Internal sound card. Sound card for computer: how to choose the best one? Reviews of manufacturers and comparison of the best models

To enjoy the full 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 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 both inside the system unit and connected to the USB connector. 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 to process a digital signal and create 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 the 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.

In simple words, EAX is an "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 the right device? An important feature of audio cards is 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 will be lost and low frequencies 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.

It has become optional in the computer - the built-in audio chips on motherboards can more than satisfy 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 ability to connect 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 PCI-Express and PCI slots required versions it has.

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 convenient 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. latest version 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.

Do you like listening to music and watching movies on your computer? Then you can't do without a sound card

According to the definition given in computer literacy books for dummies or computer science textbooks, a sound card for a laptop or desktop PC means a special device that can be integrated on the motherboard or be external, used to reproduce and process the incoming sound signal. Through the sound card, you can listen to music, watch movies or enjoy the gameplay. Through special programs, you can process sound or create music yourself.

NOTE:

the process of audio processing on a computer involves editing recordings, removing noise, digitizing analog compositions for their preservation on modern types of media, mixing music, or embedding a frequency range.

Most modern sound cards are equipped with a variety of outputs, among which there is a connector for connecting acoustics, a microphone or headphones.

This device may have various names:

• sound input/output device;
• sound card;
• audio board;
• audio device.

The card itself can be represented by a separate expansion board placed in the corresponding motherboard slot, or it can look like an integrated chipset soldered onto the motherboard. It all depends on the model and manufacturer.

Why do you need a sound card in a computer

Some users are wondering why a sound card is needed for a computer. This is a necessary part that is found in every PC or laptop. Its purpose is to process the incoming audio signal and reproduce it.

Even the sounds that are built into the system and notify the user about events on the computer cannot be played without this detail. Also, users who are professionally involved in music will need to buy a sound card for a computer, since it allows you to process sound and write your own works. Gamers install external sound cards on their laptops for better sound and more immersive gaming experience. game process. The presence in the audio card of connectors for connecting external speakers or headphones makes it possible to watch movies, listen to music or conduct online conversations with relatives or friends using Skype or other similar programs.

The simplest sound card is a board with a chipset and the necessary outputs.

What does a PC sound card look like?

To understand what a sound card looks like in a computer, you can see the photo. Also, the way to determine exactly where the sound device is hidden in the PC will depend on its type and the type of computer (stationary or laptop). How to determine the sound card in a desktop computer? This can be done by disassembling the case. On the motherboard you need to find a small chip (microcircuit), which will be marked with the name of the manufacturer. This method determines the sound card soldered on the motherboard.

NOTE:

if it is built-in, but connected as a separate device, then its location will be the corresponding slot. Usually it is PCI-Express. In this case, the presence of a sound card on the computer will be indicated by various outputs on the back of the system unit.

Disassembling a laptop is more difficult, so you can determine exactly where the sound card will be located by external connectors. Typically, portable PC models have only two outputs - for a microphone and headphones or speakers.

On the motherboard, the sound card is represented by a small chip indicating the manufacturer.

The main types of sound cards for a computer

There are only two main types of PC audio devices - an external sound card for a computer and an internal or built-in one. They differ in their appearance and set of characteristics. The purposes of using these devices in the system also differ slightly.

External USB sound card

This is a device, which is a separate unit, inside which there is a chipset responsible for converting and playing sound, connected to a computer via a USB port. The use of an external device is an opportunity to significantly improve the sound quality. Most often, such systems are used for laptops, since discrete audio chips cannot produce high-quality audio even on expensive models. The need to purchase an external sound card can be caused by two reasons:

• the desire to get high-quality sound on a portable PC;
• if the main sound card is broken beyond repair, or the replacement procedure will be more expensive than buying a new one.

NOTE:

connecting speakers is not a solution to the problem of poor sound quality. This will only lead to an increase in volume, at which all the flaws and shortcomings of the built-in audio chip will manifest themselves more strongly.

