External sound card gaming. The best sound card for a computer
Your audio interface is like a dark knight silently doing important work. Here is a list of some of the best new sound cards of the past year that are sure to grab attention. It is up to you to decide which one to choose and whether they are worth the money!
Representatives say: “The new Crimson 3 now comes with an SPL Phonitor Matrix and a built-in Talkback microphone. The card is great for when there is no way to fully work with studio monitors.
Peculiarities:
- 16 inputs
- 6 channels for recording (24 bit / 192 kHz)
- 2 high quality discrete mic preamps
- 4 balanced line inputs
- MIDI I/O
- 2 headphone outputs
- Monitor Matrix (NEW)
- Talkback Mic (NEW)
- Controller for monitors Knob
- Artist Mode
- Analog monitoring in real time
- Playback and monitoring without a DAW (standalone)
- Class 2.0 compatible for iOS device recording/monitoring
- Operating voltage 34 V for professional levels up to +22 dB
- Increasing performance levels for consumer electronics
- Very low jitter due to FMCTM (Fixed-Master-Clock)
- High speed USB channel
- Windows XP / 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, iOS 6 or higher
The new Onyx Artist 1.2 and Producer 2.2 sound cards are even better than their predecessors! Both units offer quality Onyx mic preamps, zero latency direct monitoring, 48V phantom power, 1/4" monitor and headphone outputs. In the case of the Artist 1.2, you get one mic preamp and a 1/4 line input, while the Producer 2.2 gives you two mic inputs on a combo XLR/TRS with Hi-Z fixture switches, plus MIDI I/O advantage. Both interfaces come with the full T7 DAW and DAW Essentials Packs
Peculiarities:
- Two quality Onyx mic preamps
- To XLR/TRS combo inputs accepting mic, line and instrument sources
- Hi-Z switch per channel
- +48V phantom power for use with studio condenser microphones
- High-Resolution Recording at 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Direct monitoring of analog inputs with zero latency
- Dedicated 1/4 TRS monitor outputs
- MIDI I/O for connecting synthesizers, controllers, etc.
- Powerful headphone output
- USB bus powered for easy mobile recording without the need for a power adapter
- Rugged built-in A-Tank design
- Included free software from
- Compatible with all major DAWs
Average price: $140 for Artist 1.2 and $210 for Producer 2.2
Roland has updated its line of audio interfaces with the introduction of the new Rubix range. These three products are compatible with all operating systems.
As you might expect, Rubix22 is a 2-in/2-out model, and Rubix24 adds a few additional outputs and built-in compressor/limiter. If you need two more inputs, then you can choose Rubix44.
“We promise low noise on all interfaces, with support for expansion up to 24bit/192kHz. On the indicators you can see a good signal or it is overloaded, while the compact size allows you to place the device on any surface.”
Features of Roland Rubix22, Rubix24, Rubix44:
- 2-inputs/2-outputs (in Rubix44 - 4 inputs and 4 outputs)
- 2 low-noise mic preamps with XLR combo jacks
- Hi-Z input for guitar and other high impedance sources
- Input and output for Midi
- Wide shielded, low noise design
- Rugged metal construction
- Easy to read indicators
- Low latency and compatible drivers
- Free version of AbletonLive Lite included
Prices: from $170 to $500 for Rubix44
Apogee Element 46
The Thunderbolt protocol has proven itself well in audio recording and playback as the battle between manufacturers escalates. In order to compete with Universal Audio's Apollo products, Focusrite's Clarett series and 828X MOTU have been very actively developed, but have not yet been surpassed by the Apogee series. These products have three separate models as Element 24, 46 and 88. The numbers represent the number of analog inputs and outputs that can be connected.
It's an impressive product, beautifully designed and intuitive to use, especially if you're a Logic Pro user.
Pros:
- Great sound quality and conversion.
- The software is finely tuned and very flexible
Minuses:
- No rack mount kit.
We singled out this sound card in the top for 2016, but as you can see, its specifications, quality and price category are difficult to jump over, so this line takes a confident place in 2017!
