Which external sound card is better. External sound card for USB laptop: how to choose? Maximum frequency, kHz
To enjoy all the benefits of high-definition video and the latest PC games, you need both a powerful processor and a powerful graphics adapter. However, very often users forget that for complete immersion in the atmosphere, high-quality multi-channel sound is also required. At the same time, codecs, drivers and an integrated sound card will not help much in such a case. You need a serious device. The article will describe how to choose a sound card. Helpful Hints when choosing also will not be left without attention.
Embedded chips
Sound devices soldered directly on the motherboard of the system card are unable to compete with discrete equipment. First of all, the codec installed on the motherboard actively uses processor resources during its operation, which reduces the overall performance by several percent.
It happens that the built-in sound card is located in close proximity to high-amperage power lines. The electromagnetic field created by them leads to an increase in interference and interference. The embedded hardware architecture has been simplified to the maximum.
How to choose a sound card for a computer?
There are many hardware devices for sound output, all of which can be roughly divided into two types: music cards and multimedia.
The first group is used for recording, playback and processing of sound information. This makes them narrowly focused, and such devices are intended mainly for musicians. They can be installed inside system block and connect to the USB port. The price of this type of equipment is high.
Multimedia sound cards will suit a wider range of users. They are ideal for both stereo systems and acoustics with five and seven channels. Codecs are already built into the sound card and do not require additional configuration; in addition, in addition to codecs, the device has its own processor, which favorably affects the performance of the computer.
Main characteristics
In order to choose a sound card for a computer, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the device. First of all, it is installed on the board. Its main task is processing 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 16-bit DAC with a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz is almost always sufficient. The last digit indicates how often the transducer reads the signal during recording or playback.
It is believed that this parameter should be twice the one that will be reproduced. According to this theory, we can say that 44.1 kHz is enough for almost any recording; this level exceeds the threshold of frequencies audible to humans by two times. However, tests show that the rule does not always work as written on paper, which means that it makes sense to choose a device with a higher sampling rate for greater audio fidelity.
Marketing tricks
I must say that the figures written in the brochures are not always true, they are often greatly exaggerated. For example, a card with a declared sampling rate of 98 kHz can sound much worse than a device with more modest numbers. "How to choose the right sound card if you can't trust the specifications?" the user will ask. When studying the technique, pay attention to the company that made the DAC. Ti-Burr Brown, Wolfson, Texas Instruments are considered the best.
In addition to the manufacturer, it is worth knowing the serial number of the DAC. It indicates the "advancement" of the model. That is, the larger the number, the more modern development. You can check the code name of the chip only on the manufacturer's website.
If several are installed on the audio card, it is desirable that they all be the same. Often, a high-quality DAC is used for the center channels, and an inexpensive one for the surrounding ones. This reduces not only the price of the final device, but also the quality of multi-channel sound.
EAX
Before choosing a computer sound card, ask if the hardware supports EAX technology. Also, be sure to check which version is being used. To date, the oldest is 5.0.
If to speak in simple words, EAX - "audio positioning" technology. The closest analogue is DirectSound3D. It controls the coordinates of the audio source in 3D space. AT computer games this system is used most often, with its help effects are added to the game that create the illusion of the sound source being far away and its location relative to the listener (left, right, back).
To what has already been said, we must add that EAX emulates reflections and reverbs. This gives the user a feel for the options game world. For an open world, a cramped room, and an empty high-rise building, the character of the same audio recording will be different.
ASIO
ASIO is a protocol used to transmit audio information with minimal delays. Recording in special applications is almost impossible if ASIO does not support the sound card for the computer. How to choose the best option?
For musicians, this technology is a must. If the computer is used not as a recording studio, but as a multimedia combine, ASIO can be considered an optional feature.
MIDI interface
If the user is going to write arrangements, then what should a sound card for a computer have in this case, how to choose a suitable device? Important feature audio cards - the presence of midi-inputs and outputs. With the help of them, synthesizers and musical keyboards are connected.
With the help of such an interface, not an analog signal is supplied to the sound device, but information about which key is pressed, whether it is completely lowered, with what force and speed the user pressed it. All data is transferred to the program, and the program is already playing the sound. Moreover, the possibilities of these programs are enormous. You can use those that emulate real instruments (for example, piano, guitar, drums), or you can create your own unique and unlike anything preset.
phantom power
If you intend to use a capacitor, you should know that not every sound card for a computer can work with such equipment. How to choose the right device? It's simple - ask about the presence of phantom power on the audio board. Remember that dynamic microphones require just the absence of this element! Phantom power can damage them.