Most often, inexpensive models of external sound cards do not exceed the size of a regular flash drive. More expensive and better ones may look like a hard drive. The most expensive models, the price of which can reach 10,000, are close in size to the size of the computer itself.

External sound cards are mobile with all the necessary connectors

All external audio devices have the following features in common:

• amplification of the audio stream, in comparison with the standard means of the computer;
• the ability to connect external speakers, microphone and headphones.

Expensive models can be equipped with various sensors, indicators, regulators. Top models additionally have coaxial outputs and analog channels.

The advantages of external sound cards for a computer are:

• significant improvement in sound quality;
• mobility, which makes it possible to connect the device to any PC;
• a wide range of models on sale;
• the possibility of adjusting the main frequency parameters using the buttons placed on the body of the device.

Internal sound card for computer

As the name implies, this kind of device for playing and processing an audio stream is a system removed into a computer case. There is a division of internal audiocards into two categories:

Integrated. This is a chip that is soldered directly on the board. This solution is the most budget option. You should not expect high-quality sound from such a system, although higher-priced motherboards can be equipped with high-quality chips. The advantage of this type is to reduce the overall cost of the computer. But such an audio device has much more disadvantages:

• after being placed on the motherboard, the chip begins to be affected by electrical noise that distorts the analog signal;
• the lack of its own processor, which leads to an increase in the load on the CPU;
• inability to connect powerful audio systems.

Integrated cards are soldered into the board and have connectors for connecting devices placed on the back of the PC

Discrete. This type is a separate board that is installed in the PCI slot. Discrete cards are considered the oldest options. There are many manufacturers that specialize specifically in the production of discrete options. This type of application has a number of advantages:

• the presence of its own sound processor, which reduces the load on the CPU and does not slow down the PC;
• delivering better sound quality
• the ability to connect powerful external audio playback devices;
• the presence of a disk containing drivers for a sound card under Windows 7 or another operating system.

A discrete audio card is a separate card installed in a PCI-Express slot.

Main technical characteristics of sound cards and available connectors

The main parameter that determines the effectiveness of a sound card is high-quality audio reproduction without unnecessary interference and distortion. Most devices have digital and analog inputs.

NOTE:

in practice, it turns out that the analog input / output interferes with audio playback. But professional musicians believe that the analog sound has a "warmth" that the "digit" cannot give.

Signal converter

Since a computer is a digital device, and sound is an analog physical phenomenon, the use of special conversion devices is required. On a sound card, a separate chip called a DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is responsible for this. The conversion process takes place in two stages:

• first, the signal samples are selected from the data stream, which coincide with the sampling frequency;
• further, by means of interpolation or smoothing, an analog signal continuous in time is formed.

There is also an inverse conversion technique, when an analog stream is received at the input, which needs to be made understandable by the computer, which means representing the signal in a set of numbers.

Scheme of operation of the DAC and ADC

DAC bit depth

Another characteristic that is closely related to conversion is the bit depth of the digital-to-analog converter. Bit depth is the number of bits of the input code or minimum quantity units of digital information or bits. Usually, a binary number representation is used, the bit depth of which exceeds 16.

An increase in this indicator is required to expand the dynamic range.

To obtain sound with minimal distortion, a DAC with the maximum number of bits is required. Higher conversion parameters corresponding to 24 or 32 bits are used during audio signal processing. For playback, 16 bits is usually sufficient.

Sampling frequency implies equalization of the converted signal by reducing the time intervals of individual samples

Sampling frequency

Since during the conversion the signal is fixed by a certain number of samples, we can talk about time sampling. A situation may arise that these segments will stand apart from each other at a large interval, which will lead to loss of information and distortion of the sound. Therefore, for correct audio conversion, it is required to take samples with the maximum frequency.

The limit is the speed of the DAC. Also, the more fixed segments pass through the processor, the more memory needs to be allocated for data storage. A signal that has the form of discrete samples can be converted to infinite only if the interval is limited to half the period of the highest oscillation of the signal in the spectrum. That is why sound card standards use filters that limit the maximum sampling rate.

