Hello remoncompa.ru, I need your advice. I lost sound on my laptop, turned to the service center, it turned out that the integrated into the laptop motherboard burned out sound card and now I have two paths:

1. To repair the laptop, but the repair will cost more than three thousand rubles.

2. Buy external sound card for laptop, the cost is from 350 rubles to 5000 rubles, I think I don't really need a super sound for five thousand rubles, but I can buy within a thousand rubles, but again which manufacturer do I prefer?

And I would like to know if the sound with such a sound card in the laptop will be no worse than with the built-in one, if it is worse, then maybe it would be a sensible decision to repair the laptop?

Can an external USB sound card be connected to a simple system unit?

Could you make a small review of external sound cards for laptops on your site, the resource is amazingly informative, you always understand everything with pictures!

Hi friends! In this article, we will do full overview external USB sound card Creative SoundBlaster Play. A review of an expensive external sound card is also being prepared.

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Creative is a leader in the production of sound cards of various classes. I can say with confidence that even the budget models of this company are distinguished by their quality. The price + quality ratio in this model is very good, if our readers have other opinions, please express your opinion, the article will be supplemented. The price of our external sound card is a little less than a thousand rubles and its final rating is a solid four.

An external sound card for a laptop will come in handy in case:

1. The sound card integrated into the laptop motherboard is out of order and you do not want to repair it, the cost of such a repair is service center usually amounts to 2-3 thousand rubles.

2. You want great sound from your laptop.

3. An external sound card can be easily connected to a simple system unit.

Laptops are designed primarily to provide users with access to the capabilities of a computer anywhere, under any circumstance, in any environment other than home or work. To reduce the cost of the final cost of laptop models, manufacturers, as a rule, focus on portability and functionality of devices. Therefore, a laptop with an integrated high-quality sound card for impeccable sound is quite a rare occurrence. Since laptop speakers do not allow you to enjoy high-quality sound, there is no point in raising the price of the final cost of models with a high-quality sound card.

An ordinary user who uses a laptop for web surfing, multimedia playback or working with some specific programs, the capabilities of the integrated sound card are quite enough. For better sound, you can connect good speakers to your laptop. But is it possible to achieve really high-quality sound with the help of an integrated sound card, if, for example, there will be a question about using a laptop to output sound to professional acoustics? Or for quality sound recording? An external sound card is indispensable here. In what cases an external sound card is used, what you need to pay attention to when choosing it - we will understand all this below.

What is an external sound card?

An external sound card for a laptop is small device type of flash drive, equipped with a USB port for connecting to computer devices, audio output and microphone input. Some models may be equipped with volume buttons. This is the basic functionality, and some, naturally, more expensive models can provide other connectors and interfaces, for example, coaxial output, analog output channels, etc. But the dimensions of such powerful sound cards will be larger, in the form of boxes, dotted with various ports, inputs and outputs.

When do you need an external sound card?

Cases of using an external sound card can be different - from the usual whim of the user to enjoy better sound with the effect of presence when playing multimedia content from a laptop to using the latter as a mobile recording studio or a player for field discos. An external sound card for a laptop is sure to come in handy for professional musicians, avid music lovers, as well as gamers for whom the quality of sound effects in games is of no small importance.

Why an external sound card and not a discrete one?

As for the sound quality, this can be provided by both external sound cards and discrete - hardware components built into a computer device. Discrete sound card is more suitable for PC assemblies. So, not every laptop model has the necessary space inside to install a discrete sound card inside. Take netbooks, ultrabooks, tablets, for example. These are devices designed to provide the user with maximum mobility and light weight.

Installing a discrete sound card inside the laptop will disrupt the original chassis assembly, possibly causing a failure point of sale, where the device was bought, from their warranty obligations... An external sound card plugs into the laptop's USB port and does not interfere with the original case assembly.

A huge advantage of an external sound card is its portability. After all, if the user has several devices - for example, a PC, laptop, tablet, an external sound card can be connected to any of these devices in order to organize high-quality sound.

External sound cards with buttons for adjusting the volume, bass, tone will allow you to flexible settings sound, since some laptop models do not even have a mechanical volume control button, let alone bass or timbre.

Another advantage of external sound cards for owners of low-power notebooks is the offloading of their processors. The processing of sound files takes place inside an external sound card, which makes it easier for the processor of a computer device.