Instrument and line inputs
If you are going to install an audio card for recording an electric guitar in your computer, it must have an instrument input (another name is high-impedance).
The level of its resistance is quite high (about 1 megaohm), which makes it possible to transmit a signal from the instrument to the computer without loss. If you connect a guitar to a normal input, a significant part of the overtones and low frequencies will be lost, which will make the sound muffled. In this case, not a sonorous beautiful sound will be recorded, but a dull sound with a loss of low frequencies. A large microphone jack is often used as a connector.
Line input (Line In) is necessary for connecting various stereo devices to the audio card. Usually, each channel has its own connector. It will not work to connect a guitar or a microphone to it, the recording volume in this case will turn out to be very quiet.
Built-in preamp
A preamplifier is another module that can be equipped with a sound card for a computer. How to choose the right one and which one is better - with or without it?
First you need to understand what a preamplifier is. The amplitude of the signal that goes from the microphone to the input is very low. For recording, you have to amplify it, and then stabilize the volume. It is this function that is assigned to the preamplifier. Not all audio cards have it available. Even if the device has a microphone input, there may not be a preamplifier. Then the software does its job. However, in this case, the amplitude of not only the useful signal increases, but also the noise with pickups.
Choosing a sound card for a PC: is a preamp required?
For musicians or announcers, having a preamp would be a nice bonus. But not without a fly in the ointment in this case. The quality of built-in amplifiers is almost always quite modest, but the price rises significantly because of such a built-in element. I must say that you can always add an additional device of this type, so you should not write it down in the list of required ones.
Conclusion
Since it is impossible to choose a sound card without wasting time, you will have to familiarize yourself with a large number of offers from different computer equipment stores. Of course, if you have no desire to study numbers, you can go the other way - by comparison. To do this, you need to listen to the same audio recording on different devices. In this case, the one that sounds the most pleasant will be appropriate.
Remember that the audio board is only part of the sound reproduction system. You also need a high-quality amplifier and solid speakers. Without them, all efforts aimed at the selection of equipment will be in vain.
Internal and external sound cards
Sound cards are divided into internal and external. External cards are connected to the computer via USB or FireWire. Internal cards can only be connected inside the system unit to the expansion slots (if any) PCI or PCIe. Internal cards with comparable quality are usually cheaper due to the lack of an external case. The disadvantage of internal cards is usually a high risk of poor-quality power supply to the computer and numerous pickups. External sound cards are often more convenient to control due to separate external volume controls for the headphone output. Also, an external card can work with both desktop computers and laptops.
Internal ESI sound card [email protected] and external ASUS Xonar Essence One
Professional and household
Between themselves, sound cards are divided into home and professional. Professional cards use the types of connectors typical of musical equipment, such as balanced Jack 6.3 and XLR, while consumer cards use RCA or Jack 3.5 connectors.
NuForce Icon uDAC-2 consumer sound card and professional E-MU 0404 USB
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
11 490 .-
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Klipsch Heritage Headphone Amplifier
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50 000 .-
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What features are worth paying attention to?
For external sound cards, external power is used or from the USB bus. When using an external power supply, the sound card may work better, because. does not depend on the quality of the computer's power supply. In contrast, USB-powered cards are more mobile because they do not require an additional outlet and can work connected to a laptop on the go.
This is a special protocol for transferring data from programs to the sound card driver. ASIO allows you to transfer sound from a program to a sound card without distortion. The second possibility, demanded only by musicians, is to set the minimum delay level for sending a signal from the program to the sound card, which is important when playing live instruments. As practice shows, the latency of internal cards is significantly lower than that of external ones, so serious sound cards for musicians are internal.
This is a free driver that adds ASIO support to any sound card. From the standpoint of sound quality and accuracy of data transfer, the driver unfortunately does not provide bit-by-bit transmission and is necessary in cases where the sound card does not have its own ASIO support, and the program with which you are working can only output an audio stream in ASIO.
