Laptop with a powerful sound card. The best sound card for a computer

To enable audio playback devices to function, your computer or laptop requires a sound card, also called an audio card. Such devices can be external or internal.

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

What is a sound card

An audio card is a sound card responsible for creating, converting, amplifying, editing the sound reproduced 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?

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

Device

A computer sound card consists of several related hardware systems responsible for collecting, producing, and processing audio data. The purpose of the two main audio systems is to “audio capture” and work with music: its synthesis, playback. The device's memory is accessed directly via a coaxial or optical cable. Sound generation occurs in a digital signal processor (DSP): it plays certain notes, adjusts their tone and frequency. The power of the DSP and the total amount of available notes is called polyphony.

Types of sound cards

You can find audio cards on the market in a shockproof, waterproof case. This type is better suited for connecting an advanced audio system and running powerful games. Separate boards and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution, characterized by average parameters. Cards are divided into three types according to the possibility of dismantling and location relative to the device:

integrated;
internal discrete;
external discrete.

The best sound cards

Choosing a sound card is difficult. Such devices are multifunctional, so the set of characteristics for one audio card can be strikingly different from any other. Many expensive modules should only be purchased on sale or at a discount, because their price may be inflated. To understand which sound cards are suitable for a specific purpose, check out the advantages, disadvantages, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

This audio card occupies a position a class above other external devices on the market. It is an excellent choice for studio recording:

Model name: Motu 8A;
price: 60,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 connection, additional thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
pros: ASIO 2.0 support, control module on the case;
minuses: high price, fragile shell.

In the next model, Motu standards provide high-quality signal processing, it is equipped with an external unit, and the design is pleasing to the eye:

Model name: Motu 624;
price: 60,000 rub.;
characteristics: thunderbolt connection, via usb ports, 2 XLR inputs;
advantages: simultaneous work with several multi-channel systems;
Cons: requires additional power, gets very hot.

Multichannel

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

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

ASUS is distinguished by the reliability, quality, and durability of its devices. See for yourself using the Xonar DGX as an example:

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

PCI cards

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

model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI interface, DAC 24 bit/192 kHz, multi-channel audio 7.1;
pros: optical output S/PDIF, support for EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
Cons: Periodically produces loud digital noise.

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

Model name: Creative Audigy;
price: 3000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 mini-Jack connector;
pros: 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 provide great audio anywhere:

Model name: Zoom UAC-2;
price: 14,000 rub.;
characteristics: external card, USB 3.0 interface, shockproof case, DAC 24 bit/196 kHz;
pros: quality/cost, minimum required for studio recording;
cons: the settings of the control panel buttons are not obvious, there are no symbols.

External computer modules should not only be convenient, but also of high quality. Line 6 POD will give you the opportunity to place an extended audio system anywhere:

Model name: Line 6 POD studio UX2;
price: 16,000 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, 7.1 multi-channel audio;
pros: ability to connect many devices, excellent noise reduction;
Cons: the price does not correspond to the functionality and quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables provide unmatched protection against interference. Experience clear sound with Universal Audio cards:

model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin SOLO Thunderbolt;
price: 40,000 rub.;
characteristics: optical output S/PDIF, EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
pros: clear multi-channel sound, excellent card for studio recording;
cons: small number of outputs.

WITH by ASUS purchasing a high-quality audio card has never been easier. An excellent combination of cost/quality and clear sound will help you appreciate any track:

model name: ASUS Strix Raid PRO;
price: 7000 rub.;
characteristics: PCI-E interface, optical output S/PDIF, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
pros: control panel, ability to connect headphones up to 600 Ohm;
Cons: The software conflicts with other sound drivers.

Sound card 7.1

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

Model name: HAMA 7.1 surround USB;
price: 700 rub.;
characteristics: external audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
pros: ease of control, good amplifier;
cons: low frequency.