Antelope Audio has released a new Thunderbolt and USB interface with 26 inputs and 32 outputs. It features 8 "console grade" mic preamps.
As the name suggests, the Discrete 8 has eight analog inputs (A1 to A8), eight analog outputs (on a standard 25-pin D-SUB connector), a pair of monitor outputs, and a pair of headphone outputs.
Discrete 8 is available as a stand-alone or as an assembly with special microphones designed specifically for the Antelope Audio series of cards. Prices start from 1300 euros for the minimum set.
Less than six months after the release of the Quantum Thunderbolt audio interface, PreSonus has unveiled . It complements rather than replaces its sibling and has fewer ins and outs.
22 in and 24 out on Quantum 2, using Thunderbolt 2 bus and 24bit/192kHz resolution. Built-in 2 combo microphone/instrument inputs with XMAX digital control and +48V phantom power.
Quantum 2 integrates tightly with the included DAW Studio One Artist. Also included is a Magic Plug-in Suite for mixing music.
The cost of a sound card starts at $700.
The Fireface UFX+ becomes the centerpiece of any recording studio and it's safe to say that their products directly compete with Apogee's sound cards. The RME card is packed with many useful features that raise the bar high.
The card's connectivity flexibility is unparalleled: Analog, ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF. USB 2, USB 3 and Thunderbolt technology are standard on the Fireface UFX+. There is also an impressive number of channels: 12 analog + 16 ADAT + 2 AES + 64 MADI = 94 channels of input + outputs = 188 channels.
New AD/DA converters, optimized analog circuitry and improved SNR and THD ensure crystal clear and transparent sound. Of course, for all this you will have to pay an impressive amount. Distributor prices start from
Peculiarities:
- 94 inputs / 94 outputs
- 12 analog I/O
- 4 x Mic/Instrument Preamp, digitally controlled
- 1 x AES/EBU I/O
- 2 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x ADAT I/O + 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
- 1 x Word Clock I/O/MADI
- 1 x Optical I/O MADI
- 2 x MIDI I/O
- 1 x Thunderbolt connection
- 1 x USB 3.0
- Total Mix FX
- Advanced remote control
AudioFuse, first announced back in January 2015, is still an attractive portable interface with tons of features.
The AudioFuse sound card is available in three different color configurations: Deep Black, Space Grey, and Classic Silver. Despite its compact form, the device has many connectivity options. On the front side you will find combo headphone inputs. In turn, they can be connected both with a mini-jack and a 1/4 connector. On the rear panel there are outputs for monitors, MIDI connections and for S/P-DIF, ADAT.
AudioFuse is a plug-and-play interface that doesn't require a special driver, but does require you to download the Control Center software, which acts as a bridge between the interface and your DAW of choice.
The only problem with this audio interface is its cost. Other products with similar capabilities are available at substantially lower prices. The price from distributors starts from $650.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII
The Apollo Twin is a good and more budget-friendly alternative to the Apollo 8 and 16, giving you access to those mythical Unison preamps and awesome UAD plug-ins that the company often gives away for free (as a gift with purchase).
The new Apollo Twin MkII received minor improvements and an additional DSP update. However, the interface remained in the desktop format, with the ability to work in 24 bit / 192 kHz. The connection is via Thunderbolt and requires external power.
In 2017, there were no big breakthroughs among new sound cards. The companies are completing the previous lines under the standards, applying free software, increasing the signal transmission speed and the quality of the converters. We believe that in 2018 something incredibly punchy and unlike anything awaits us!
We recently talked about external sound cards for computers that belonged to the budget segment and were suitable only for those who just wanted to slightly improve the sound quality on their computer for further watching movies, listening to music and playing games. In this review, we will write about sound cards that are installed in your computer and are intended primarily for those who want to play modern gaming products with clear sound, clear effects and positioning. Naturally, the cost of such sound cards is slightly higher, they are installed inside the computer, in the slot reserved for expansions, and they produce better sound in games. However, this does not mean that listening to music will not work or movies will sound bad. No, a good sound card for games is also great for other tasks, it's just that the quality is best felt in shooters, racing, MMOs, and so on. It is worth noting that if your computer is under warranty and you cannot disassemble its case, then you will not need these sound cards. Either lose your warranty or wait for it to expire. In the meantime, you can read a little and figure out what to pay attention to.
