Sonar Essence Stx II 7.1;
price: 18000 r.;
characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S / PDIF;
pros: Clean playback of vocals, tool music;
cons: NOT SSD Hard disks create strong background interference.

High-quality sound and unique solutions in the configuration of the drivers will improve your audio system with ASUS Xonar PHOEBUS:

model Name: Asus Xonar PhoeBus;
price: 10,000 p.;
characteristics: 2 analog channel, 2 connector 3.5 mm;
pros: All driver settings are located on a special window-banner;
cons: lack of technical support.

For headphones

Not all headphones can accurately pass the beep. Motu Audio Express converters solve this problem:

model name: Motu Audio Express;
price: 30000 r.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input / output, 2 headphone connector;
pros: Strong case, clean reproduction through headphones;
cons: close location of external controls.

Tascam offers audio payments to help musicians at the expense of an excellent signaling:

model Name: Tascam US366;
price: 10,000 p.;
features: USB 2.0, instrumental output, phantom power.
pros: Analog outputs and jack give the perfect sound;
cons: Unstable drivers.

For laptops

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

model name: Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro;
price: 5000 r.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, ASIO V.2.0, multichannel sound 5.1, 6 analog connectors;
pros: Headphone amplifier, stylish design;
cons: Does not support Linux OS.

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

model name: Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1;
price: 9000 r.;
characteristics: 24 bits / 96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, Connection via USB 2.0, Optical output S / PDIF;
pros: Extended microphone optimization capabilities, headphones;
cons: can produce digital noises when improving the load on the central processor.

For games

Sound Blaster line board guarantees a full immersion in the sound world of a computer game:

model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
price: 5000 r.;
characteristics: 24 bits / 192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multichannel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
pros: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
cons: During raking sound, a background noise appears.

The Gaming Acoustic Module UR22 differs from the analogues in the absence of distracting noise:

model Name: Steinberg UR22;
price: 12000 r.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 interface, 24 bps / 192 kHz, 2 multi-channel XLR outputs, jack, analog;
pros: availability of all necessary connectors;
cons: Registration in the driver support program can cause difficulties to the user.

Best budget sound card

There are inexpensive audio information on sale, in quality not inferior to expensive options:

model name: ASUS Xonar U3
price: 1400 r.;
characteristics: External audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bits / 42 kHz;
pros: perfectly improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
cons: no support for ASIO.

Creative offers cards that do not exceed 2000 rubles:

model name: Creative SB Play;
price: 1600 r.;
characteristics: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bits / 48 kHz, 2 analog connections;
pros: small, convenient audio card, durability;
cons: output frequency lower than most internal integrated circuit boards.

How to choose a sound card

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

Form factor. It is the type of location. The external card is needed only in certain cases, and the internal will not suit each device.
Reproduction frequency. Audio file formats may have different requirements for the frequency of the synthesized wave. For standard MP3 file you need 44.1 kHz, and for the DVD format already 192 kHz.
Signal level / noise. The higher the value, the better the sound. Standard sound - from 70 to 80 Decibel, perfect - about 100 dB.

External

The discrete sound card is designed to connect powerful professional audio systems creating almost perfect sound. She will suit the amateurs of computer games, in which the sound component is playing a big role. Important parameters:

Case. 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 internal audio cards or boards is built mainly around the presence of a slot for it or the type of fastening to the motherboard, but there are other criteria:

Connection type. The PCI connector was used in old Motherboard models, most producers it is replaced with PCI-Express. First find out which connector is supported by a computer.
Type of fastening. Internal maps can be discrete and integrated. To install the latter, you may need a computer wizard.

Video

In order to enjoy all the advantages of high-resolution video and the most modern computer games, both a productive processor and a powerful graphics adapter are necessary. However, very often users forget that for complete immersion in the atmosphere, high-quality multichannel sound is required. At the same time, the codecs, drivers and the built-in sound fee will not help a little in such a business. It is necessary a serious device. The article will describe how to choose a sound card. Useful tips when choosing also will not be ignored.

Built-in chips

Sound devices, sprinkled directly on the system card board, are unable to compete with discrete equipment. First of all, the codec installed on the motherboard, during its work actively uses processor resources, which a few percent reduces overall performance.

It happens that the built-in sound card is located in close proximity to the high-permanent power lines. The electromagnetic field created by them leads to an increase in interference and tip. The architecture of the built-in instrument is simplified to the maximum.

How to choose a sound card for a computer?

There are many hardware to derive sound, all of them can be divided into two types: music maps and multimedia.

