Comparative characteristics of modern sound cards. How to choose a sound card for a computer? Best External Premium Sound Cards

The best sound cards 2015 combine practicality, clean sound without interference, minimum load on the processor and functionality. How to determine them among the entire range of stores? What to pay attention to? Our rating will help in this.

Internal sound cards

The device of this type is installed in the systemic block itself, which does not clutch the space with a large size and multiple wires. The most popular manufacturers of such cards are ASUS and Creative. The first is produced under the Xonar brand and is characterized by high-quality and detailed sound, a variety of ports and the presence of a special cap protecting from electromagnetic interference. The only disadvantage is the data processor processor processor. Therefore, this option is great for music lovers.

For gamers, the perfect devices of the manufacturer Creative, not loading the central processor.

PCI type budget sound card rating is headed by ASUS Xonar DS model, approximate cost - 3750 rubles. Clean sound and high frequency of the DAC, 4 analog connections and 8 channels - its main advantages. Among the shortcomings are a small number of settings and relative high costs.

In second place, the device of the same brand - Xonar DG, approximate price - 2020 rubles. Quick installation, 3 analog connector, optical output - excellent advantages at low cost. However, this is not the best option for connoisseurs of high quality and detailed sound.

The third line belongs to Creative Audigy SE for 2170 rubles. A good amplifier, fast and easy-to-install, low price and support for EAX not everyone compensate for the low frequency and no optical output.

Top Sound Cards 2015 are represented by the following models:

Esi Maya44 for 10640 rubles. It is valued for crystal clear sound, many connectors and phantom nutrition;
RME HDSP 9632 for 23611 rub. It has a large number of cables, which is rather minus than dignity, and high-quality sound;
Xonar Essense St for 12460 rubles. It guarantees crystal clear sound and protection against noise for a reasonable amount. Disadvantage - it is necessary to provide a device to the device.

External Best Sound Cards 2015

The outer sound card is connected through a USB cord to various techniques - computers, laptops and tablets. Among their tangible advantages - protection against electromagnetic interference and additional connectors that expand the functionality of the device. However, there is also a disadvantage - multiple wires that require additional space.

The budget category of the best cards is represented by ASUS Xonar U7 models (average cost - 6435 rubles) and Creative SB Play (price 2339 rubles). The advantages of the first are compact size, the maximum frequency of the DAC, 5 analog connectors and 8 channels and convenient control. The second device is distinguished by low price and low frequency of the DAC.

Excellent only professional sound cards. For example, M-Audio M-Track Plus worth 11240 rubles. It is distinguished by phantom nutrition, coaxial outputs and inputs, 2 microphone inputs and 2 XLR connector.

Choose a sound card now easily: the main thing is to determine the desired characteristics and features of operation.

High quality recording and sound reproduction in a home studio requires relevant financial costs. The bulk of the budget will not go on and high-quality switching (although these components also need to be invested), but to acquire a productive audio interface.

Those who are going to buy an audio interface, you need to decide on the budget and list of capabilities of the sound card. Think how many inputs and outputs you need, what tools and devices you will connect, and what music to record. Based on this information, highlight the list of suitable models will be much easier.

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BEHRINGER UCA 202/222.

The cheapest sound cards for a home recording studio that can play and write a linear stereo signal with quality noticeably above the built-in cards. Moreover, in the UCA202 / 222 models there is a completely normal headphone preamp, and there was also a place for the optical exit S / PDIF to connect to better equipment.

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BEHRINGER UMC22.

Behringer UMC is one of the most inexpensive sound cards for home recording studio. It is cheap, equipped with the most necessary: \u200b\u200bphantom nutrition and microphone preamps are ready for recording any material. If you drop out Outdated ASIO driver from Behringer and the need to enjoy common Asio4all, UMC22 can be considered as a working version for every day if you are constrained in the means. The youngest line model, UM2, is better not to consider - its sound characteristics are not far away from the built-in sound cards.

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Esi Maya22 USB.