ASUS Xonar DS
The developer himself positions this sound card as an inexpensive solution for those users who want to get good positioning in games. If you play shooters, then this is an ideal option - you can clearly hear the steps of the enemy, you can easily find out where these steps come from, all third-party noises, like reloading the machine gun, are distinguished. In most cases, in shooters, this allows you to have a certain advantage over an enemy that does not have such positioning. Thanks to 7.1-channel sound and low cost, this card has been popular among gamers for a long time. It has an AV200 sound chip, 24-bit bit depth, DTS-ES technology support and 4 line outputs, plus one microphone connector. The sound card is installed in the PCI 2.2 slot. If you're on a tight budget and all you want is just good sound with positioning in shooters, then this is the perfect solution. If you want to get good sound in movies and music tracks, then you need to look further. The cost of this sound card is 4100 rubles.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx
Creative sound cards are very rarely positioned as just gaming cards, since the developer primarily looks towards music connoisseurs. However, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx sound card is great for gaming thanks to its 7.1-channel sound and ability to transmit positioning in games, no worse than pure gaming sound. This card is already installed in a PCI Express port, so you will need to take care of a free port in your motherboard. The sound chip here is Creative E-MU, it allows you to perfectly position objects in games, movies and music. The DAC bit depth is 24 bits, the maximum frequency is 192 kHz. Separately, it is worth noting the support for EAX Studio technology and the ability to connect two microphones at once. There are, in general, quite a lot of line outputs here, but connecting two microphones is a very good opportunity. Originally a second jack was added for karaoke in pairs, but you can easily connect two microphones for better audibility in streams or toys. The cost of this card is 5300 rubles and we really liked it, even if it is not sold as a game card.
ASUS Xonar DX
The Xonar DX sound card is considered almost a legend in the market. The fact is that quite a few years have passed since its inception, and professional players continue to use this particular solution and completely reject new products, even if they can boast of better sound quality. With real-time 7.1-channel audio conversion as well as real-time 5.1-channel audio, as well as decent highs and lows, the card allows you to enjoy high-quality music and distinguishable positioning in games. Of course, we cannot call the product the best option for music, because the previous version looks even better in this role, but in games ASUS Xonar DX has no equal. You install the card in the PCI Express slot, connect some more or less normal headphones with a microphone, and you can safely go to conquer the virtual expanses of shooters. The sound chip here is Asus AV100, that is, the difference between Xonar DS and Xonar DX will not be very big. Nevertheless, we personally consider the DX the best sound card on the market for the money. Its cost, by the way, is only 5600 rubles.
Creative Sound Blaster Z
One of the few Creative sound cards that are positioned primarily as a gaming solution. The card is also "plugged" into the PCI Express port, it has a complete microphone (external) with beam focusing, which allows you to improve the quality of your voice with hardware, not just software. The sound card is based on the Sound Core3D chip operating in 5.1-channel mode with support for SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect technologies. It is worth noting that thanks to the CrystalVoice proprietary technology, all noise from your microphone will be removed and your voice will be crystal clear. It really works and even if you have a bad microphone on your headphones, then there will be no sound problems. By the way, the card itself sounds very clear, there is a good positioning of objects (I would even say one of the best on the market), as well as a signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dB. According to the creators of the card, the sound here is 35 times better than when using a standard sound card on the motherboard. To believe such figures, of course, is not the most reasonable thing. The cost of this beast is 6500 rubles.