For Windows 7 and 8, there is an alternative way to transmit distortion-free sound through WASAPI, but fewer sound programs support it. WASAPI is an alternative to ASIO for accurate music reproduction.
Microphone support and phantom power
Modern microphones are divided into dynamic and electret. The first type of microphone does not require phantom power, and such a microphone will work with both household home and professional sound cards. The second type of microphone requires phantom power, which is around 5 V for consumer microphones, and from 12 to 48 V for professional ones. For this reason, household electret 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 card will not work due to insufficient phantom power.
Before I start pouring out a ton of information on you, let's be clear with you - the standard sound card that is soldered to your motherboard is just a stub. That is, it transmits sound, you can play games on it, listen to music and watch movies, but the quality there is the lowest. You yourself must understand this, because the chip on the board occupies a couple of square centimeters and this is the entire sound system. In decent sound cards from Asus, such a chip occupies only a tenth of the entire printed circuit board. So if you want to enjoy more or less high-quality sound in games, when listening to music or watching movies, then you can't do without a sound card. Even the cheapest card for 300 rubles will better than that, which is originally in your motherboard. For this reason, we decided to start another cycle of compilations and tell you about those sound cards that you can buy and have a lot of fun with. Today we will talk about inexpensive external sound cards, that is, you don’t need to disassemble the computer and weave something somewhere. This is a plus, because not everyone knows how to do this, and even if the computer was bought from you and under warranty, then you cannot print its case.
ASUS Xonar U3
The ASUS Xonar U3 sound card is the cheapest sound card we could recommend. Yes, there are cheaper options on the market, and if you order from China, then you can generally order a card there for thirty rubles. This product is very compact and takes up as much space as a regular flash drive. ASUS Xonar U3 connects to the computer via a USB connector, which, on the one hand, is good, because you don’t need to throw additional cables and stuff like that, but there are also disadvantages - there are so few USB connectors on budget motherboards. The maximum DAC frequency here is 48 kHz, the DAC bit depth is 16 bits. Despite its tiny size and rather simple characteristics, already on such a sound card you will hear differences from the built-in chip. True, there will be no improved positioning in games or anything like that. The sound became clearer, some frequencies began to be heard, although they were not there before, and that's all. A distinctive quality is the ability to connect the card to Mac computers, in order to then connect gaming headphones with two plugs. The cost of the simplest and very relevant card at the time of the crisis is 2,100 rubles. We recommend it to beginner "listeners".
HiFiMAN Express HM-101
Most likely, you have never heard of the HiFiMAN Express HM-101 sound card, since the manufacturer is not the most popular in the CIS. However, we have long understood that we need to look not at the logos, but at the capabilities of the product. And now, the sound card exactly repeats the characteristics of a competitor from Asus, and the price is about the same. Here, too, the maximum DAC frequency is 48 kHz, and the bit depth is 16 bits. The sound card is also connected via USB, but if the Asus Xonar U3 is connected directly to a computer or laptop, then the card is connected via a proprietary cable, where there is a USB connector on one end and a microUSB connector on the other. As for me, this is a little more convenient only if you use the card with a laptop or tablet - adjacent slots will not overlap. On the opposite side of the card, there are two headphone and microphone jacks, which, again, will be ideal for laptops with a combined 3.5 mm input, where you simply cannot plug ordinary headphones with two jacks. Cost over convenient option is 2800 rubles, but I don’t see the point in overpaying - the sound quality is the same.
Creative Sound Blaster E1
Many users are used to the fact that a cool sound card should 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 that - we consider it the best in its segment. Just imagine, absolutely everything can be connected to this sound card! Smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, gaming headphones with a microphone, a stationary microphone for voice recording, a microphone for singing in karaoke, a home audio system. It seems to me that in the world there are simply no more options to somehow give out sound. In terms of sound, we really liked the card both while listening to music and in games. Proprietary software allows you to adjust surround sound and this significantly improves the quality of the game, especially in shooters, and an equalizer with the ability to customize absolutely everything makes any tracks clearer and brighter. If you wish, you can connect two headphones to the sound card and watch a movie, for example, together. The cost of the best in our opinion external sound card in the segment up to 4 thousand is 3690 rubles.