The first group is used to record, play and process sound information. This makes them narrowly, and such devices are maintained mainly for musicians. They can be installed both inside the system unit, and connect to the USB connector. The price of equipment of this type is high.

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

Main characteristics

In order to select a sound card for a computer, it is necessary to get acquainted with the main characteristics of the device. First of all, the main task is installed on the board - processing the digital signal and the creation of its analog equivalent. This device is essentially the brain of the audio card.

Parameters of the DAC

How to choose a sound card for a computer, what characteristics should the DAC have? Almost always enough DAC, the discharge of which is 16 bits, and the maximum frequency of discretization is 48 kHz. The latter digit indicates how often the converter reads the signal during recording or playback.

It is believed that this parameter must double which will be reproduced. According to this theory, it can be said that almost 44.1 kHz is quite for any record; This level exceeds the threshold of frequencies hearing by man twice. However, tests show that the rule is not always performed as recorded on paper, which means it makes sense to choose a device with a greater sampling frequency for greater sound accuracy.

Marketing tricks

It must be said that the numbers written in advertising prospects are not always true, often they are greatly exaggerated. For example, a card with a claimed sampling frequency of 98 kHz may sound much worse than the device with more modest numbers. "How to choose to choose a sound card, if you can not believe the characteristics?" - User will ask. When studying technology, pay attention to the company that made the DAC. The best is considered to be Ti-Burr Brown, Wolfson, Texas Instruments.

In addition to the manufacturer, it is worth finding out the order number of the DAC. It indicates the "Advance" of the model. That is the more digit, the more modern development. You can check the code name of the chip on the manufacturer's website.

If the audiolate is set somewhat preferably so that they are all the same. Often, a high-quality DAC is used for central channels, and for others - inexpensive. This reduces not only the price of the final apparatus, but also the quality of multichannel sound.

EAX.

Before choosing a computer's sound card, ask if "iron" EAX technology supports. In addition, be sure to specify which version is used. Today, the oldest is 5.0.

If we speak simple words, EAX is an "audio" technology. Nearest analogue - DirectSound3D. It controls the coordinates of the source of audio signals in three-dimensional space. In computer games, this system is used most often, with its help effects are added to the game, creating the illusion of the remoteness of the sound source and its location relative to the listener (left, right, behind).

It is necessary to add that EAX emulates reflections and reverb. This gives the user a sense of the parameters of the gaming world. For an open world, a close room and an empty multi-storey building, the nature of the same audio record will be different.

ASIO.

ASIO is a protocol used to transmit sound information with minimal delays. The record 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, the presence of this technology is necessarily. If the computer is used not as a recording studio, but as a multimedia combine, Asio can be considered an optional function.

MIDI-interface

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

Using such an interface, an analog signal is applied to the audio device, and information about which key is pressed, to the end of whether it is omitted, with what force and speed you have pressed the user. All data is transmitted to the program, and the program already loses the sound. Moreover, the possibilities of these programs are huge. You can use those that emulate real tools (for example, a piano, guitar, drums), and you can create your own unique and nothing like presets.

Phantom nutrition

If the use of capacitor is implied, it should be aware that there is no sound card for a computer with such equipment. How to choose a suitable device? Everything is simple - ask about the presence of phantom nutrition on the audiolate. Remember that dynamic microphones require the lack of this item! Phantom nutrition can bring them out.

Tool and line inputs

If you are going to install an audiolate into your computer to record the electric guitar, it must have a tool input (another name is high).

His resistance level is high enough (about 1 mega), which creates an ability to change the signal from the tool to the computer without loss. If you connect the guitar to the usual entrance, a significant part of the overtones and low frequencies will be lost, which will make the sound deaf. In this case, it will be recorded not a ringing beautiful sound, but a deaf sound with a loss of low frequencies. A large microphone jack is often used as a connector.

Line input (LINE IN) is required to connect to the audiolate of various stereo devices, usually uses its connector for each channel. You cannot connect a guitar or microphone to it, the recording volume in this case will be very quiet.

Built-in preamp

The preamp is another module that can be equipped with a sound card for a computer. How to choose a lot and what is suitable better - with him or without it?

To begin with, it should be sorted out what a preamp is. The amplitude of the signal that comes from the microphone to the input is very low. For recording you have to strengthen it, and then stabilize the volume. It is this feature that is assigned to the preamp. Not all audio payments have it in stock. Even if the device has an input for a microphone, the preampline may not be there. Then his work is engaged in software. However, in this case, the amplitude of not only the useful signal is increasing, but also noise noise.

Choose a sound card for PC: Is the preamplifier required?

