9 best external sound cards

The headphone or speaker audio output and microphone input are such integral interfaces of any desktop PC, laptop or wearable gadget that we have long taken it for granted. But these interfaces lead to a very specific device - a sound card. We are also used to the fact that the sound module is often not discrete, but completely soldered on the computer's motherboard. In its pure form, the sound card is a separate board that is inserted into the corresponding slot on the motherboard. All this we are talking about internal sound cards. And there are also external ones that look and connect like any other peripheral devices. It is about them that will be discussed in today's review from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/.

Which sound card is better external or internal

In a semi-professional environment there is an opinion, they say, "all external is better than internal." This is somewhat exaggerated, but it conveys the general mood. The logic here is quite obvious: a separate external device is more stable, not prone to electrical disruptions in the computer itself, it has more features (tritely more space on the case) for connecting other devices, the controls can be physical, not software, and so on. Plus, it was believed that a priori, a more reliable and high-quality hardware was installed a priori.

The indisputable point in the properties of external video cards is that they significantly lower the CPU and other key modules of the computer than the internal discrete or integrated ones. In addition, it so happened that the external sound card is such an application for professionalism.

Today's rating from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ is devoted to just such devices - external sound cards. According to the first few models, it will become clear that such a range of possibilities an internal map cannot have just physically.

How to choose an external sound card

As with most electronics of almost any kind, the situation with external sound cards is very similar: there are plenty of models, form factors, service obligations, drivers and other things. But still, what is wrong with the built-in sound cards? Who and why they can not arrange. Let's try to sort out briefly.

Why a sound card built into a computer is not enough

Numerous restrictions are peculiar to most internal and, especially, built-in sound systems. For example, any of the following:

1. only one source can be incoming at a time;
2. failures, pickups, background noise, signal delays;
3. direct dependence on computer performance;
4. sensitivity to the behavior of the "insides of the system unit up to the noise of the cooler;
5. In addition to all of the above, the internal sound card additionally loads the processor and computer memory, while the external one has its own key electronics.

All of the above disadvantages of virtually any external sound card is completely devoid of.

Of course, the external "zvukovuha" - this is far on such a device that you can buy anywhere literally "around the corner", but still it is not uncommon. We will divide all available assortment into three conditional groups.

What are external sound cards

1. Let's start from bigger to smaller. If to be extremely brief, then for studio, but not individual use, you will need a serious external device with a lot of settings, functions and gadgets. So, that this device doesn’t turn even a sound card. And it may also be appropriate to combine several devices into one: a typical example is the tandem RME Fireface UCX and RME Babyface PRO, which even has a separate name. The cost of such a device is estimated in thousands of dollars, and only a studio can really afford it, and even then not every one in a row.
2. A much more benign option is the “middle” external sound card for a music lover. If you need rich bass, distinct lows, surround sound with the effect of being present in a concert hall, then it’s logical that your audio system is at least 5.1 with speakers in front, behind, subwoofer and control electronics. A special case of this approach is an option for the film fan, where the maximum effect of presence is ensured.
3. Finally, the third option is the simplest models, which we will consider in the third third of our rating. Their relative cheapness may be dictated by different circumstances - limited functionality, cheaper materials, a little-known brand, an unsure guarantee, etc.
4. Another important point - the regulators, interfaces and additional functions. If you work in a studio and record a more or less professional sound, it will be extremely inconvenient for you to “play” with the software sound settings. In addition, in the external sound cards, the connectors of 6 mm or xlr connectors are absent as a class, and without them there is nowhere in the studio.

Expertex Exper.com selected for you nine models of external "zvukovuh", guided by considerations of their capabilities, functionality, purpose, and affordability. We sorted all devices for your convenience by approximately the average market value.

Top external sound card rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Top external sound card rating	1	RME Fireface UCX	95 819 ₽
	2	RME Babyface PRO	45 500 ₽
	3	MOTU Audio Express	31 919 ₽
	4	Creative Sound Blaster X7	26 880 ₽
	5	Tascam US-16X08	23 046 ₽
	6	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2	10 389 ₽
	7	Creative X-Fi HD	6 595 ₽
	8	Steinberg UR12	6 437 ₽
	9	Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro	4 430 ₽

RME Fireface UCX

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with the device, which can be called a sound card only with a big stretch, in a good way. This is a professional, multi-functional, easily scalable device that connects to a computer via the USB port (including the third generation), and all (numerous, by the way) controls and displays are directly on the case. This very expensive product is produced by the German firm RME, well-known in professional creative circles.

Of course, a device of this kind and functionality needs additional power. The power supply unit comes separately in the package with additional accessories and warranty card for 12 months.

This sound module supports multi-channel audio transmission, the DAC resolution is 24 bits, the DAC frequency limit in stereo mode is 192 kHz.