What to look for when choosing an external sound card?

Before proceeding to consider the parameters of an external sound card, it is worth starting with the fact that it makes sense to buy it only when there is already a high-quality acoustic system... It is unlikely that there will be a difference in the sound quality if the sound is output to medium lousy stereo speakers.

Let's consider the main nuances that should be considered when choosing an external sound card

4 audio inputs and 4 audio outputs that the sound card will provide - this is more than enough even in some cases professional work with sound. Although in some home use cases one pair of notebooks will suffice, the sound card will also cost less.

Requirement of sound card bit depth for high-quality sound - 24 bit and higher... BUT minimum requirement the signal-to-noise ratio is about 100-114 dB and higher. The sampling frequency of a good quality sound card should be 44.1 - 96 kHz or higher.

To work with electronic musical instruments, you will need appropriate interfaces - for connecting these power tools, digital sound recording standards, etc.

Supports Dolby Digital or its analogue Digital Theater System (DTS) sound standard needed to read multichannel audio and video tracks. This is especially useful when watching feature films.

ASIO support- a data transfer protocol that provides accelerated transmission and low response time - almost all professional-grade sound cards are equipped.

EAX technology support providing environmental sound effects for gamers playing serious multi-channel games.

Installing drivers on an external sound card

It is not a fact that Windows itself will find drivers for a particular model of an external sound card in its database. Ideally, drivers, of course, should come with a sound card. But this rule is not always taken into account in cases with budget goods or second-hand goods on the secondary market. In these cases, you can ask for help from driverpacks - software that detects hardware and external connected computer devices and installs drivers for them. Installing the current version of the sound card driver will ensure high quality sound and the possibility of flexible settings.

We buy an external sound card

Full name of our external sound card Creative "SoundBlaster Play!" USB Retail... The presence in the name Retail means the presence of a nice box, which must not be thrown away until the end of the warranty. The box contains instructions and a CD with drivers. Works with Windows 8 means compatibility with the "eight", with Windows 7 the external sound card also worked fine.

Instructions

Drivers. I want to say that the drivers in operating system it will be installed automatically and without a CD, which contains several not very necessary programs to change the sound quality.

External Sound Card

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Our external sound card has two outputs for speakers, headphones and a microphone.

We connect our external sound card to a laptop, then we connect sound speakers or headphones to the sound card output, if you need to connect another microphone.

Drivers are installed automatically

Left-click on the "Speakers" icon in the tray and select "Playback Devices" in the menu that appears.

As you can see, our external sound card is already working and you just need to connect speakers or headphones to it.

Main characteristics

Connection interfaceUSB

Standards support OpenAL, EAX 5.0

Chipset - X-Fi

Playback

Number of playback channels - 2

DAC capacity - 16 bit

Maximum DAC frequency - 48 kHz

Recording

Number of audio recording channels - 1

ADC capacity - 16 bits

Maximum ADC frequency - 48 kHz

Signal to noise ratio - 90 dB

If the audio path motherboard your computer or laptop is built on high-quality components - there is no point in purchasing a discrete budget or even mid-range card. It will be almost impossible to feel the difference. In the same way as in the case of sound output to inexpensive speakers or headphones. There is an opinion that the cost of the used acoustics should be several times higher than the price of a sound card - then the set will be balanced.

So, you've decided to abandon the built-in sound card. Then we will immediately decide on the options:

• Inexpensive embedded cards- a choice for the undemanding ear, if the sound of the "embedded" is already completely obscene, or you want to connect multichannel acoustics to the motherboard, which has only a stereo output. Although taking into account the fact that now even budget systems allow you to connect at least 5.1 acoustics, such a need may be needed only on a computer, which it is high time to upgrade itself. The same can be said about cheap external sound cards- they remain the only option for laptops, but they are also interesting for PCs because they “collect” less noise on the analog path.
• Do you like music not only to listen, but also to create? Regardless of genre preferences, you need a sound card with the supportASIO, and then we are already looking at our equipment - for power tools you will need high resistance (Hi-Z) input, studio condenser microphones need phantom power. If you work exclusively with VSTi, you just need to have ASIO on board.
• Want to connect your computer to an external DSP or AV receiver? Then choose cards with an exitS /PDIF- coaxial or optics, depending on how the input is implemented on the connected device.
• Interesting multichannel audio in games? In this case, support by the EAX card will still be relevant, although it can already be considered leaving the scene (the last edition of the standard was released in 2005). At the same time, it would be more logical to choose from cards produced by Creative - whatever one may say, this is the company that created EAX.

