How to choose a sound card for the computer

Most computers are equipped with an integrated sound card. But its performance or performance is clearly not enough for high-quality playback or recording of music.

How to choose a sound card for the computer: what to look for

When choosing a sound card for a computer, it is advisable to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Type (external or internal);

2. Format (number of output channels);

3. Connection interface;

4. The presence of a built-in amplifier;

5. DAC Parameters;

6. Special technology support - ASIO and EAX.

Type of

Sound cards are external and internal. The first are connected via USB and are intended primarily for use with an audio system or multiple speakers. Because of the peculiarities of their interface, they support high-quality audio only in very rare cases.

Internal sound cards are installed directly into the computer system unit. Top models of such devices support high-quality audio and are equipped with a powerful DAC. A budget - just allow you to connect good speakers or headphones.

Some models of internal sound cards are equipped with an external remote unit for connecting audio equipment. It does not affect the characteristics of the DAC.

Format (number of output channels)

When recording the number of output channels, the number of speakers is indicated first, and then the number of subwoofers that can be connected directly to the sound card. There are the following formats:

1. 2.0;

2. 4.0;

3. 5.1;

4. 7.1.

The number of output analog channels may not match the number of connectors. For example, on sound cards of format 2.0 there is only one 3.5 mm connector. It connects two speakers through minijack.

Connection interface

There are three sound card connection interfaces:

1. PCI. Slow, designed exclusively for low-power expansion cards. Suitable for games, watching movies and listening to music - if the quality of the special requirements are not imposed;

2. PCI-E. Fast, allows you to connect really high-quality equipment. Suitable for home studio;

3. Usb Designed to connect external sound cards.

4. In all cases, you will need to install drivers.

Built-in amplifier

The built-in amplifier in sound cards is designed for use with headphones. Therefore, with regular listening to music or audio through these devices, it is desirable to purchase an expansion card equipped with it.

If you plan to connect an external audio system to the sound card, which already has an amplifier, then you can do without the built-in expansion card.

DAC Parameters

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is a sound card module, which, as the name implies, is designed to convert a digital signal (namely, all music downloaded from the Internet, including stores) into analog currents for subsequent sending to speakers or headphones. It has two parameters - bit depth and maximum frequency.

Digit capacity - the maximum number of sound intensity levels reproduced by a DAC.The higher it is, the more noticeable and rich each instrument will be heard in the overall composition. Sound cards can be equipped with a DAC of one of three digits:

1. 16 bits Suitable for playing compressed digital audio (for example, MP3);

2. 20 bits Suitable for playing lossless digital audio (FLAC, ALAC);

3. 24 bit Designed for hi-res audio.

The limiting sampling rate is the number of sound frequency levels that a DAC is capable of reproducing. Not the volume, namely the sound spectrum. Sound cards can be equipped with a DAC one of four frequencies:

1. 44.1 kHz. Provides reproduction of sounds from the range heard by the person. Suitable for listening to music from an audio CD or compressed digital audio;

2. 48 kHz. Provides reproduction of sounds from the audible range and partially inaudible. Suitable for playing FLAC;

3. 96 kHz. Can play sounds far beyond the audible range. Suitable for hi-res audio.

4. 192 kHz. Designed for hi-res audio.

The greater the bit depth and the maximum sampling rate - the higher the cost of the sound card. Therefore, it is worth buying models designed for high-resolution (Hi-Res) audio playback only if they are really needed and there is suitable equipment in the form of corresponding headphones or speakers.

Special sound technology support

Among the most common sound technologies, there are two that require software and hardware support - EAX and ASIO.

EAX technology is used to create a realistic sound environment that mimics the environment. It is used in various films, games and similar content. EAX processes sounds, adding reflection and reverb effects to them to create a surround sound environment.

ASIO is a special streaming audio output protocol that provides a minimal delay in signal conversion, including in the DAC. For example, it allows you to process audio in real time, which is very important for sound engineers and musicians.

Manufacturers

Among the manufacturers of sound cards are the following companies:

1. Orient. Produces simple external sound cards that will work if the integrated breaks down;

2. Asus. It produces sound cards mostly mid-level, which are suitable for playing high-quality audio. However, there are top models in the product line that provide excellent sound;

3. Creative Sound - one of the most famous manufacturers of sound cards, produces both medium and top models;

4. Tascan, Steinberg - manufacturers of "audiophile" sound cards.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.