ASUS Xonar U5
The ASUS Xonar U5 sound card, for some reason I don't understand, is considered 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 than ASUS Xonar U3 and HiFiMAN Express HM-101, and I would even say slightly better positioning compared to Creative Sound Blaster E1. In principle, this is also noticeable in terms of characteristics - here the DAC bit depth is already 24 bits, the maximum DAC frequency reaches 192 kHz, and not 48, as in previous applicants. A USB connector is used to supply power and connect to a computer or laptop. On the back side there are also analog outputs and inputs for connecting audio systems, gaming headphones, various speakers and subwoofers. Thanks to proprietary software, you can customize the sound of the map in such detail that positioning in the same CS GO just makes your jaw drop. Here you can already hear where the enemy is stomping from, where the grenades are shooting and flying from, you can understand from which side they are knocking you down in The Division. There are no problems with listening to music either, the equalizer is very flexible. The cost of such a miracle reaches 4400 rubles.
Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1
I personally liked this sound card by the connection method and its appearance, but in terms of sound, it loses a little to the Xonar U5. You put the Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 card on your desk, connect via USB to a computer or laptop and get real 5.1 sound. This means better movie viewing, where there is sound positioning in scenes, more fun to play games (this is especially noticeable in shooters, where footsteps and small sounds decide the outcome of the battle), as well as excellent music quality. That is, on the one hand, this product is better than the Xonar U5 because of the better surround sound, but, on the other hand, the purity of the sound and the tops with the bottoms are not so pronounced here. It is also worth noting the ability to adjust the volume using a cool switch. I would recommend this sound card to those who listen to music on their ultrabook. You get great sound, you can enjoy good music and movies. For toys, it seems to me, the Asus version is a little more suitable, since it was originally developed for this. The cost is 5400 rubles.
Most often, for an ordinary user, it is important that the sound from the computer is simply reproduced normally. Since the built-in sound card copes with this perfectly, the question of how to choose a sound card simply does not arise.
But for music lovers, gamers or true lovers of high-quality sound, the capabilities of an integrated sound card are clearly not enough, and in this case, you need to think about buying a separate sound card.
Naturally, a discrete sound card is simply necessary if you own high-quality 5.1 or 7.1 acoustics, the built-in card is simply not able to process surround sound with high quality.
So, let's look at what you should focus on when choosing a sound card:
Sound card type
- Internal. Such cards in the form of a separate board are installed inside the system unit, in the PCI slot on the motherboard.
Pros - does not take up extra space and has no wires.
- External. Such cards are a separate device and are located outside the system unit. Cons - takes up extra space and requires additional wires. External sound cards connected via the USB port do not provide the same performance as internal maps. This is due to the fact that the USB port is not suitable for such tasks..
Pros:
1. The external audio card cannot be affected by electromagnetic interference, which may adversely affect audio playback.
2. You can easily connect an external audio card to a laptop or tablet, for example, thereby greatly improving the quality of sound reproduction.
3. An external audio card is not limited in size and can include more connectors, which makes it possible to expand its functionality.
Sampling frequency
The sampling rate is a parameter that shows the number of signals that the card processes in a certain period of time. It is measured in hertz. Most often, sound cards have a frequency of 96 or 192 kHz. The larger this parameter, the better.
Bit capacity of converters
The sound card configuration includes digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and analog-to-digital converters (ADC).
DAC - used to convert a digital signal to analog
ADC - used for transformation analog signal in digital
The bit depth of the converter shows the number of signal levels that it can process. This parameter is measured in bits. Modern sound cards mainly have a 24-bit converter, this is quite enough and you should focus on this figure..
Just don't get hung up on sampling and bit depth, a lot depends on the quality of the DAC. Great DACs for sound cards do: wolfson, Texasinstruments, Ti- Burrbrown.
Signal to noise ratio (S/N)
This parameter indicates the ratio of the sound card signal and the noise that appears when playing this signal. This ratio is measured in decibels.
For a good sound card, this parameter should be more than 90 dB. For professional audio boards, this parameter can be equal to 100 dB or more.
Sound outputs
The more connectors an audio card has, the more I/O devices you can connect. The sound card should at least have the following connectors:
- microphone input
- headphone output, allows you to connect headphones directly to the card
- S/PDIF. S / PDIF is an optical output through which you can connect many different devices. The best sound can be obtained precisely when connected via the S / PDIF interface.