There are also a number of nuances that need to be taken into account. For example, it is not the first year that Creative has been famous for its disgusting support - the same Audigy of the old series already on Windows 8 can work with problems because of the long-not updated and initially raw drivers. Any card, both external and built-in, can work incorrectly due to software and hardware conflicts: for example, a loaded USB hub or motherboard bridge can lead to stuttering even with ASIO cards, especially if the driver is set to the maximum frequency sampling (and, accordingly, for the maximum amount of data transfer). So it is not always necessary to immediately blame the manufacturer for all mortal sins - you should also deal with your computer (not to mention the anecdotal cases when they forget to disable the built-in card in the BIOS).

A laptop sound card is a device that makes it possible to play as well as record sound information. The sound quality depends on the capabilities of the sound card. It can be integrated, that is, built-in, or sold separately. You need to figure out how to choose best laptop with a good 2015 sound card.

Careful attention should be paid to the choice of a sound card for those who like to listen to music on their laptop or often play computer games... Besides, watching a movie with good sound will please everyone.

Sound itself is elastic waves that propagate in space and create mechanical vibrations. Digitization degrades its sound, but the average user is unlikely to notice a significant decrease in sound quality. The main task of a laptop sound card is to convert digital signal to analog. Developers of this product go to great lengths to bring about such a transformation. Every laptop has a built-in sound card, but the quality of the sound reproduced by it does not always satisfy the needs of the user, especially the connoisseur of high-quality sound.

Choosing a sound card, you need to listen to the audio recording on the selected device. Apart from purely subjective feelings, it is worth navigating some of the card's technical characteristics. Level sound signal measured in decibels (dB). Technical specifications sound card is the level of the audio signal at the input and output of the device. A good sound card has an indicator of 85-121 dB, and in general, the more the better. With such an indicator, the level extraneous noise will be the smallest. For connoisseurs good sound it is worth choosing a sound card that supports EAX ADVANCED HD, EAX. Thanks to these functions, you get the impression of being "completely present" in the game or when listening to music or watching movies. However, you almost always need to sacrifice something. The above functions significantly load the device's processor and slow down its performance. To avoid such a nuisance, you have to fork out and purchase an external sound card.

As the name implies, the integrated sound card will be part of the motherboard, and the external one will be a separate device that must be connected to the laptop using wires and connectors. Most experts recommend external sound cards, although they come with a price tag. But they create great sound... Such a card is not affected by electromagnetic interference, moreover, it is not limited in size as much as the internal one. It has more connectors, which creates additional features, including the connection of a 5.1 audio system. The usability and additional capabilities of the card are affected by the number of its connectors. The price ranges of external sound cards are very wide. For a professional musician, such a device can cost more than the laptop itself. And here ordinary user that appreciates high-quality sound, a fairly simple budget model will be enough.

We often set tasks for it as for a full-fledged device. Fortunately, modern technology allows compact devices to work like their full-size counterparts. But, if processors and video cards in portable computers have long been at the level of full-sized desktops, then the sound often leaves much to be desired. By reading this article, you will learn how to choose the right laptop not only in terms of performance, but also in sound. I will tell you what parameters are responsible for good sound, what you should pay attention to. You will learn about the benefits of some technologies and the futility of others.

Before we start talking about specific laptops, I would like to provide you with a little theory. To make it easier for you to understand what it is about.

The first thing to master is what sound is. To simplify as much as possible, sound is mechanical waves. The easiest way to imagine sound is in the form of waves on water, only in the air. We do not see them, we do not feel them, but we hear them. Sound waves, like waves on water, break against obstacles and lose their strength.
The main conclusion from my words is that the farther the source is from us, the worse it is heard. Put on some music in your bedroom and go to the kitchen, you won't hear it as well as you should.
Accordingly, translating the topic of sound into the plane of laptops, we can say that one of the important indicators in terms of sound quality is the location of the speakers themselves. If the speakers are hidden in the case, if they are somewhere on the bottom or somewhere else, you will not get a good sound.
Notebook speakers should be located on the top or side of the device. Only with this arrangement will you get the correct and high-quality sound of the device. This is the only way the sound will not be distorted.

