Sound card(or board) - a device responsible for sound reproduction. This is an indispensable component of any modern computer, because without it, even such simple actions as listening to music, watching a movie or video, playing the sound sequence of any computer game are impossible.

Getting started choosing a sound card for your computer, you should know that they come in three forms:

• internal integrated;
• internal discrete;
• external.

Integrated sound cards are the most budget option... This is a separate microcircuit soldered to the motherboard. Usually, higher quality sound chips are soldered onto more solid motherboards, and simpler motherboards contain an inexpensive chip (for example, "Realtek").

However, the savings in buying a sound card are justified only if the quality of the reproduced sound does not have any high requirements. It should be noted that sound chips by themselves can produce a fairly high-quality sound, however, after soldering, external factors begin to influence the result of their work. First of all, these are electrical noises that inevitably occur on motherboard and affect the characteristics of the analog part of the audio signal.

In addition, the built-in audio adapter does not have its own processor. Accordingly, the load on CPU, which in some cases can lead to a delay in the audio signal or "freezing" of the sound. Do not forget that integrated cards are not designed to connect powerful high-end external devices. They can only work with inexpensive headphones and microphones, as well as with multimedia acoustic systems.

Discrete sound cards

Discrete sound card is a stand-alone card that is installed in a free PCI slot. This is the oldest type of circuit board - it was their use that at one time turned silent computers into multimedia computers... Discrete cards have a sound processor that performs the functions of sound processing, mixing audio streams, and so on. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the central processor, which certainly improves the performance of the computer and improves the quality of sound reproduction.

Such motherboards give a more decent sound in comparison with integrated ones. As a rule, when using them, noise and audio delays are not observed. You can use more powerful external devices - high-quality speakers or headphones, it is possible to connect a home theater system. Usually, a disc with a discrete sound card is supplied with software, which, among other things, allows you to perform sound processing in automatic mode. Manual setting, as a rule, it is performed through the audio player installed on the computer.

External sound cards

For high quality professional sound, you need to install external sound card... Of course, it must be a good expensive device. Cheap USB sticks do not have the same sound quality. External sound cards have appeared quite recently. They look like small plastic or metal boxes equipped with a certain number of inputs and outputs for connecting external devices. Some boards are additionally equipped with various tuning regulators. Such sound cards are connected to a computer when USB help or WiFi interfaces.

External boards are much more functional than internal ones. They allow you to use the full range of possibilities of high-quality audio equipment. In addition to the sound output function, they also realize the function of recording sound signals - there are inputs on the case for connecting different types microphones.

Each external sound card comes bundled with software. As a rule, this is a package of applications that allow you to configure the output devices for the most comfortable sound. In addition, they provide automatic update drivers, which is quite convenient.

Outcomes

Summing up, it should be noted that when choosing the type of sound card, first of all, you need to focus on the required sound quality and the level of acoustic equipment that you plan to use.

It's hard to imagine modern computer or a laptop without the ability to listen to music or watch movies. A sound card for a computer is responsible for playing the sound. How to choose (tips will be given a little later) and what to look for when buying such a device? Read about this and much more below.

Sound card for a computer: how to choose?

First of all, any user faced with such a problem, first of all, should start from personal considerations and the area of ​​using the sound system. Today, the use of such devices is no longer limited to high-quality reproduction of music or a track in a video or film.

With the development of the gaming industry, the requirements for sound cards have increased incredibly, and they themselves began to offer the user much more opportunities in terms of the same surround sound reproduction or special effects that can immerse the gamer in the gameplay, creating a completely realistic atmosphere of what is happening.

The same goes for the direction that provides for the creation and recording of music at home or in a professional studio. Here the requirements are even higher, and the cards themselves are much more expensive. Therefore, when deciding which sound card to choose for a computer, one should proceed from just such considerations. Next, we will consider some aspects that affect the choice of a chip of one type or another, with an analysis of the main features and characteristics of several of the most popular sound chips.

Sound card for a computer: how to choose? Specifications

In any case, the very first parameter is high-quality sound reproduction without distortion or unwanted side effects. Typically, most devices use either analog or digital inputs. The former can create additional interference during sound reproduction through the speaker system (speakers or speakers), while the latter practically completely exclude their appearance.

In most cases, crystal-clear sound can only be achieved with an S / PDIF interface for connecting a loudspeaker through the appropriate connector.