One of the most inexpensive sound cards for a home studio with full phantom nutrition, normal microphone preamps, guitar HIZ and a linear entrance. With sound, everything is in order: in our opinion, it sounds and writes maya22 better than any cards from Behringer. It is especially worth noting its compact size that does not exceed a pack of cigarettes - Maya22 can be taken with you anywhere.

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IK Multimedia Irig 2 HD

A very popular guitar interface for the iPhone - can be played through dozens of treatments from the amplitube emulator and write yourself to your smartphone. The device is equipped with headphones and a port for connecting the combination. In the West, such a device will be found in the arsenal of almost any guitarist with an iPhone: a couple of taps and you have already recorded a high-quality demo or a batch for the next song.

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Roland Rubix22.

Some of the most popular cards on the market. With sound and opportunities, everything is in perfect order: 2 microphone inputs, one tool input, one linear (stereo) and MIDI connectors. What highlights this card against the backdrop of competitors, this is her access to headphones whose power does high-level models without any problems.

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ESI U22 XT.

Excellent sound card for home recording studio. The ESI brand is, of course, not as cool as Focusrite or Roland, but it did not affect the abilities of the interface. Equipped with a linear stereo engine, which is useful when recording a synthesizer or work through a guitar processor. The most important thing is one of the few cards running under Linux from the box. You want to save it wisely - take, not mistaken.

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BEHRINGER UMC202HD / UMC204HD

Unlike the younger UM2 and UMC22 models, working under the standard system audio server and limited in sound records up to 96 kHz and 16 bits, UMC202HD and UMC204HD are able to record a signal with a 192 kHz discretization frequency and a 24 bit bit. Both models are equipped with 2 combined microphone / guitar / linear inputs, a separate output to headphones with its own level adjustment and outputs to monitors. Additionally, UMC204HD offers two more outputs for connecting monitors and MIDI In / Out ports.

What is more important: the cost of cards, at a minimum, is 30% cheaper than analogs. At the same time, it is impossible to say that they sound worse than competitors - the sound at the level, and the cards themselves can be considered seeing work horses without unnecessary delights and at an affordable price.

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Steinberg UR12

Competitor Focusrite Scarlett Solo. The main advantages are a pleasant sound, ease of use, stability. Of the minuses: the lack of a guitar login switch to the linear mode - to connect an external preamp will not be released.

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Audient id4

Audient sound cards appeared in the domestic market not so long ago, but quickly became popular to musicians. ID4 model is the main competitor Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Steinberg UR12. In our opinion, in comparison with competitors, the Audient products sound much better thanks to high-quality preams from the Audient professional studio consoles.

Among the main features id4 are two independent headphones (come in handy when recording), as well as the assigned ScrollControl regulator. The latter can manage any parameters of plugins and the DAW itself: change the loudness of the tracks, panorama, equalizer settings and any other devices and handles. Of the minuses: there is no linear input and MIDI interface. It is easily completed with the second, it's hard, but it is difficult to demand more from budget audiocards stupid.

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PRESONUS AUDIOBOX USB 96

A novelty from Presonus, having every chance of getting out in the top 5 best-selling cards of 2019. For a reasonable price, buyers receive 2 combined inputs, the MIDI-interface and the almost complete absence of noise than the previous generation sinned.

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen

The most popular sound card for home recording in the Russian Federation. The minimum required set of functions in the face of a guitar / linear input, affordable price and good sound - the main advantages of the model.

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Shure Motiv MVI

Miniature single-channel SHURE MOTIV MVI sound card works with any devices running Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android operating systems. Motiv MVI is equipped with one combined input, one stereo mode, a touch screen from which the main parameters of the card are managed, and the built-in presets for writing vocals and guitars.

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M-Audio M-Track 2 × 2 / 2x2m

By the quality of the sound of the M-Audio M-Track card, the Focusrite Scarlett and Steinberg Ur are no longer inferior to the Focusrite Scarlett Line. Both models offer 2 microphone / guitar / linear inputs, and in 2x2m there was a place and a MIDI connector. Due to the fact that all controls are put on the top panel with a large central regulator, with cards very convenient to work. Included with both models there is a huge pack of all sorts of software - like a trifle, and nice.