Oh, what an interesting thing painted on top, right? This is a sound card. This means that we will talk about the initial "power" of the sound.
Sound cards are not installed on simple laptop models. They are usually straight mounted and perform very mediocre. In devices with this equipment, you will not receive any loud sound, no clarity of high frequencies, no deep bass. The sound, like the sound card, will be quite mediocre.

When choosing a laptop with good sound, you should pay attention to the presence of a separate sound card. Manufacturers love to praise their equipment, which means that such information will always be indicated on specific model... A good sound card is the foundation of good sound. She is responsible for the quality of the reproduced sounds. She will give you the opportunity to hear and high frequencies and deep bass, while not distorting anything and giving you the true sound of your music.

A good "hardware" inside the device will give you the opportunity to hear how the guitarist made a mistake on the string or played the wrong note, you will hear the music as it is.

By analogy with sound cards, sound amplifiers and subwoofers can be built into a laptop. They serve the same role and enable you to enjoy the sound of your device.

When choosing a laptop with good sound, you should pay attention to the availability of additional equipment, such as: sound cards, subwoofers and sound amplifiers - they are fundamental to the correct sound.

At the same time, you need to understand that each bloat requires energy, which means that the better the sound, the more energy it needs. Take care of a laptop with a good battery - if you don't want it to turn off halfway through the movie.

AND last advice, relative to the sound. If you are tired of the sound of an old laptop, then you don't have to buy a new one. You can save a lot by buying a portable subwoofer or portable sound card. These devices connect to your laptop and significantly improve the sound quality. At the same time, they have their own body and look very neat.

The only drawbacks will be that in addition to laptop, you must also carry an amplifier with you. And this is no longer so convenient and contradicts the very idea of ​​portability.

Now that we have finished looking at the main correct characteristics of the models with rich sound, we can move on to the second part of the article, in which I will tell you which laptop models deserve attention.

ASUS Pro BU401L - will be the first model with which I want to start, I will not talk about the technical aspects of the model - we are not interested in them. This will give you precise sound characteristics.

I will slightly deviate from the topic of sound and note that the laptop weighs some 1.64 kg, very nice figures. At the same time, the design and "flatness" of the device surprise no less.

Pleases absolutely correct location of the speakers - on top panel.

It is worth noting that the asus company has been producing computer hardware in general and laptops in particular for a long time. At the same time, the company has solid experience in terms of sound. What is the Asus N750JV model with a subwoofer and probably the most the best sound among laptops. Asus engineers did not ignore this model, giving it an excellent sound, with this slim body... The speakers do not wheeze at full power, but portable device has special software for better customization sound. AudioWizard offers us a choice of different modes: music, movies, sound recording, games and voice enhancement.

ASUS N750JV is the previously mentioned multimedia notebook model. One of the best sound quality notebooks.
It is worth starting to list the advantages of the model with the fact that a portable subwoofer is already included in the kit, which can significantly enhance the sound quality. But there is nothing strange in this, since the model was originally created with a focus on multimedia quality.

One of the big advantages of N series laptops is the sound quality. ASUS N750JV is no exception and has an excellent sound subsystem. Traditionally, the laptop is certified by Bang & Olufsen, a Danish company specializing in the production of hi-end audio and video equipment.

SonicMaster Premium is a technology implemented by asus specialists on software and physical levels that enhances sound quality to prohibitive heights.
At the same time, the device has as many as 4 speakers, the volume of which is pleasantly surprising.
Already standardly included with a laptop software Waves MAXXAudio - for more precise sound tuning for each ear.

HP notebooks deserve a separate recommendation. Their main advantage is full cooperation with BeatsAudio, the world leader in the field of audio technology. This means that in almost every model of this company you can get a decent sound.

MSI GX660 - the creation of MSI company pleasantly pleases with a pair of strong speakers and a built-in subwoofer. It's convenient and compact, while still giving you great sound.

Summing up, I would like to note that not all laptops were named here - there are too many of them to name all. But at the same time, you received the information that will help you choose the right laptop and not make mistakes. Do not forget to consider the price tag factor, not always the most expensive thing is the best.