However, according to many professional musicians, digital devices Although they produce crisp sound without distortion, they nevertheless lack the so-called analog warmth, which adds realism to any music track, which is quite difficult to achieve on digital devices.

The second point is related to the frequency range that the sound card itself for a computer can "give out". How to choose a device based on these considerations? You just need to pay attention to the lower and upper frequency limits. The lower limit is usually 16 Hz (followed by infrasound, which is not perceived by the human ear), and the upper limit is 18-22 kHz (above is ultrasound, which the person also cannot hear). However, today you can find devices that can reproduce 22 and even 24 kHz, but they are practically not used in everyday life.

Finally, if most modern sound cards support the Dolby Digital and DTS Dolby Surround standards, the cards for games must declare support for EAX v.X technology or the same standard in the form of Advanced HD, without which to achieve realistic sound in gameplay it just won't work. Separately, it should be said that buying cards with 5 + 1 (7 + 1) support if you have ordinary stereo speakers at home is absolutely inappropriate.

As for the main types of sound cards on the market, they can be divided into integrated (built into motherboards), internal (connected via PCI slots) and external.

They all have very different characteristics and quite different principles of operation and connection. But external devices of this type have the advantage that they can have built-in memory, and due to the absence of size restrictions, they can have large quantity connectors.

In addition, internal and integrated cards can be exposed to electromagnetic radiation and the resulting interference, and external devices are almost completely immune from this. Finally, the use of external sound cards is the only solution to improve the sound quality and connect 5 + 1 speakers to laptops.

Sound cards for everyday work

However, in everyday life, when only listening to audio tracks or watching videos will be performed, and sound quality is not a priority, an integrated sound card for a computer can be used. How to choose such a device? Actually, you don't need to choose it. It is already built into the motherboard. Replacing the chip is another matter.

The most common are WDM-type devices (eg Realtek) with High Definition Audio drivers. Therefore, any chip of this kind will do here.

If you need higher quality with the use of surround sound systems, you will have to tackle the problem of how to choose a sound card for your 5.1 computer. Most experts call the purchase of a PCI device Audigy Fx (Sound Blaster line from Creative), which has decent characteristics and a fairly low cost, as the optimal purchase.

Inexpensive Sound Chips for Gamers

It's not that simple with games. The main emphasis when choosing a device is made on the availability of support for EAX v.X and OpenAL technologies.

Judging by the reviews of gamers, the following are considered the most popular and relatively inexpensive models of sound chips in this series:

• ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 / DG / DGX / DS.
• Recon3D PCIe from Creative.
• Audigy Fx (again from Creative), etc.

All of these devices reproduce multichannel sound, are equipped with 24-bit DACs, and the sampling rate in stereo mode is 96-192 kHz. You can, of course, stop at 192 kHz, but this is not necessary, since the difference will not be discernible by ear.

What should a musician choose?

Musicians also need a sound card for a computer like air. How to choose a chip? It is necessary to proceed from what the device will be used for. Any simple chip is suitable for recording music from a MIDI keyboard, even at the level of outdated cards with Wavetable support like Yamaha WDM.

To work with sequencers, it is better to use cards like Terratec or the same Audigy card, but a prerequisite is support for the previously used Full Duplex standard and modern ASIO drivers.

But for recording live instruments in studios, an external sound card for a computer should be used. How to choose this type of device?

You can refer to the list of the most popular and demanded sound cards, which was compiled based on the reviews of the musicians and sound engineers themselves:

• Focusrite Scarlett Solo / 2i2 / 2i4 / 6i6 / 18i8.
• M-Audio M-Track II.
• Tascam US-366.
• PreSonus AudioBox USB.
• Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture.
• BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202 and others.

Your computer or laptop requires a sound card, also called an audio card, to operate sound playback devices. Such devices are external, internal.

They are also distinguished by the type of connection: USB, PCI, PCI-E, FireWire, ExpressCard, PCMCIA. Buying a sound card for a computer is a difficult task that requires knowing the exact characteristics of the device into which it will be installed.

What is a sound card

An audio card is a sound card that is responsible for creating, converting, amplifying, editing sound reproduced by a personal computer, laptop or any other similar device. Maps are divided into several classes according to the nature of their location:

• external;
• internal;
• internal with external module.