- Subwoofer and center channel output;
- Output to the front speakers;
- Output to the rear speakers;
- line out
There may be other inputs / outputs on the audio card, so if you understand exactly what you will connect to the sound card, make sure that the correct connector is on it. Modern speaker systems come in form factors from 2.0 to 7.1, so before buying an audio board, make sure that it supports the appropriate number of channels.
If you have 7.1 acoustics, then the multi-channel sound card must also support 7.1.
If you are going to connect any musical instruments to the sound card, then make sure that it has special connector jack 6.3 mm.
Technology
DTSDigitalSurround and DolbyDigital– are the surround sound standards that apply to the DVD format. A sound card with these features will provide you with sound with minimal distortion and noise, creating the effect of presence when watching licensed DVD movies.
EAX ADVANCED HD- Surround sound function, provides excellent sound quality in electronic games, using modern sound effects.
Manufacturers
The main players in the sound card market are Asus and Creative, and now we'll take a closer look at them.
ASUS
The well-known Taiwanese firm ASUS produces audio cards under the Xonar brand.- which have a high-quality element base and specialize in high-quality reproduction of musical works. Use high-quality DACs from well-known companies.
Most often, the sound of music is more detailed and better than that of Creative, and there is more variety of ports. Of the minuses, it should be noted that almost all the data in these cards is processed by software, and therefore the processor is loaded.
Many cards from this company have a protective cap that protects the card from EMI from various components located inside the computer. A good decision, besides, with these caps, the cards look stylish and solid. Software It has a lot of settings and expansion options. ASUS sound cards are perfect for music lovers.
Creative
Creative sound cards can be classified as gaming. At the hardware level, they support all the technologies that are associated with the output of surround sound in toys. Creative is considered a pioneer in digital audio.
It is the cards of this company that remove the load from the central processor as much as possible, taking all the tasks of sound processing on themselves. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for gamers. Although the sound cards of this company do a good job with music processing .
The company's software is quite good, but it still lacks flexibility. .
Sound cards from the company ECHO, M-audio - are considered semi-professional, are expensive and usually not interesting to the average user.
Firms DigiDesign, nativeinstruments – produce external professional audio cards .
Outcome
For music lovers, gamers and just connoisseurs of good sound, a discrete audio card is a must. But you should understand that in order to get the maximum effect from a high-quality sound card, you need to have a high-quality speaker system.
For gamers, cards from Creative are suitable.
Music lovers will like cards from ASUS (xonar)
To watch movies, cards from both manufacturers are suitable.
It is also worth paying attention to: high-quality software, DAC quality, THD, sampling rate, bit depth, support for new technologies and standards.
Now let's take a look at some specific sound card models that have performed well.:
- not an expensive option for a music lover, it will allow you to hear the fullness of high-quality stereo sound. All processing takes place using licensed software. The high-performance DAC and AV 100 processor give excellent sound to all elements of the audio system.
For toy lovers, the presence of the EAX format will be important. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the relatively low frequency of 48 kHz and the lack of a microphone jack .
- one of the best audio cards, protocol 5.0 for EAX format, support for 5.1 systems, frequency 192 kHz. It has a remote switching unit, a built-in adjustable headphone amplifier and two sound cards in the purchase kit. All this can bring the potential user to a whole new level of sound perception. .
– external sound card for professionals. This device will only be useful for digitizing analog audio and MIDI. Perfectly balanced characteristics of the DAC and ADC (96 kHz / 24 bits) make it possible to mix and mix very well and easily. a large number of attached instruments.
Which sound card to choose:
A person has several senses, however, when consuming media content, we use only a couple of them - sight and hearing. The better the content, the more positive emotions we get. This also applies to the PC sound subsystem, since it is she who is responsible for the depth of the sound picture. Currently, laptops and desktop motherboards are equipped with built-in cards that perform a simple function- sound reproduction. They are not able to convey all the delights of the sound picture, which is why separate devices were created to solve the problem.
They are of two types - built-in (internal) and external. The first ones are somewhat cheaper due to the lack of an expensive case and are designed to improve personal computers. The second type can do more - thanks to the connection via USB ports, it can be connected to laptops, significantly expanding the functionality of the latter, which is very convenient if recording or listening takes place in several places and you need to constantly move with your equipment. In addition, they often support both 5.1 and 7.1 formats.
The best inexpensive internal sound cards: budget up to 5,000 rubles.