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Steinberg ur22 mkii.

Main competitor Scarlett 2i2. Sounds a little better Focusrite (although to someone as), equipped with a MIDI interface and just one guitar entrance. If you need a MIDI interface and a sharpening under Cubase - take UR22 MKII, want to record two guitars in parallel - see aside 2i2.

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Tascam US-2 × 2

Competitor Focusrite SSARLETT 2I2, Steinberg UR22, Audient ID14 and other similar audio interfaces. The device from Tascam offers exactly the same features as other cards of this level. Nevertheless, some buyers note that Tascam sounds better, but this or not - the question is controversial. Of the features, you can note the possibility of working with the iPad and iPhone - if you are a supporter of mobile recording, then it is worth seeing.

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Mackie Onyx Producer 2 2

High-quality sound card from Mackie guys. Ergonomic and compact device with a solid strong housing "Build Like a Tank", excellent CC / Az transducers, the possibility of recording in 192 kHz / 24 bits and MIDI ports. The manufacturer also notes an analog signal passing scheme, phantom power on both inputs and monitoring with zero delay.

Compared to the analogues from Focusrite, Roland and Audient, Mackie Device - a more winble option for the price, whose opportunities are no worse than competitors. If there are no brand preferences and want to get an excellent card for a home studio at an affordable price - consider Onyx Producer 2 2. For those who need an even more compact and inexpensive device with a similar equipment, the Mackie portfolio presents the younger model onyx ARTIST 1 2.

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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen

Those who are small Solo features, Focusrite offers a more functional model 2I2. Here are defined exactly the same preamps, as in the younger model, but in contrast to Solo, 2i2 can work with 2 microphones or guitars (HIZ). In addition, the card is equipped with a set of balanced outputs and a separate headphone volume regulator.

In addition to the single delivery option, 2i2 is included in the Focusrite Scarlett Studio set, consisting of a card, a good microphone, closed headphones and cable to switch all this joy. The price will turn out to be a little more expensive than when buying only an audio interface, but it will be fully ready for the recording set - bought and write down.

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Yamaha Ag06.

The combination of the audio interface and mixer console is excellent suitable for recording and podcasting. Six inputs, D-Pre preamplifiers, built-in DSP processor effects, several outputs for headphones and monitors, phantom nutrition and other other features. If you do not want to overpay, but you need more than two entries for recording, think about AG06 - the choice is more than adequate what we are.

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Roland Rubix24.

All the same as in the younger model Rubix22, but with additional stereo mode, advanced monitoring and, more important, built-in compressor / limiter. The latter is especially useful for those who lead podcasts and goes to the network live - the signal will always be at the level.

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Audient id14

Elder brother ID4. Among the differences is the ability to record a linear stereo signal from a synthesizer or a guitar processor and two combined entrances with phantom power supply, two stereo on monitoring. The sound at the highest level, while ID14 preamplifiers offer greater reinforcement stock in comparison with the younger model.

The presence of an optical adat entrance can be considered killer-feathers. Thanks to the input, the number of input channels can be significantly increased: it is enough to buy any Behringer ADA8200 to get 10 channels of high-quality sound. Due to the highest sound quality and excellent scalability of Audient ID14 - this is the best sound card for home recording studio in the range of 15,000-16,000 rubles.

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Steinberg UR242.

Extended UR22 version with additional outputs on monitors and built-in DSP processor. The latter allows you to use different effects and processing in real time, without loading the computer processor.

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Focusrite Scarlett 2I4 2nd Gen

Those who lack the outputs on the 2i2 models, it is worth looking towards Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. Characteristics and insides are identical here, except for another pair of stereo modes on monitors and MIDI ports.

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Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

Sound card, positioned by Native Instruments as a tool for protruding DJs - a metal housing will protect it from any effects. The sound is excellent, equipment too: microphone and guitar inputs, linear inputs and even MIDI ports. Complete with the map there is a rich set of DJ and studio programs, plug-ins and virtual tools from Steinberg and Native Instruments.

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Steinberg UR44.