Why do you need a sound card

The sound card is needed for correct, accurate and timely reproduction of the sounds requested computer programs and operating system devices through speakers, headphones. Without it, the computer or laptop will not be able to send any external playback modules sound signal, since there is no other component with similar functions in it.

Device

A computer sound card consists of several associated hardware systems responsible for collecting, producing, processing audio data. The purpose of the two main audio systems is "audio capture" and work with music: its synthesis, reproduction. The memory of the device is accessed directly through a coaxial or optical cable. Sound generation takes place in the processor digital signals(DSP): it plays certain notes, adjusts their tone, frequency. The DSP power and the total amount of available notes is called polyphony.

Types of sound cards

You can find audio cards on the market in a shock-resistant, water-resistant case. This type better fit to connect an advanced audio system, run the most powerful games. Separate boards and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution with averaged parameters. Cards are divided into three types according to the possibility of dismantling, location relative to the device:

• integrated;
• internal discrete;
• external discrete.

Best sound cards

The choice of a sound card is fraught with difficulties. Such devices are multifunctional, so the set of characteristics for one audio card can be strikingly different from any other. Many expensive modules should be purchased only at a sale or at a discount, because their price can be overpriced. To understand which sound cards are suitable for a specific purpose, check out the pros, cons, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

This audio card is a class above other external devices on the market. She is a great choice for studio recording:

• model name: Motu 8A;
• price: 60,000 rubles;
• specifications: USB connection 3.0, optional thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
• pluses: support for ASIO 2.0, control module on the case;
• cons: high price, fragile shell.

In the next model, Motu standards ensure quality processing signals, it is equipped with an external unit, and the design is pleasing to the eye:

• model name: Motu 624;
• price: 60,000 rubles;
• characteristics: thunderbolt connection, via usb ports.2 XLR inputs;
• pluses: simultaneous work with several multichannel systems;
• cons: the need for additional food, it gets very hot.

Multichannel

The ST-Lab board will delight for a long time high-quality sound and the absence of digital noise:

• model name: ST-Lab M360;
• price: 1600 rubles;
• characteristics: multi-channel audio output, DAC 16 bit / 48 kHz, 8 analog audio outputs;
• pluses: compact external card, low cost;
• cons: ASIO 1.0.

ASUS is known for its reliability, quality and durability. See for yourself with the Xonar DGX:

• model name: ASUS Xonar DGX;
• price: 3000 rubles;
• characteristics: 7.1 sound, 8 audio outputs, PCI-E connection with a separate internal module;
• pluses: clear sound, many connectors;
• cons: large size.

PCI cards

Internal discrete and integrated boards are famous for excellent sound quality, high frequencies:

• model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI interface, DAC 24 bit / 192 kHz, multi-channel sound 7.1;
• pluses: optical output S / PDIF, support for EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
• cons: periodically produces loud digital noise.

Creative boards will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound in any multimedia format:

• model name: Creative Audigy;
• price: 3000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 mini-Jack;
• pluses: alternative drivers expand the capabilities of the audio card;
• cons: makes a loud bang when the device is turned off.

USB audio card

Portable audio cards can deliver great audio anywhere:

• model name: Zoom UAC-2;
• price: 14,000 rubles;
• characteristics: external card, USB interface 3.0, shockproof housing, 24-bit / 196 kHz DAC;
• pluses: quality / cost, necessary minimum for studio recording;
• cons: the settings of the control panel buttons are not obvious, there are no designations.

External modules of a computer should be not only convenient, but also of high quality. Line 6 POD lets you place your extended audio system anywhere:

• model name: Line 6 POD studio UX2;
• price: 16,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, multi-channel sound 7.1;
• pluses: the ability to connect multiple devices, excellent noise reduction;
• cons: the price does not match functionality, quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables offer unrivaled protection against interference. Experience clear sound with Universal Audio audio cards:

• model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin SOLO Thunderbolt;
• price: 40,000 rubles;
• characteristics: optical output S / PDIF, EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
• pluses: pure multichannel sound, excellent card for studio recording;
• cons: a small number of outputs.

With ASUS it has become even easier to purchase a high-quality audio card. An excellent combination of cost / quality and clear sound will help you appreciate any track:

• model name: ASUS Strix Raid PRO;
• price: 7000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI-E interface, optical S / PDIF output, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
• pluses: control panel, the ability to connect headphones up to 600 ohms;
• cons: software conflicts with other sound drivers.