Traditionally, all connectors are color-coded.

Interfaces

Almost every sound card for a computer is equipped with a certain set of ports or connectors that are used to connect microphones, headphones, external speakers and other devices. The most common inputs / outputs are the following connectors, distinguished by colors:

• pink- for a microphone;
• blue- line output;
• green– a connector for connecting acoustics or headphones;
• black– for surround sound system;
• grey– when using a 7.1 system, when you want to connect side speakers;
• orange– for connecting a center channel or subwoofer.

Additionally, more advanced models may have an optical output or SPDIF, a coaxial connector that allows you to achieve better sound.

The choice of a sound card should primarily be determined by its purpose.

How to choose a sound card for a computer

When choosing the best sound card for a PC, you should pay attention not only to the listed characteristics, but also to imagine the purposes for which it will be used, and look at some additional parameters:

• EAX technology support. This is an analogue of the three-dimensional sound DirectSound3D, which is used for sound cards. The use of such a technique is important in computer games, as it allows you to achieve the effect of presence. Also, this technique is used to reflect and reverberate sound;
• the presence of ASIO. A protocol that is used to transmit an audio signal with minimal delays, which is important when using editors to record audio. This technology is also implemented at the hardware level;
• Midi. The presence of a "midi" interface is required for musicians who are going to use a computer to create their own arrangements. These jacks are required for connecting synthesizers or musical keyboards.

Also, when choosing the optimal card, you should not succumb to marketing tricks, since very often these indicators are exaggerated. It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer of the DAC. The best companies are Ti-Burr Brown, Wolfson. Another indicator of quality is the serial number of the converter. The larger the digit of the number, the more modern the model.

Asus Strix Raid DLX - the best value for money among sound cards, according to users

Top Producers

ASUS sound cards

One of the market leaders of this product is the Taiwanese company ASUS, which is known to a wide range of users for its mobile products - laptops and phones. The manufacturer's line of audio devices is represented by both budget models (Xonar DG, cost - 2,200 rubles) and premium products, which, according to users, produce almost perfect sound (Strix Raid DLX, cost - 15,000 rubles).

Creative sound cards

The next in the ranking of the best manufacturers is Creative Labs, which specializes in the release of hardware and software. One of the most popular models is the Sound Blaster, which is already experiencing its 6th rebirth. The top model of the line is the Sound Blaster ZX, which has an original external design and a remote unit for connecting peripherals and controlling sound parameters. The cost of this card starts from 9,000 rubles.

Sound Blaster ZX is already the sixth reincarnation of the sound card from Creative Labs

Other companies

Asus and Creative are the undisputed leaders. Also on the sound card market there are companies such as LynxStudio, which produces mid-range audio devices, C-Media, M-Audio. Distinctive feature of the latest brand of sound devices is the focus of products on sound recording in the home. This is expressed in equipping the board with a line input for a guitar or microphone.

Using Device Manager, you can not only see which card is installed, but also update the driver

How to check a sound card on a computer and find out what exactly it costs

by the most in a simple way how to find out the sound card on a computer is to use the "Task Manager" of Windows. The "Sound, video and game controllers" item will show all the audio devices installed on a particular PC.

Sound card driver

You can also try to update the sound card driver through Device Manager if you experience problems with sound. This will be useful for budget models that do not have a special disk with installation software included.

The sound card is installed in one of the PCI-Express slots on the motherboard.

How to connect a sound card to a computer

After purchasing a brand new sound card, the question may arise how to install a sound card on a computer. When using an external device, you only need to plug the plug into the USB socket, and then install the necessary drivers for proper operation. If a discrete card is used, then you will need to remove the side cover of the system unit and carefully place the board in the appropriate slot. A latch is used for fixation. After the physical installation, you need to turn on the PC and install the drivers. It is quite possible that the system itself will detect a new device and automatically install it.