Let's start with the most budgetary representatives. Devices in this segment are characterized by moderate performance. They are only enough for everyday tasks - listening to music or watching movies. The attractive price is due to the absence of an external case. These models are installed inside stationary PCs, and the connection is made through PCI and PCI-E interfaces.
3 ASUS Xonar DG
Low price
Country: China
Average price: 2 305 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The rating opens with one of the most budget audio cards on the market. The cost of 2 thousand rubles imposes significant restrictions on functionality relative to competitors. The card is connected via a PCI interface, so if this port is occupied by a video card, then you should take care of buying a new motherboard with an additional slot or refuse to buy an audio card altogether. The presence of three analog outputs and 6 channels makes it impossible to use the device on 7.1 acoustics. The maximum DAC frequency, which is only 96 kHz, leaves much to be desired.
However, there are also positive aspects. For example, the presence of a digital optical S / PDIF output used to connect external audio devices (for example, an amplifier). Secondly, there is support for modern standards. ASIO version 2.0 and EAX v.2, which is sure to please gamers. Well, the main advantage - low price fully justifying the technical capabilities of the device.
2 Creative Audigy 2 ZS
Good Specifications
Country: Singapore
Average price: 4,046 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
This budget model took the place of the sensational Xonar DX. Audigy 2 ZS not only did not rise in price, but also acquired decent technical characteristics. The ratio of silence and noise is higher than the Audigy Rx model and is 108 dB. However, the number of output analog connectors is half as much here and is only 4 pieces. There are only 2 analog input connectors. The card is characterized by smooth sound, good panorama and minimal delay - only 50ms for "heavy" projects.
In addition, it performs well in games, as it has a good processor, which reduces the load on the computer. Of the minuses, there is a connection through an outdated PCI to a PC and the lack of fresh drivers from the manufacturer. The problem is solved by installing software from caring communities, since today the map has not lost its relevance.
1 Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx
Excellent signal-to-noise ratio
Country: China
Average price: 5,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The first line of the rating is also occupied by a representative of Creative. The ratio of silence and noise - 106 dB. The maximum DAC frequency in multi-channel mode is 96 kHz, against 192. It is worth noting that this model provides more room for sound recording. For this, two microphone and one line input are built into the device. This link allows you to record from two sources at the same time, such as guitar and vocals.
The proprietary software is represented by such utilities as KaraokePlayer, SmartRecorder and WaveStudio. With their help, you can not only enjoy high-quality sound, but also do amateur sound recording on your computer. For better sound and lower latency, the device supports the ASIO v. 2.0.
The best external sound cards: budget up to 10,000 rubles.
The second category includes external sound cards connected to a computer via a USB connector. Such devices are recommended for laptop owners or those who want to create their own recording studio. They allow you to expand the number of audio outputs and connect more devices.
4 Creative X-FiSurround 5.1 Pro
The most budget interface
Country: China
Average price: 4,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
We start with a budget and simple device. Its cost is about 5000 rubles. For this money, the buyer gets a good system for watching movies with 5.1 sound format. It is not capable of a larger device. This is due to not the highest maximum DAC frequency - 96 kHz. Also, when buying, you should consider what to connect 7.1 sound system will not work - there are only 6 output analog channels with 4 connectors.
Of the useful, it is worth noting the presence of ASIO v. 2.0 and EAX 5 versions. The package also includes a remote control for switching tracks, adjusting the volume, etc. According to user reviews, this is a good option for a home PC for the money.
3 ASUS Xonar U7
Buyer's Favorite
Country: China
Average price: 8,300 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The third place is occupied by a model from ASUS with the index U7. Compared to Creative, the maximum DAC frequency here is just great and is 192 kHz. More and output channels - only 8 pieces, which makes it possible to use surround sound format 7.1. There are three types of output connectors:
- RCA ("tulip"),
- mini jack,
- S/PDIF.
Switching between them is carried out using a washer located on top of the housing. It also acts as a volume control. There is no remote control, like the silver medalist.
This model is recommended for purchase to those users who appreciate high-quality surround sound in films and video games and do not plan to engage in sound recording. Users involved in streaming or wanting to record their own track, it is better to look at more expensive models.