Sound card 7.1

If you find it difficult to find an inexpensive good audio board, portability, reliability, ergonomics and advanced control of this model will reveal all the capabilities of the audio system:

• model name: HAMA 7.1 surround USB;
• price: 700 rubles;
• characteristics: external audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
• pluses: ease of control, good amplifier;
• cons: low frequency.

Multichannel analog audio outputs contribute to comfortable listening to your favorite music with any audio system:

• model name: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UM2;
• price: 4000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
• pluses: perfect for rough recording of a vocal part;
• cons: no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1

The common 5.1 format is suitable for both simple and advanced audio systems:

• model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
• price: 2000 rubles;
• characteristics: integrated sound card of the 5.1 system;
• pluses: suitable for any computer, the card is connected easily, quickly;
• cons: the sound chips are poorly soldered, which causes audio delays, the microphone connection is unstable.

Creative SB Live! 5.1 is suitable for connecting professional sound systems and studio recording:

• model name: Creative SB Live! 5.1;
• price: 4000 rubles;
• characteristics: 6 outputs of multichannel audio;
• pluses: support for sound extensions of modern computers;
• cons: the card is not suitable for a music lover due to its low bit depth.

Audiophile

True music lovers will appreciate the perfect sound experience with ASUS Sonar Essence audio cards:

• model name: ASUS Sonar Essence STX II 7.1;
• price: 18,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S / PDIF;
• pluses: clean reproduction of vocals, instrumental music;
• Cons: Non-SSD hard drives generate strong background noise.

High-quality sound and unique driver tuning solutions will improve the performance of your audio system with ASUS xonar Phoebus:

• model name: ASUS xonar Phoebus;
• price: 10,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 2 analog channels, 2 3.5 mm jacks;
• pluses: all driver settings are on a special banner window;
• cons: lack of technical support.

Headphone

Not all headphones can accurately transmit the audio signal. MOTU Audio Express Converters solve this problem:

• model name: MOTU Audio Express;
• price: 30,000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input / output, 2 headphone jacks;
• pluses: sturdy body, clear playback through headphones;
• cons: proximity external elements management.

Tascam offers audio cards that help musicians work through excellent signal transmission:

• model name: Tascam US366;
• price: 10,000 rubles;
• Features: USB 2.0, instrument output, phantom power.
• pluses: analog outputs and jack give perfect sound;
• cons: unstable drivers.

For laptops

Notebook audio cards are gaining popularity. External modules will improve the sound:

• model name: Creative X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, Asio v.2.0, 5.1 multi-channel sound, 6 analog connectors;
• pluses: headphone amplifier, stylish design;
• cons: does not support Linux OS.

Sound quality on laptops has always been an issue. Solve it with Creative sound blaster:

• model name: Creative sound blaster Omni Surround 5.1;
• price: 9000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, connection via USB 2.0, optical S / PDIF output;
• pluses: advanced optimization options for the microphone, headphones;
• cons: may produce digital noise when the load on the central processor increases.

For games

The Sound Blaster series board guarantees complete immersion in the sound world of PC games:

• model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multichannel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
• pluses: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
• cons: when the sound is amplified, rattling appears, background noise.

Game acoustic module UR22 differs from analogs in the absence of distracting noise:

• model name: Steinberg UR22;
• price: 12,000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 3.0 interface, 24 bit / 192 kHz, 2 multichannel XLR, Jack, analog outputs;
• pluses: availability of all necessary connectors;
• cons: registering in the driver support program can cause confusion for the user.

Best budget sound card

There are inexpensive audio cards on sale that are not inferior in quality to expensive options:

• model name: ASUS Xonar U3
• price: 1400 rubles;
• characteristics: external audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bit / 42 kHz;
• pros: excellently improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
• cons: lack of ASIO support.

Creative offers cards not exceeding 2,000 rubles at a cost:

• model name: Creative SB Play;
• price: 1600 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bit / 48 kHz, 2 analog connectors;
• pluses: small, convenient audio card, durability;
• Cons: Output frequency is lower than most internal integrated boards.