ASUS Strix Soar
A product called ASUS Strix Sora is that rare case when the most expensive gadget in the collection can be called the best. Yes, we have already said that the Xonar DX is an ideal product for its price, but the ASUS Strix Soar has a lot of advantages over the competition. For example, this is one of the few cards that work on 7.1-channel sound. Most cards either work on 5.1 channels or convert 5.1 to 7.1 with software. Naturally, native 7.1 support is much better. The card is based on the C-Media USB2.0 6632AX High-Definition Sound Processor sound chip, there is support for Asus Hyper Grounding, Asus Sonic Radar Pro, ASIO 2.0 and Perfect Voice technologies. There is an 8-channel ESS SABER 9006A Premier Audio DAC, a TI-TPA6120 headphone amplifier with frequencies of 10-48000 Hz. There are outputs for the front channel, headphones, side channel, subwoofer, center and rear channels. Connecting headphones like the Razer Tiamat with 7.1-channel audio to this card will give you the best sound and positioning on the market. Despite the fact that the sound is very clean, there is the elimination of microphone noise and significant amplification. The cost of such a miracle is 6800 rubles.
Updated: 16.07.2018 17:21:43
*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
A sound card in a computer converts a digital signal to an analog signal. The first is files. Collections of songs in MP3, FLAC and other formats; audio stream from streaming services; system sound notifications and everything else. The analog signal is necessary for the operation of the connected speakers and is simply a current with a certain frequency and amplitude.
Usually sound cards are already integrated into the motherboard. But such devices are definitely not suitable for audiophiles, home studio owners, or simply those who want to connect more than one speaker to their computer.
Rating of the best sound cards
| Nomination | place | Name of product | price |
| The best budget sound cards | 1 | 5 137 ₽ | |
| 2 | 4 080 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 2 549 ₽ | ||
| The best internal sound cards in terms of price-quality ratio | 1 | 14 830 ₽ | |
| 2 | 5 650 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 9 599 ₽ | ||
| 4 | 6 895 ₽ | ||
| The best inexpensive external sound cards | 1 | 7 591 ₽ | |
| 2 | 6 675 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 5 920 ₽ | ||
| The Best Premium External Sound Cards | 1 | 93 028 ₽ | |
| 2 | 27 680 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 22 390 ₽ |
The best budget sound cards
Why it's number one: Suitable for a 7.1 audio system and has a good DAC.
For whom: Owners of media systems, home studios.
Description: This sound card is a good solution for both playing and recording music. It is equipped with 24-bit DACs and ADCs that support 192 kHz decoding. In addition, thanks to the elaborate placement of elements on the board, the sound card has a signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB.
The board has four output connectors, two channels each. Peripheral equipment can also be connected via the optical interface. There is also a microphone input, which is also two-channel. Additionally, the sound card supports the ASIO v. 2.0.
Advantages
DAC and ADC of the same level;
Differs in a transparent sound;
The equalizer is configured through the bundled software;
Flaws
Windows 10 will require an unofficial driver;
The amplifier will not cope with high-impedance headphones;
For adequate operation, additional external power is required;
Why second place: Lower SNR than the leader of the ranking.
Who it's for: Gamers and home studio owners, as it comes with two analog inputs.
Description: This sound card is designed for both playback and recording. For high-quality audio output, it is equipped with a 24-bit DAC with a maximum clock frequency when converting two-channel audio to 192 kHz. For recording, it is equipped with two analog (two-channel) inputs and a separate ADC. In addition, the device has a discrete headphone amplifier that can drive even 600-ohm speakers. The design of the board provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 106 dB.
Separately, it is worth mentioning that it supports sound virtualization technology in the EAX v.4 gameplay.
Advantages
The ability to fine-tune the sound;
Discrete headphone amplifier;
Sound virtualization in computer games;
Flaws
Minor delays in the ASIO interface;
No color differentiation of connectors;
Complicated driver setup;
Why the third place: Only two analog connectors for connecting peripheral equipment.
For whom: Owners of Hi-End speakers or headphones, people with a TV connected to a computer.
Description: This is one of the cheapest Hi-End sound cards. The 1796's proprietary 24-bit DAC is capable of operating at 192kHz even with multi-stream playback. The design of the sound card provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB.