For musicians or speakers, the presence of a preamp will be a good bonus. But it did not cost in this case and without a spoon of tar. The quality of the built-in amplifiers is almost always quite modest, the price is due to such an embedded element significantly. It must be said that adding an additional device of this type can always be, so you should not write it to the list of mandatory.

Conclusion

Since you can choose a sound card, not spending time, it is impossible, you will have to get acquainted with a large number of offers from different stores of computer equipment. Of course, if you have no desire to study the numbers, you can go differently by comparison. To do this, you need to listen to the same audio record on different devices. In this case, the right one that sounds most nice.

Remember that audio pay is only part of the sound playback system. A high-quality amplifier and solid speakers are also required. Without them, all efforts to selection of equipment will be in vain.

Motherboards are equipped with an integrated sound card, but unfortunately, it does not always give high-quality sound. If the user needs to improve its quality, then the proper and optimal solution will be the acquisition of a discrete sound card. In this article we will tell you what characteristics should pay attention during the choice of this device.

The difficulty in choosing is different parameters for each user separately. Some need only playback of music, others are interested in high-quality sound. The number of required ports also changes depending on the requirements. Therefore, we recommend to determine from the very beginning, for what purpose you are going to use the device, and then you can already move to a detailed study of all characteristics.

Type of sound card

Total two types of sound cards are allocated. The most common are embedded options. They connect to the motherboard through a special connector. Such cards are inexpensive, there are always a large selection in stores. If you want to simply improve the sound in a stationary computer, then feel free to choose a map of such a form factor.

External options are of order more expensive and their range is not very big. Almost all of them are connected via USB. In some cases, it is impossible to install a built-in sound card, so users remain only to purchase an external model.

I would like to note that there are expensive professional models with the IEEE1394 connection type. Most often, they are equipped with preamplifiers, additional optical inputs and outputs, analog and MIDI inputs.

There are very cheap models, externally they look like a simple flash drive. There are two mini-jack connectors and the add / decreased buttons. Such options are more often used as a temporary plot in the absence or failure of the main card.

Rarely meet models in which Thunderbolt is used to connect. Such audio interfaces are characterized by a high price and fast signal transmission rate. They use copper and optical cables, due to which the speed from 10 to 20 Gb / s is achieved. Most often, such audio cards are used to record tools, such as guitars and vocals.

Key Features and Connectors

There are a number of parameters that should be taken into account during the selection of the model for purchase. Let's wonder each of them and appreciate its importance.

Sampling frequency. The quality of both record and playback depends on the value of this parameter. It displays the frequency and resolution of the conversion of analog sound into digital and vice versa. For home use, there will be enough 24 bits / 48 or 96 kHz.
Inputs and outputs. Each user needs a different number of connectors in the audio interface. This parameter is selected individually, based on the tasks that the map will perform.
Compatibility with Dolby Digital or DTS standards. Support for this sound standard will be useful to those who are used by the audio card while watching movies. Dolby Digital creates a multichannel surround sound, but there is a deficiency, namely there is a strong compression of information.
If you are going to connect a synthesizer or MIDI keyboard, make sure that the desired model is equipped with appropriate connectors.
So that the number of noise is minimal, you need to consider the "Signal" and "Noise Ratio" parameters. They are measured in dB. The value should be as high as possible, preferably from 80 to 121 dB.
If the card is bought for PC, then it must support ASIO. In the case of Mac, the data transfer protocol is called Core Audio. Using these protocols helps to record and reproduce with minimal delay, as well as a universal interface for the input and output of information.
Questions with food may occur only in those who choose an outer sound card. It either has external food, or feeds from a USB or other connection interface. With a separate power connections, you get the best job, as it does not depend on the power of the computer, and on the other hand, an additional outlet will be required and another cord will be added.

Benefits of an external sound card

Why are the external sound cards cost more and what are they better built-in options? Let's deal with this in more detail.

The best manufacturers and their

All owners of musical instruments, like fans of laptops, sooner or later, a desire to expand the capabilities of their devices appear. In the case of laptops, everything is clear - the regular sound subsystem is not enough to implement high-quality and surround sound.

As for the musicians - as a rule, it is interesting for them to experiment with music and the desire to connect, for example, the electric guitar to the computer to record your own compositions - the no reason for buying external sounds. PC owners, by the way, are also not always satisfied with the regular sound card with a popular codec from Realtek, and they want more from it. And if there is a dimming video card in the system unit, a "sound card" shove nowhere.

Recently, this topic has become interesting to our readers, so we decided to choose the best external sound cards for different tasks, using the recommendations of our engineers from the test laboratory. Below in the material we will present you a few best devices in our opinion and tell about each of them in detail.