How to choose a sound card

To find a suitable audio card for a laptop or computer, pay attention to the following criteria when choosing:

1. Form Factor He is the type of location. An external card is needed only in certain cases, and an internal card is not suitable for every device.
2. Playback sampling rate. Audio file formats may have different requirements for the frequency of the synthesized wave. For a standard MP3 file, 44.1 kHz is needed, and for a DVD format it is already 192 kHz.
3. Signal to noise level. The higher the value, the better sounding. Standard sound- from 70 to 80 decibels, ideal - about 100 dB.

External

The discrete sound card is designed to connect to powerful professional audio systems for near-perfect sound. She is also suitable for amateurs computer games, in which the sound component plays an important role. Important parameters:

1. Frame. Any external module is subject to potential danger. The casing must be made of impact-resistant material.
2. Connectors and number of channels. The more types the better. Not all audio systems use standard jack, mini-jack, micro-jack outputs.

Internal

The choice of an internal audio card or board is mainly based on the presence of a slot for it or the type of attachment to the motherboard, but there are other criteria:

1. Connection type. The PCI slot was used in older motherboard models; most manufacturers have replaced it with PCI-Express. First, find out which connector is supported by your computer.
2. Mount type. Internal cards can be discrete and integrated. To install the latter, you may need the help of a computer wizard.

Video

To sing karaoke with friends, record a track of your music group or enjoy a "live" concert of your favorite singer, you do not have to visit specialized places and pay a lot of money. With a sufficiently powerful computer at home, you can create an entry-level professional audio studio using a conventional USB or PCI sound card. High-quality manufacturing of the board using precious metals ensures high level output signal and ample opportunities for recording vocals.

For various purposes, you can choose the optimal functionality or give preference to the All inclusive device. There are also built-in and portable models, the choice of which is very large.

We've compiled a list of the best sound cards based on expert opinions and feedback from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the world market for equipment, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend that you pay special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Creative
2. BEHRINGER

1. Creative

Dear / Premium

1. Steinberg
2. Creative

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.

Sound cards: For music

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• Professional audio card for creating your own recording studio. Based on the Creative E-MU chip
• Ability to connect multi-channel speakers 5.1 or 7.1
• Two microphone inputs with simultaneous recording at 24-bit 96 kHz. Support for EAX 4.0 and ASIO 2.0 technologies
• Separate line input for connecting musical power instruments
• Proprietary software with a wide range of possibilities: applying effects when recording vocals in real time, adjusting the headphones and digital output, adjusting the sound with an equalizer, changing the environment, creating your own presets and much more
• Karaoke player for vocal lovers, compatible with Smart Recorder and WaveStudio applications for recording and creating full-fledged tracks

Internal / Computer / Music

Main advantages

• Gaming grade model based on C-Media 6632AX chip with 384 kHz sampling rate
• 8-channel DAC with support for 24-bit 192 kHz recording and ASIO 2.0
• Technology printed circuit board HyperGroun does not allow interference and interference
• Separate external control unit providing quick setup sound parameters of the microphone and headphones, as well as the inclusion of RAID-mode
• Separate DACs and ADCs have a dynamic range of 120 dB, which means high detail of all reproduced sound effects
• Supports studio headphones up to 600 ohms and multichannel speakers
• Convenient adjustment of sound schemes using STRIX SONIC STUDIO proprietary software

Show all products in the category "For music"

Sound Cards: Budget

External / Computer / Budget

Main advantages

• External sound card that can be connected to any device using a standard USB cable. No additional power required
• Built-in DAC allows reproduction of 16-bit stream at up to 48 kHz
• ASIO protocol support provides the user with an interface to access the input and output signal settings, and also eliminates possible delays during real-time recording
• Thanks to the S / PDIF connector, you can connect external digital devices (home theaters, receivers, amplifiers) to turn stereo into 5.1 surround sound
• Simultaneous connection of acoustics and headphones with the possibility of software shutdown and adjustment

Internal / Computer / Budget

Main advantages

• A complete audio system with SBX Pro Studio technology for 5.1 surround sound. Three output connectors are provided for connection
• Dedicated front soundbar connector on PC case
• Headphone channel output has its own power amplifier IC
• Detailed adjustment of all sound parameters using proprietary software. A separate utility allows you to quickly change the volume, adjust the equalizer
• The ability to amplify the power of the microphone offers a karaoke practice at home. Real-time voice change effects available

Budget / External / For computer / For music

Main advantages

• The sound card is equipped with all connectors that provide compatibility with sound recording and concert devices - microphones, mixers, musical instruments
• Thanks to the digital-to-analog converter High Quality the processed sound does not need software correction
• XENYX input preamplifier allows for particularly clear and clear sound from the microphone
• Two-channel USB bus guarantees full correspondence of analog and digital channels
• The device is compatible with all popular audio processing software. In addition, 150 plugins, effects and instruments are available on the Behringer website for free use.