The sound card is equipped with a special chip to enhance digital audio over HDMI, but this requires communication with a compatible HDMI receiver. The sound card driver emulates EAX v.5 for surround sound in games.
Advantages
Low price with high quality;
Well distributes surround sound across channels;
Stable software;
Flaws
No discrete headphone amplifier;
On some configurations, the driver does not change the sampling automatically;
Doesn't improve HDMI digital signal well enough;
The best internal sound cards in terms of price-quality ratio
Why it's number one: Supports Windows 10, full 7.1 sound.
For whom: For users of audio systems with amplifiers or Hi-End headphones.
Description: This sound card is designed for beginner music lovers with medium or top-middle class equipment. Its design includes 24-bit DACs and ADCs, proprietary Muses amplifiers and Cirrus Logic chips for high-quality sound. Sampled on-board wiring delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 124dB.
The design of the board includes four two-channel analog outputs with a 6.3 mm jack, one input and one coaxial port for digital equipment. Recommended for use with external MOLEX power supply.
Advantages
Discrete amplifier for high-impedance headphones;
Convenient driver and configuration software;
Discretized wiring without pickup;
Flaws
A 6.5 mm jack is used to connect equipment;
Feels warm;
Needs additional nutrition;
Why second place: The focus is not on hardware, but on proprietary technologies, and a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the leader in the rating.
For whom: Users of medium and budget equipment, owners of home studios.
Description: In this sound card, the main bet is made on proprietary sound technologies. So, SBX Pro Studio is responsible for surround audio effects; CrystalVoice improves voice capture, including when communicating in audio chats; Dolby and DTS create surround and "juicy" sound. To process the digital stream, a proprietary 24-bit Sound Core3D chip with a maximum stereo frequency of 192 kHz is used. The location of the elements on the board provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dB.
The design of the card includes three analog outputs and one input, each with two channels. Supports surround sound technology in EAX v.5 games.
Advantages
There is a separate headphone amplifier that drives high-impedance models;
Complete software adjusts all sound parameters;
The scope of delivery includes a directional microphone with noise reduction;
Flaws
Bright, eye-catching backlight;
The driver does not communicate with the rest of the software on the computer;
Outdated Recoon3D chip;
Why the third place: The card is designed for sound recording, not playback.
Who it's for: Owners of home and semi-professional studios.
Description: This sound card is equipped with a powerful 24-bit 96 kHz ADC, which ensures the clarity and detail of sound recording. A separate 24-bit DAC at 192 kHz is used for playback. Both chips provide 108 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a similar dynamic range thanks to on-board sampled wiring.
The input audio processing chip is equipped with support for phantom power, which allows you to connect studio-class microphones to it. In addition, there is a balanced input channel.
Advantages
Does a great job recording instruments;
Simple and clear control through the complete software;
Built-in instrument preamp
Flaws
Inadequate work of drivers with some operating systems;
No separate MIDI port;
No full XLR support;
Why fourth place: No headphone amplifier - but cheaper than other models in the ranking.
Who it's for: Audio-CD owners and home users.
Description: This card is suitable for turning your home computer into a multimedia center. The device is equipped with a 24-bit DAC with a maximum multi-channel clock frequency of 192 kHz. Dolby and DTS technologies are supported, creating surround sound in movies and music.
Special sampled wiring creates a signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dB. Dolby effects for headphones and virtual speakers are supported. And ALT technology creates a legal copy of DRM-protected materials for digitizing CDs.
Advantages
Clean, unenhanced sound;
Powerful built-in chips;
Suitable for connecting 7.1 stereo systems;
Flaws
Limited software compatibility with modern operating systems;
There is no automatic determination of the number of channels of the reproduced sound;
Not well suited for sound recording;
The best inexpensive external sound cards
Why it's number one: 7.1 support, Dolby, and a discrete headphone amp.
For whom: For gamers and those who want to create a home media center.