A more advanced version of U242 with 4 inputs instead of 2 and DSP effects. The card works great with Cubase, supports recording with a 192 kHz discretization frequency and 24 bits, and also equipped with two independent headphones.

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Zoom uac-2

Very popular sound card with USB 3.0. In demand among those who want to get a minimum delay when playing a tool: for example, among guitarists who constantly use guitar emulators. The map is able to record and reproduce audio with a 192 kHz sampling frequency and 24 bits, equipped with a DSP mixer and good monitoring capabilities. Not counting the speed USB 3.0, there is little different in the quality of work from the analogs from Focusrite, Roland or Steinberg.

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Audient id22

No matter how modestly it did not sound, but ID22 is the best sound card for home recording studio within 30,000 rubles. Audient interfaces features a very high sound quality comparable to more expensive and professional models from RME, Motu and Focusrite.

The main feature is very developed architecture. In addition to the usual combined microphone guitar inputs with the emulation of the lamp amplifier cascade, ID22 is equipped with input and output inserts to connect external analog processing. Using ADAT, the number of channels can be brought to 10 at the inlet and 14 at the output, which can be controlled in the digital console.

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Universal Audio Arrow

One of the most affordable and productive thunderbolt interfaces in the Universal Audio portfolio. Durable case, recording in 192 kHz / 24 bits and productive DSP processor UAD-2 SOLO CORE to work with special UAD-plugins supplied in the kit. Records the card is great, it is not worse, the delays are automatically eliminated from the DSP side.

14 Plugins from the supply kit not only remove the load from the computer processor, but also offer emulations of the classical studio equipment of incredible quality. The latter is a real killer feature of all devices from Universal Audio, and Arrow is the most affordable way of possessing them. Of 34

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

The flagship of the SCARLETT sound card line offers 8 microphone preamplifiers with phantom power and amplification of 60 dB, two independent access to headphones and a separate rich monitoring section. In addition, the device is equipped with digital inputs and outputs, a MIDI-interface, Word Clock port and magnificent AC / CA transducers - you can not worry about the quality of sound and record.

If you are going to record many different sound sources and more or less serious, are not constrained in the means and want to get a single center for all studio tasks, then the 18i20 is your choice. Included with the device Buyers receive licenses for the NOVATION BASS STATION software, a set of plug-ins with Focusrite Scarlett Plug-in Suite and a Digital Workstation Ableton Live Lite.

In general, many opportunities are about all this magnificence. The card will become an indispensable assistant in both the studio and concerts. Nevertheless, for such wealth will have to pay a lot - the cost of Arturia AudioFuse begins from 45,000 rubles.

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Universal Audio Apollo Twin Mkii Duo

Universal Audio Twin MKII DUO sound card is built around two Sharc DSP DSP processors opening access to the digital signal processing UAD plugins without using computer resources. In order to "unload" a personal computer processor, special UAD plugins supplied with the audio interface will be required. The device is equipped with 2 inputs (one of them Hi-z) and 4 outputs, optical digital input S / PDIF, built-in function of the Monitor Talkback, and allows you to record 24 bits / 192 kHz.

The model is characterized by high-quality sound, microphone prostrators Unison, plugins of analogue modulation, as well as multiple functions of routing and control of the beep. Musicians and sound engineers will have to taste the possibility of remote control of the studio monitoring system with the support of four modes of operation: Mono, Mute, Dim and Alt Monitors.

When buying, pay attention to the thunderbolt login on your computer (Apple's computer and laptops and laptops can be calm - they are all at once). In addition, the sound card will require an external source of electricity.

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RME BABYFACE PRO.

The most interesting, high-quality, advanced and stable, which can be found within 60 000 rubles. BabyFace Pro is charged in full: 4 inputs and outputs, two headphones outputs, MIDI interface, ADAT extension ports, built-in DSP processor. By connecting the map to the iPad, you can turn the bundle into a full-fledged digital mixer.

The quality of the record at the height is to use BabyFace Pro, you can both at home and on a professional studio.