Show all products in the category "Budget"

Sound Cards: External

Hi-Fi / External / For computer / For music

Main advantages

• The presence of a DAC (Cirrus Logic CS4398) and ADC (Cirrus Logic CS5361) provides for the connection of any devices (smartphone, PC, tablet) with a tax or digital module
• Compact and self-contained sound card with its own 3200 mAh battery and the ability to charge other devices via the micro-USB connector. Working time reaches 8 hours
• Synchronization with external devices via bluetooth 4.1. MultiPoint technology allows you to connect multiple gadgets at the same time. Additionally, an NFC module is provided that provides communication at a distance of 10 meters
• Separate controls on the case allow you to start and stop tracks, answer incoming calls, switch headphone gain
• Use as an external audio card for a PC via a standard USB connector
• Additional software allows you to adjust all the output characteristics of the sound (crystallization, bass, vocal enhancement, equalizer)

Hi-Fi / External / For games / For computer / For music

Main advantages

• The powerful Burr-Brown PCM1794 D / A converter can reproduce stunning 24-bit / 192 kHz sound quality
• Support parallel processing 32 audio streams via EMU32 bus allows simultaneous use of multiple device inputs and outputs
• SBX Pro Studio technology delivers surround sound and distortion-free low frequencies when listening with headphones
• Thanks to the implementation of the aptX Low Latency and AAC decoders, there is no loss in the quality of music when transmitting sound via Bluetooth, and there is an accurate synchronization of the picture with sound in films and games
• Supports CrystalVoice technology for clear, clear voice for gaming, video conferencing and chat. Built-in stereo microphone provided

The main task of any sound card is to convert digital data into a simple one that can be transferred to headphones or speakers. All motherboards released today are already built-in, and they provide the necessary sound quality.

But some sound cards lack functionality for all programs to work, for example, they cannot play and record sound at the same time. Therefore, in order to expand the playback capabilities, a separate sound card is used, for example, a USB sound card, and for a little money, the sound quality can be significantly improved.

Another plus of such a sound card: it can slightly unload the computer's processor. The fact is that the standard card transfers many of the sound processing functions to the processor, besides this, it also takes up a certain part of the memory. So an additional USB sound card is a rational purchase anyway.

According to the connection method, three groups of cards can be distinguished:

1. Via PCI or PCI Express slot. This connection is through connectors located directly on the motherboard. Such cards are somewhat cheaper than similar external ones. But in terms of quality and functionality, they usually lose to them.
2. External USB sound card - connects via USB port, fits any laptop or versatility is one of its advantages. A modern USB sound card can immediately output sound when recording,
3. External FireWire cards - connected via FireWire. These are the highest quality professional sound cards, they are resistant to interference. To connect them to a laptop, you need a PCMCI - FireWire adapter.

When buying a sound card, pay attention to the number of inputs and outputs it has. The more, the better. There must be a MIDI input and a MIDI output. They are for connecting a MIDI keyboard. By plugging it in, you get a good synthesizer. It is good if there are optical SPDIF outputs. The SPDIF optical interface provides the highest quality, purest sound. To record music from instruments, you also need the appropriate number of inputs / outputs to connect the required number of devices, although you can record them one at a time.

You should also look at the number of microphone ones and the sound card can be supplemented with special inputs for synchronization during multichannel recording and additional monitor outputs.

Today, the variety of market offers allows you to easily find a card of the required quality and price. Paying a modest amount for the purchase, you can significantly improve the sound quality of the computer, expand functionality... Even a simple USB sound card can provide this.

A high-quality card can become the basis for a home sound studio, it comes with its own software for ease of use, but this card is very expensive. Such devices are used by professionals in their work, a simple layman needs an additional internal card to get high-quality surround sound to accompany games and watch movies.