2 Steinberg UR12
Continuous improvement from generation to generation
Country: China
Average price: 8,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The model was introduced at the end of 2014 and has not lost its relevance. The main advantage is a record for affordable prices, while maintaining all the characteristics of the previous generation. The device is placed in an all-metal case, is powered by a USB bus, the ability to connect a condenser microphone. There are 6 connection modes in total, from 44 to 192 kHz. Equipped with a preamp from Yamaha. The interface works with any music programs in operating systems macOS and Windows. It is also fully compatible with the iPad.
Compared to more expensive devices, the interface performs very well and is clearly audible on high-detail hardware. This is noted by users in their reviews, and the number of claims to quality with each generation is less and less.
1 Audient ID4
The best sound card under 10,000 rubles
Country: China
Average price: 9,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The beloved U7 was replaced by a slightly more expensive ID4 model from Audient. And believe me - it's worth it. The main advantage here is the filling. The microphone preamp migrated here straight from full-size studio consoles. The instrumental input here is built on dusty transistors. The manufacturer responsibly approaches the assembly of devices and, according to user reviews, does not even save on converters. The dynamic range of the DAC here is one of the best in the segment - 115 dB.
Despite the meager delivery set, consisting of the device itself and a USB cable, all the main goodies will become available after registration on the official website of the manufacturer. The card itself is dual-channel (two sources can be connected) and can simultaneously accept both a condenser microphone and an electric guitar. Both channels have separate amplification and indication. The ID4 combo input has support for line connections, which will allow you to connect not only instruments and microphones, but also devices with line outputs, such as preamps.
The best sound cards for gamers
Gamers are a special layer of buyers. They use only the best equipment and computers from top manufacturers, often releasing special limited editions of devices. Sound cards did not stand aside either, having received special "game" improvements that allow you to immerse yourself in the gameplay as fully as possible.
3 ASUS Strix Raid DLX
Stylish sound card with external block
Country: China
Average price: 15,200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
Opens the TOP of the best gaming sound cards creation from ASUS. StrixRaid DLX is the top card in the manufacturer's assortment due to good technical specifications. The maximum DAC frequency is 192 kHz, 8 channels are supported, the signal-to-noise ratio is excellent - 124 dB. The only fly in the ointment may be a slightly overpriced price relative to competitors.
Appearance is not satisfactory - it is moderately aggressive, simple and at the same time attractive. An additional unit allows you to connect a gaming headset, adjust the volume and switch between normal and game mode using the "RAID" button.
A proprietary utility for managing a sound card deserves special attention. ASUS SonicStudio allows you to change the volume, adjust the equalizer, adjust the number of sound sources, and more. According to customer reviews, the interface has a pleasant colors and functionality, making it easy to master.
2 Creative SoundBlasterZx
Bright design
Country: China
Average price: 10,621 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
In second place is a sound card from Creative. The SoundBlasterZx model is the successor to the popular Blaster Z among gamers. It has an attractive price due to slightly lower capabilities than competitors. The maximum frequencies and signal to noise ratio are approximately the same, but only 6 channels are supported. Otherwise, we get almost the same thing for a lower amount.
Original appearance due to the presence of a "viewing" window in which the main chip is visible. There is also a remote block. You can connect headphones and a microphone to it. However, it should be borne in mind that the volume control only works with headphones - an audio system connected directly to the sound card does not communicate with the external unit. But there is a connector for connecting to the front of the PC.
According to user reviews, the card is great for gaming due to the optimal combination of all frequencies and creating sound volume. This plus will be difficult to evaluate when watching movies, as the emphasis is on the central channels.
1 ASUS Essence STX II
The best sound card of the new generation
Country: China
Average price: 20,600 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0
The main feature of this model of the Hi-End segment is the updated filling and support for 7.1 format The card has a removable metal screen above the analog part, but its value is purely decorative. But what helps to achieve high parameters is good wiring and separation of analog and digital circuits on a four-layer printed circuit board. The already high-quality filling of the card has acquired new MUSES operational amplifiers, created specifically for audio equipment. German WIMA film capacitors and non-switching linear power regulators acting as filters. This list of improvements is not limited.
Cheap quartz resonators were replaced with thermally compensated ones, which reduced jitter. A nice bonus will be a set of CUs and a tool for installing them. Microcircuits are changed without soldering, which further facilitates the repair or replacement of components. In addition, it becomes possible to experiment with sound