Description: This card is suitable for creating a home media center based on a multimedia or gaming computer. It is equipped with a 24-bit Cirrus Logic DAC with a maximum clock frequency of 192 kHz and supports 7.1 stereo connection. It also includes a discrete headphone amplifier. The sound card supports Dolby technology (in the edition of Home Theater v4) and has a signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB.
Separately, the sound card is equipped with a sensitivity level control for the connected microphone. There is also a special disk for adjusting the playback volume.
Advantages
Convenient design with controls;
Support for Dolby technologies;
Open, transparent sound;
Flaws
Not very durable
Does not work well with alternative operating systems;
Why second place: Outputs are unbalanced line and headphone only. But this is a map and not to be played.
Who it's for: Musicians and home studio owners.
Description: Unlike the previous model in the rating, this sound card is designed exclusively for recording music. Of course, you can connect a stereo system to it via a line-out, and headphones via a 3.5 mm jack, but using it for playback will be a waste of money.
The sound card is designed for recording. To do this, it is equipped with a balanced microphone input with support for phantom power up to +48 V and a preamplifier. There is also an unbalanced HI-Z input for connecting an electric guitar.
The chip is 24-bit with a maximum clock speed of 192 kHz.
Advantages
Ideal for recording instruments;
Good sound;
Russified Cubase AI included;
Flaws
The phantom power switch is inconveniently located;
Noisy at high gain;
Few indicators;
For whom: For those who want to create a home media center and owners of vinyl players.
Description: This sound card is designed specifically for quick and easy deployment of a home media center. It, like other models from Creative Sound, supports SBX Pro Studio spatial reproduction technology, which provides realistic and high-quality sound. In addition, this sound card is equipped with a headphone amplifier, thanks to which high-impedance models can be connected to it; and a phono stage for connection with a vinyl player.
The built-in 24-bit DACs/ADCs feature a maximum clock rate of 96 kHz, and the sound card design itself provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB.
Advantages
Convenient design;
Supports optical connection (input and output);
Simple connection;
Flaws
Unsuccessful software with a poorly designed equalizer;
No Hi-Res audio support;
Overprice;
The Best Premium External Sound Cards
Why it's number one: A studio-grade or even live-grade sound card.
For whom: For owners of semi-professional, professional studios, concert venues.
Description: This audio interface can connect up to 36 channels simultaneously - 18 input and output. All of them support ASIO Direct Monitoring mode. Input channels can be recorded individually.
The installed 24-bit DACs/ADCs run at 192kHz (Hi-Res audio) and feature a dynamic range of 114dBA. The delay is fractions of milliseconds, which allows you to work in real time.
Why second place: A compact and functional audio receiver, but with a lower DAC frequency than the leader in the rating.
For whom: For those who want to create a full-fledged media center at home.
Description: This is not exactly a sound card. It is rather a full-fledged audio receiver that can receive a signal not only from a computer, but also from mobile devices. A 24-bit DAC is responsible for converting the stream with a conversion frequency in stereo mode of 192 kHz (with multi-channel audio it drops) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 127 dB.
The audio receiver is equipped with two built-in 35-watt amplifiers and support for Dolby Digital technology. The unit has two independent microphone preamps, making it suitable for high-impedance models.
USB is used for communication with a computer and power supply. The input signal can be received both via analog and optical digital interfaces.
Advantages
Built-in amplifiers for speakers and headphones;
Hi-Fi level components;
Work in audio receiver mode;
Flaws
Unstable operation of Windows drivers;
High frequencies are not clear enough;
No full 7.1 and no DTS;
Why third place: Minimum connectors, but ultra-compact.
For whom: For home use.
Description: This is one of the smallest audio interfaces in the ranking. Unfortunately, due to its compact size, it has a small number of connectors. The input interface is USB only. But this sound card is equipped with a proprietary Hi-Res chip - 32-bit, with a maximum clock frequency of 352.8 kHz! The dynamic range is 115 dB.