Before I start pouring a ton of information on you, let's understand with you - a standard sound card that is planted on your motherboard is only a stub. That is, it transmits the sound, you can play games, listen to music and watch movies, but the quality is the very lowest. You yourself should understand this, because the chip on the board takes a couple of square centimeters and this is the whole sound system. In decent sound cards from ASUS, such chip takes only a tenth share of the entire printed circuit board. So if you have a desire to enjoy a more or less high-quality sound in games, when listening to music or watch movies, then without a sound card you can not do. Even the cheapest card of rubles for 300 will be better than that it is originally in your motherboard. For this reason, we decided to start another selection cycle and tell you about those sound cards that can be purchased and getting a lot of pleasure from them. Today, the conversation will go about inexpensive external sound cards, that is, disassemble the computer and something is not necessary somewhere. This is a plus, because not everyone knows how to do it, and even if your computer is purchased and under warranty, then it is impossible to print its body.

ASUS Xonar U3.

ASUS Xonar U3 sound card is the cheapest of everything we could advise you. Yes, there are cheaper options on the market, and if you order from China, then there can be ordered in thirty rubles at all. This product is very compact and occupies the same place as the usual flash drive. ASUS Xonar U3 is connected to a computer via a USB connector that on one side is good, because you do not need to throw additional cables and everything in such a spirit, but also there are available - on budget motherboards and so few USB connectors. The maximum frequency of the DAC here is 48 kHz, the discharge of the DAC 16 bits. Despite its tiny size and pretty simple characteristics, already on such a sound map you will hear the differences from the built-in chip. True, there will be no improved positioning in games or something like that. The sound became cleaner, some frequencies began to listen, although they were not before, and all on it. Distinctive quality is the ability to connect a map to MAC computers, in order to then connect playing headphones with two plugs. The cost of the simplest and very relevant at the time of the crisis card is 2100 rubles. We recommend it novice "listeners."

HIFIMAN EXPRESS HM-101

Most likely, you never heard about the sound card Hifiman Express HM-101, as the manufacturer is not the most popular in the CIS. Nevertheless, we have long understood that it is not necessary to look at the logos, but on the possibility of the product. So now, the sound card immediately repeats the characteristics of a competitor from Asus, and the price is approximately the same. Here, the maximum frequency of the DAC is 48 kHz, and the discharge of 16 bits. The sound card is also connected via USB, but if the ASUS Xonar U3 is connected directly to the computer or laptop, then the card is connected to a corporate cable, where at one end the USB connector, and on the second - microUSB. As for me, it is a bit more convenient only if you use a card with a laptop or tablet - the neighboring slots will not be overlapped. On the opposite side of the map there are two connectors for connecting headphones and a microphone, which, again, will be the ideal for laptops with a combined 3.5-mm entrance, where ordinary two jacks headphones simply do not stick. The cost of a more convenient option is 2800 rubles, but I do not see the point of overpaying - the sound quality is the same.

Creative Sound Blaster E1

Many users are used to that a cool sound card must be hefty, with a bunch of connectors, sliders and switches. However, we look at the Creative Sound Blaster E1 and understand that the size of the sound card is not an indicator and even more than one - we consider it the best in your segment. Just imagine, absolutely everything can be connected to this sound card! Smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, game headphones with microphone, stationary microphone for voice recording, microphone for singing in karaoke, home audio system. It seems to me that in the world just no more options somehow give the sound. In terms of sound, we really liked the card that while listening to music, which is in games. The corporate software allows you to customize the surround sound and it significantly improves the quality of the game, especially in shooters, and the equalizer is absolutely everything with the ability to configure everything, makes any tracks clearer and bright. If you wish, you can connect two headphones to the sound card and watch the movie, for example, together. The cost of the best in our opinion of the external sound card in the segment to 4 thousand is 3690 rubles.

ASUS Xonar U5.