The device has ample opportunities to work with analog equipment for both input and output: eight output analog channels, the same number of input analog channels, two XLR input connectors, eight 6.3 mm input connectors, one separate headphone output. There is also a Hi-Z instrument input, coaxial input and output. There are MIDI interfaces to the input.

Compatibility options with various technologies and standards are as follows: support for ADAT, outdoor synchronization, AES / EBU, standard ASIO version 2.0. EAX support is not implemented.

It is possible to connect via the FireWire port. Built-in phantom power feature.

Optionally, the kit may include remote control modules (basic and advanced), but more often they need to be purchased separately.

RME Babyface PRO

Rating: 4.8

Another professional device continues our rating, but already much more user-friendly, and at a price twice as cheap.

The sound card is made in an elegant aluminum case with two tones of metallic colors with smooth body bends. It is connected, as well as the model described above, through a universal USB port. The bit width of the DAC in this case is 24 bits, the upper limit of the DAC frequency in stereo is 192 kHz.

The connectivity options for instruments and other devices for this sound card are as follows. There are four analog output channels, two separate headphone outputs. Four incoming analog channels, two mic inputs and two XLR connectors (per input). A separate moment: headphone outputs with high and low impedance.

Other interfaces: Hi-Z instrument input, S / PDIF digital optical connector, optical interfaces (input and output), input and output MIDI interfaces (a special multicore cable is included).

Also, this device supports ADAT and ASIO version 2.0. EAX support is not provided.

The device can be powered via USB bus (compatible with USB 3.0) or through a standalone power adapter.

The device is supplied with a carrier with proprietary software TotalMix FX with versions for Mac OS, Windows and iOS

MOTU Audio Express

Rating: 4.8

The third number in our review is the external audio interface produced by the American specialized company MOTU. This device is a little cheaper than the previous one and is even simpler. But the functionality is quite decent.

Technologically, the device is a hybrid audio interface (combines USB and FireWire), equipped with six inputs and six outputs. Initially "sharpened" for Mac or PC. All six inputs are centered on the front panel for easy mixing. So, you can easily connect to it a professional microphone, guitar, synthesizer, various digital devices, and synchronously control the mix to the central output using four physical knobs. The handles themselves are also located on the front panel and are labeled MIC 1, MIC 2, LINE 3-4 and S / PDIF. With the same front panel you can easily adjust the input levels.

The back panel is used to accommodate the outputs and inputs of MIDI, S / PDIF, input for various physical keyboards or manipulators programmed from a computer, such as a foot controller.

Audio Express MOTU needs additional power supply, can work autonomously without a computer, is capable of outputting multi-channel sound, and is suitable for both studio use and the stage.

Sound parameters of the device: 24-bit bit DAC; 96 kHz maximum frequency D / A stereo. There is an independent headphone output and two microphone inputs. There is a Hi-Z instrument input, coaxial input and output, both-way MIDI interfaces. ASIO version 2.0 is supported, phantom power is implemented. EAX support is not provided.

Creative Sound Blaster X7

Rating: 4.7

The next position in the ranking of the best external sound cards from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ follows the device of the famous brand Creative.The Singapore company Creative Technology Limited was closely associated with sound cards at the dawn of the formation of full-fledged IBM-compatible personal computers in the form in which they are well known to the mass consumer.

The device is made in a very expressive pyramidal form factor. It is connected via a universal USB port. An additional power source is needed for operation - one USB will not be enough.

This model is still a little cheaper than the previous one and has a number of restrictions on the professional who take it out of the professional category. But for demanding sophisticated users, it thus becomes a top. See for yourself.

The device is capable of outputting multichannel sound, has the parameters of the ADC and DAC digit capacity - 24 bit each. The limiting frequency of the D / A converter is 192 kGz when stereo is on, 96 kGz in multichannel mode. The maximum ADC frequency is 96 kGz. The ratio of signal to extraneous noise - 127 and 123 dB.

The interface resources of the device are as follows: six analog outgoing gateways; four physical analog sockets; two separate headset jacks; two analog gateways; two incoming RCA jacks; one microphone jack. In addition to the ones listed on the device, there are optical input / output and digital S / PDIF interfaces.

The sound card supports ASIO generation 2.0 and EAX generation 5. There are native drivers for Windows family systems from Vista to 10, for Mac OS not lower than 10.6.8, for Android not lower than 2.3.

Additional functions: support for Bluetooth 4.1 wireless communication; "Understanding" NFC; built-in stereo microphone and amplifier (parameters - 2x35 W at 4 Ohms); Built-in Dolby Digital decoder.

Tascam US-16X08

Rating: 4.6

The multifunctional sound device with the function of an external sound card continues our rating. The manufacturer is a division of the American company TEAC.