It is also equipped with two output connectors. The first is for headphones, with a separate amplifier. The second is linear, to which you can connect another pair of headphones.
In addition, the audio interface supports ASIO, DSD (including playback without conversion) and Core Audio technologies.
Advantages
Works in DAW;
Ultra-compact dimensions;
Natural, natural sound;
Flaws
Relatively high price;
Weak amplifier for high-impedance studio-grade headphones;
Few connectors;
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
It has become optional in the computer - the built-in audio chips on motherboards can more than meet the needs of most consumers. But many companies continue to release separate sound cards - they are positioned as the ultimate solution for gamers, music and movie lovers.
It is worth noting that in this article we almost do not consider sound cards for professional use (for sound recording). This is a completely separate conversation, and today we will talk about sound cards for audiophiles, demanding gamers and lovers of quality cinema. Also note that we will not consider too cheap cards - in most cases, buying them simply does not make sense, since they are no better than chips in modern motherboards. However, we will still offer you a couple of not too expensive options.
In the next section, we will talk about the important characteristics of sound cards that you should consider when choosing, and then we will tell you about ten models worthy of your attention that you can buy from sellers in our catalog.
Key features to look out for
All computer sound cards can be divided into three types - internal, external and internal with an additional block. The former are connected directly to the computer motherboard, and their outputs are located on the back and / or front panels of the PC case. The latter are connected via USB, FireWire or other ports and are located on the table or somewhere near the case. Internal sound cards with an additional block allow you to connect additional devices to this block without having to look for inputs and outputs on the back of the computer.
If you want to decorate your interior and desktop with another stylish device, then you can take a closer look at external cards. In other cases, internal models are better - they save space and are easier to use.
Connection type
Internal models are connected using PCI or PCI-Express slots (the latter is used in newer and more advanced models). External cards are connected to a PC using USB or FireWire cables (mostly USB, FireWire is rarely used in professional audio cards).
Do not worry about the possibility of connecting an internal model - if you have a more or less modern PC (we are talking about computers assembled in the last 5-8 years), then it has PCI-Express and PCI slots of the required versions.
If you choose an external audio card, it's best to connect it using the faster version of USB, USB 3.0. Make sure your computer has this port or purchase a PCI expansion card with it. However, USB 3.0 is not required for audio speeds - most models provide a USB 2.0 connection, which is enough in almost all cases.
Multi-channel audio
The ability to output multi-channel audio is important for games and movies, sometimes music. If you have an appropriate audio system or multi-channel headphones, then you need to look for an audio card that can handle them.
Sound scheme
The most popular sound schemes for games and movies are 5.1 (5 speakers and 1 subwoofer), 6.1 (6 speakers and 1 subwoofer), and 7.1 (7 speakers and 1 subwoofer). Again, if you have such an audio system or headphones, make sure that the future sound card supports the desired scheme.
Built-in controller panel
Some external audio cards are equipped with such a panel. It contains various controls that are needed to control the volume and other parameters of audio output or input. Optional, but nice stuff.
phantom power
This function is equipped with professional models designed for recording sound from condenser microphones in studio conditions. Note that phantom power is not needed to record sound from dynamic microphones.
Remote control
The presence of the remote control allows you to control the volume, equalizer settings and other sound parameters remotely. Quite a handy feature for a PC media center and fans of movies or games on a TV, but you shouldn’t focus on it - there are always enough ways to control these parameters even without a remote control.
DAC bit depth, bit
The sound quality at the output of the audio card directly depends on the bit depth of the digital-to-analog converter. Cheap models are usually equipped with a 16-bit DAC, mid-budget and expensive ones - with a 24-bit one. Needless to say, you should only choose models with a 24-bit DAC.
ADC capacity, bit
The bit depth of the analog-to-digital converter directly affects the quality of the sound that the card receives from a microphone or other external devices. The situation is the same as with the DAC - if you are going to record sound or at least communicate with other players in online games, then it is better to choose a 24-bit ADC.