What external audio card to choose?

Let's first decide: for what tasks the external sound card is bought. If you need to handle sound and sound recorded - the solution must be sought in the professional class of devices, but for the organization of an acoustic system to obtain good surrounding sound, you can not chase expensive models with the PROT prefix. In our review, affordable solutions prevail, but there are also options for professionally working with sound.

When creating music in special programs, it is important that your PC is equipped with at least 4 GB of RAM and audio card with support for ASIO drivers.

First place: Creative Sound Blaster X7

The outer sound card is ideal for gamers and kinomans who want to fill the space around themselves with an impressive sound. No matter what device you connect to it, columns 7.1 or headphones, the sound will be powerful and clean, especially if you use this sound with the Creative E-MU XM7 speakers. Using this kit, you accurately distinguish the sound of all musical instruments in the track track. The excellent version of the "all-in-one" for Geimer-Melomanana, who is also not averse to feel like a sound engineer.

The sound card received the Burr-Brown PCM1794 DAC by 127 dB, provides an output of HD sound in a resolution of 192 kHz / 24 bits - a real Hi-Fi-level. At the same time, the sound can simultaneously act as an external DAC (USB DAC), which works autonomously without PC participation and is able to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth protocol. Supports encoding and decoding APTX, which provides minimal sound losses when transmitting sound "by air".

Price: about 25 000 rubles

Second place: BEHRINGER U-CHORIA UMC204

One of the best sound cards in the budget segment, which provides a withdrawal of good and detailed sound with dynamic bass. It is performed in a solid metal case, supports ASIO, simultaneously connecting two microphones or musical instruments. True, it is worth considering one nuance: if you buy an external map exclusively for listening to music, then it should be noted that when using it, the sound becomes so brighter that in some metal compositions it can lose its "severity".

Despite the available cost, refers to semi-professional solutions, so it is more logical to use it in the studio mode with the appropriate software for recording and mixing sound. Note that each audio input is equipped with a preamplifier and phantom nutrition (48 volts), which is provided for working with condenser microphones. Sound resolution is worthy of 96 kHz / 24 bits.

Price: About 9000 rubles

Third place: Steinberg UR242

Strict performance of an external sound card in a metal case gives it a stylish and classic look. The device is quite portable, so you can safely take with you on visiting recording. Among the connectors on board are two linear combo inputs with phantom nutrition, two ordinary linear inputs and access to headphones. All you need for most tasks.

Guitarists will surely appreciate the presence of a software mixer DSPMIXFX, DSP effects for sound processing and the ability to play active pickups. And the fans of "apple" products will be able to take advantage of the autonomous work with Apple tablets. Impressions adds high sound resolution 24 bits / 192 kHz. In addition, in a set of software for professional work with sound: Cubase AI, Basic FX Suite and Cubasis LE.

Price: about 13 000 rubles

Fourth place: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

A good sound card that lost several points due to problems with the installation of drivers. In this regard, when buying will have to pierce a little: first set the first version of the drivers from the official site, and then set more than recently in the search for the most optimal for the implementation of high-quality sound.

But if everything goes successfully, from the quality of reproduction and recording you will be delighted. On board the two microphone preamp, the DAC with the sound resolution of 96 kHz / 24 bits, linear and instrumental modes switches, handles to control the amplification to each channel, with LED indication, which will indicate overload.

The quality of the assembly and hardware filling of the sound card at a high level, and to use it takes a relatively powerful PC or laptop. However, for professional studio work, we do not recommend buying it. It is better to pay attention to more expensive analogs.

Price: About 9500 rubles

Fifth place: Native Instruments Traktor Audio 6

A professional sound card is perfect for sound engineering and DJ tasks. Traktor Audio 6. from Native Instruments. It is noteworthy with its simplicity: no additional settings need to be made after connecting. In addition, the device is concluded in a durable metal case, which protects it from physical influences. LED LED backlight is not just an element of design. From a practical point of view, this is a very competent move that allows you to work with a sound card in poor lighting conditions.

Traktor Audio 6. It has a good equipping and allows you to connect up to three stereo sources. In general, on the map Three line outputs, headphone jack, USB interface for connecting to a PC, external power port (map can work autonomously). Cirrus Logic CS4270 converters installed here provides sound resolution support up to 24 bits / 192 kHz, dynamic range 105 dB, distortion + noise 87 dB. And then complete with the map is advanced DJ by Traktor LE 2, intended for mixing of finished tracks.

Price: about 20 000 rubles