The strict form factor and appearance hints at a certain “studio” and “professionalism” of the model, unlike the previous decision. But this device is two times cheaper than the above, which to some extent symbolizes.

The unit is connected to the computer via a universal USB port and, like absolutely all the solutions described above, needs some more power supply besides USB.

The stated physical characteristics of the sound are as follows: the bit width of the D / A converter is the same as that of the previous model - 24 bits in both cases; The limiting frequency of the DAC and ADC is 96 kGz with the stereo mode turned on.

The device contains as many as eight analog outgoing gateways and corresponding physical sockets. The incoming balanced channels of the analog type are 16, the incoming connectors and microphone inputs are by 8. Each headphone output is the only one.

Dopfunctions and features: special input Hi-Z; MIDI in and out; ASIO version 2.0 support; EAX compatibility is not implemented; phantom power. Device drivers include full support for Windows operating systems of version 7 and higher, OS X 10.8 and higher; iOS 7 and up.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Rating: 4.5

Now we present in the rating to you a relatively simple external sound card, but in terms of features and cost it is still in serious isolation from almost any internal one. Manufacturer - British specialized company Focusrite with headquarters in the town of High Wycombe (England).

This device connects to the workstation as usual - via USB, and unlike all the models listed above, this sound card does not require additional power.

The basic measured sound characteristics here completely repeat the previous three decisions: the bit width of the DAC / ADC is 24 bits, the limiting frequency of the DAC in stereo mode and the ADC are 96 kHz.

The number of analog input channels is the same as the number of connectors - 2. There is one independent headphone output. There are also two balanced analog inputs, two 6.3 mm jack connectors and two XLR sockets. There are two microphone inputs and an instrument input.

Standards support in this model is completely similar to the previous two: there is ASIO version 2.0, but there is no EAX. Phantom power is supported.

The official warranty from the manufacturer is 12 months.

Creative X-Fi HD

Rating: 4.5

Now our rating goes to a completely budget external sound card, and we will see what it can and cannot do. The manufacturer is the same Singapore-based Creative company, whose products we have already reviewed.

This compact device, enclosed in a sturdy plastic case in black, and in general there are no questions to the assembly. It connects to a PC via USB and does not need a third-party source of electricity.

The parameters of the DAC / ADC are completely analogous to the previous models: the bit width is 24 bits each, the maximum frequency is 96 kHz. The manufacturer also indicated the ratio of signal to noise of the DAC, and it is 114 dB.

With interfaces at the sound card, the situation is as follows: two analog connectors to the output, one separate headphone output, two incoming analog channels and two RCA connectors to the input. There is also one 6.3 mm jack per input and one mic input. Other interfaces: optical input / output; S / PDIF digital interface.

EAX and ASIO are not supported. A nice bonus is the presence of an integrated phono stage.

Steinberg UR12

Rating: 4.4

And one more model in our rating, which from the butt does not really distinguish externally from the previous decision. Actually, both in price and in terms of capabilities, they are almost completely identical.

The sound card is connected to the computer via USB, it does not require additional power for operation. Characteristics

The sound characteristics of the DAC / ADC are unremarkable here - 24 bits in both cases, but the maximum frequency of the DAC and ADC is increased - 192 kHz.

On the case there are two analog output connectors corresponding to two analog outputs. There are also two analog input channels, a 6.3 mm jack and an XLR connector. Headphone and microphone input are separate. Hi-Z instrument input and phantom power.

From the sought-after third-party standards, the device only supports ASIO version 2.2. EAX is not supported at all. The driver package is written for Windows 7 SP1 and above and Mac OS X 10.7.5 and above.

Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro

Rating: 4.4

And completes the ranking of the best external sound cards according to expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ compact and extremely elegant device from the same Singaporeans who have already been presented as part of this review - Creative.

This is the cheapest model in our review, but despite this, the sound card is quite capable of turning your computer or laptop into a full-fledged entertainment system with a rich 5.1 sound.

The board is connected via USB, it does not need additional power, it is pleasant to hold in your hand if you adjust the volume directly. Otherwise, you can use the convenient remote control.

The technical parameters in this model are far worse than much more “older” and more expensive solutions: the ADC and D / A capacity are 24 bits each, the frequency limit is 96 kHz in multichannel mode and in stereo. Signal and noise are correlated with a score of 100.

The device contains six analog output channels and four analog physical connectors. Two analog channels to the input. One input jack jack 3.5 mm. Headphone and microphone input are independent. There is an optical digital S / PDIF output.

This sound card supports standards EAX version 5 and ASIO version 2.0. The driver package allows you to install a sound card on the Windows family of systems from XP SP2 and above.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.