Maximum frequency, kHz
The sample rate of the DAC in stereo mode also affects the sound quality. The optimal sampling rate in stereo mode is 48-192 kHz.
Also, audio cards differ in DAC sampling rate in multi-channel mode (recommended value - 48-192 kHz) and ADC sampling rate (recommended value - 96-192 kHz).
EAX version
EAX is a technology developed by Creative that allows gamers to fully immerse themselves in a three-dimensional audio panorama of the gaming world. The latest version of EAX is the fifth, but in games you can be content with older versions - even the second. It should be noted, however, that not all developers use EAX.
OpenAL is an API open to developers that allows you to process sounds in the 3D space of games. Quite an important, but not critical feature for gaming sound cards.
Support for ASIO technology allows you to use professional software packages for working with sound and music. If you're going to do this, make sure the card supports ASIO 2.0 or ASIO 2.2.
Inputs
If you need a sound card only for games, movies and music, then you won't need a lot of inputs - one input for a 3.5 mm minijack microphone is enough.
If you're planning to play music and audio professionally and are looking for a model for your home studio, then make sure you have all the inputs you need now and in the near future - for microphones, instruments and other devices that you will use in the studio. These can be MIDI, RCA, S/PDIF, XLR inputs and so on.
Outputs
A computer sound card for home use should have at least two analog outputs - for headphones and an audio system. If you have more audio devices at your disposal to which you want to output sound, then select the appropriate model. For audiophiles and cinephiles, it is important to have S / PDIF outputs, with the help of which high-quality audio systems and home theaters are connected.
You have probably already noticed that the number of steps in today's TOP has been halved. This is not a typo or an accident. Decent solutions are really very, very few. Therefore, instead of trying to find diamonds in a mountain of garbage, I decided to make the selection shorter. But at the same time, the most verified
5th place. First level
Our good friend registered here -. A tiny device, only slightly larger than a USB flash drive.
But for all its revealing modesty, the U3 boasts quite decent sound when playing the base FLAC 16/44. As well as the on-board headphone amplifier and optical output. The latter will be very useful when connecting a laptop to a high-level stationary DAC. Dimensions, in turn, make this solution portable and as convenient as possible on the road.
Of course, nothing more serious than 16/44 can be reproduced using U3 makes no sense. But to give an idea about lossless music to an absolute novice in this area, this "crumb" is quite capable.
4th place. Already Hi-Res, but not yet a cake
The first generation, in itself, was a very worthy solution for Hi-Res audio. And at the same time, it had full-fledged RCA outputs, high-quality circuitry, great sound and a fairly powerful built-in headphone amplifier. iDAC2, on the other hand, has moved even further, having acquired a more powerful, capable of pumping 300 Ω amp into its arsenal. And also partially borrowing DSD-ability from his iDSD-colleague.
For all its technical merits and versatility, the iDAC range can still be considered a mobile solution. Mass-dimensional parameters do not go beyond the reasonable.
1st place. Hi end
No matter how hard the manufacturing companies try, no one has yet managed to defeat the laws of physics. Absolutely all audio components responsible for signal processing need a well-organized power supply. It is this task of an electro-"nutritionist" that the toroidal transformer in the Asus Xonar EONE Mk II (Essence One II) solves.
For the most accurate, detailed and reliable reproduction, the signal should not be affected by voltage drops and other artifacts inherent in ordinary power circuits. Therefore, a significant part of the internal volume of a heavy representative of the top line of external DACs from Asus is occupied by a transformer. The rest is at the mercy of a high-quality electronic base. Support for all key switching interfaces, including balanced outputs! Reference sound and uncompromising attention to detail. All this makes the EONE line the pinnacle of external sound cards for any sane money. Beyond is the world of esoteric components and astronomical prices. A world where sound quality takes a backseat.
Therefore, today for music lovers and audiophiles seeking to get the maximum sound quality, EONE may well serve as the end point of their technological journey. Further movement already loses all meaning.
In future releases, we will cover the topic of sound cards in more detail for those who prefer DSD. And that's all for today. See you later! :)
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