The ASUS Xonar U5 sound card for incomprehensible reasons to me is purely gaming, although it has excellent potential both in music and in films. The sound quality of this product is an order of magnitude higher asus Xonar U3 and Hifiman Express HM-101, and I would even say a little better positioning compared to Creative Sound Blaster E1. In principle, it is according to the characteristics noticeable - here the DAC compartment is already 24 bits, the maximum frequency of the DAC reaches 192 kHz, and not 48, as in previous applicants. USB connector is used to supply power and connect to a computer or laptop. Analog outputs and inputs for connecting audio systems, gaming headphones, all sorts of speakers and subwoofers are also located on the back. Thanks to branded software, you can customize the sound of the map so in detail that positioning in the same CS GO simply makes itching the jaw. Here you can already hear where the enemy is toggle from where they shoot and fly grenades, you can understand which side to you in the Division. With listening to music, too, there are no problems, the equalizer is very flexible. The cost of such a miracle reaches 4,400 rubles.

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1

I personally like this sound card personally in the way of connection and its appearance, but in terms of the sound, it loses a little Xonar U5. Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 map You put on your table, connect usb to a computer or laptop and get real 5.1 sound. This means a better viewing of movies, where there is a sound positioning in scenes, more pleasure from games (especially this is noticeable in shooters, where the steps and small sounds solve the outcome of the battle), as well as excellent quality of music. That is, on the one hand, this product is better than Xonar U5 due to better surround sound, but, on the other hand, the cleanliness of sound and tops with nizami are not so pronounced here. It is also worth noting the possibility of adjusting the volume with the class switch. I would advise this sound card to those who listen to music on their ultrabook. You get excellent sound, you can enjoy good music and films. For toys, it seems to me, the option from ASUS comes up slightly more, as it originally been developed for this. The cost is 5,400 rubles.

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

Internal and external sound cards

Sound cards are divided into internal and external. External cards are connected to a computer via USB or FireWire. Internal cards can only be connected inside the system unit to expansion slots (if available) PCI or PCIE. Internal cards with comparable capacity is usually cheaper due to the lack of an external case. The disadvantage of internal cards is usually a great risk of subjected to poor-quality computer nutrition and numerous tips. External sound cards are often more convenient in management due to individual external volume controls for headphones. Also an external card can work both with stationary computers and laptops.

Internal Sound Map ESI [Email Protected] and external ASUS Xonar Essence One

Professional and domestic

Between themselves, sound cards are divided into home and professional. Professional cards use the types of connectors, typical for musical equipment, such as Balanced Jack 6.3 and XLR, while household cards use RCA or Jack 3.5 connectors.

Household sound card NUFORCE ICON UDAC-2 and professional E-MU 0404 USB

Creative Sound Blasterx AE-5

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Klipsch Heritage Headphone Amplifier

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What features should pay attention to?

For external sound cards - external nutrition or from USB bus is used. When using external nutrition, the sound card can work better, because It does not depend on the quality of the computer power. In counterweights, cards that feed from the USB bus are more mobile, because Do not require additional outlet and can work connected to a laptop on the road.

This is a special data transfer protocol from the program to the sound card driver. ASIO allows you to pass the sound from the program to a sound card without distortion. The second possibility, in demand by only musicians, is to set a minimum delay level to supply the signal from the program to a sound card, which is relevant, when the game is alive on the tools. As the practice of delay in internal maps shows significantly lower than that of external, on this serious sound cards for musicians internal.

This is a free driver that adds ASIO support for any sound card. From the standpoint of the sound quality and data transfer accuracy, the driver unfortunately does not provide a beaten transmission and is necessary in cases where there is no own ASIA support for ASIO, and the program with which the work can output only in ASIO.

For Windows 7 and 8, there is an alternative version of sound transmission without distortion via Wasapi, but it supports fewer audio programs. Wasapi is an alternative to ASIO for accurate music playback.

Microphone support and phantom food

Modern microphones are divided into dynamic and electret. The first type of microphones does not require phantom nutrition and such a microphone will work with both household home and professional sound card. The second type of microphone requires phantom nutrition, which for household microphones is located in the 5 V region, and for professional from 12 to 48 V. For this reason, household electrical microphones cannot be connected to professional cards (phantom power will be too high and the microphone may be damaged), and A professional microphone connected to a household map will not work due to insufficient phantom power level.