Multi-channel analog audio outputs facilitate comfortable listening to your favorite music with any audio systems:

Model name: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UM2;
price: 4000 rub.;
characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
pros: perfect for rough recording of a vocal part;
Cons: There is no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1

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

Model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
price: 2000 rub.;
characteristics: integrated 5.1 system sound card;
pros: suitable for any computer, the card connects easily and quickly;
cons: sound chips are poorly soldered, which causes sound delays, 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 rub.;
characteristics: 6 multi-channel audio outputs;
pros: support for audio extensions modern computers;
Cons: the card is not suitable for music lovers due to its low bit depth.

Audiophile

True music lovers will be able to appreciate the ideal sound available with ASUS Sonar Essence audio cards:

model name: ASUS Sonar Essence STX II 7.1;
price: 18,000 rub.;
characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S/PDIF;
pros: clear reproduction of vocals and instrumental music;
cons: no SSD hard disks create strong background noise.

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

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

For headphones

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

Model name: MOTU Audio Express;
price: 30,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input/output, 2 headphone jacks;
pros: robust body, clear playback through headphones;
cons: close location of external controls.

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

Model name: Tascam US366;
price: 10,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0, instrument output, phantom power.
pros: analog outputs and jack provide ideal sound;
cons: unstable drivers.

For laptops

Audio cards for laptops are gaining popularity. External modules will improve the sound:

Model name: Creative X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, Asio v.2.0, 5.1 multi-channel sound, 6 analog connectors;
pros: 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 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, connection via USB 2.0, optical output S/PDIF;
pros: advanced optimization options for microphone and headphones;
Cons: May produce digital noise when CPU load increases.

For games

The Sound Blaster line board guarantees complete immersion into the sound world of a computer game:

Model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
price: 5000 rub.;
characteristics: 24 bit/192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multi-channel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
pros: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
cons: when the sound is amplified, rattling and background noise appear.

The gaming acoustic module UR22 differs from analogues in the absence of distracting noise:

Model name: Steinberg UR22;
price: 12,000 rub.;
characteristics: USB 3.0 interface, 24 bit/192 kHz, 2 multi-channel outputs XLR, Jack, analog;
pros: availability of all necessary connectors;
Cons: Registration in the driver support program can be confusing 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 rub.;
characteristics: external audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bit/42 kHz;
pros: perfectly improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
cons: lack of ASIO support.

The Creative company offers cards that cost no more than 2,000 rubles:

model name: Creative SB Play;
price: 1600 rub.;
characteristics: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bit/48 kHz, 2 analog connectors;
pros: 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:

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

External

The discrete sound card is designed to connect powerful professional audio systems that create almost perfect sound. It is also suitable for fans of computer games in which the sound component plays a large role. Important parameters:

Frame. Any external module is subject to potential danger. The shell must be made of impact-resistant material.
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 based mainly on the availability of a slot for it or the type of attachment to the motherboard, but there are other criteria:

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

Video

All owners of musical instruments, like fans of laptops, sooner or later have a desire to expand the capabilities of their devices. In the case of laptops, everything is clear - the standard sound subsystem is not enough to provide high-quality and surround sound.

As for musicians - as a rule, they are interested in experimenting with music and the desire to connect, for example, an electric guitar to a computer to record their own compositions - is not a reason to buy an external sound system. PC owners, by the way, are also not always happy with the standard sound card with the popular codec from Realtek, and want more from it. And if there is system unit With a large video card, there is nowhere to shove a “sound card”.

Lately, this topic has become interesting to our readers, so we decided to choose the best external sound cards for various tasks, using the recommendations of our engineers from the test laboratory. Below in the material we will present to you several of the best devices in our opinion and tell you about each of them in detail.

Which external sound card should I choose?

Let's first decide: for what purposes should you buy an external sound card? If you need to process sound and do sound recording, you need to look for a solution in the professional class of devices, but to organize an acoustic system to get good surround sound, you don’t have to chase expensive models with the Pro prefix. Our review is dominated by affordable solutions, but there are also options for professional sound work.

When creating music in special programs It is important that your PC is equipped with at least 4 GB random access memory and a sound card with support for ASIO drivers.

First place: Creative Sound Blaster X7

An external sound card is ideal for gamers and movie buffs who want to fill the space around them with impressive sound. No matter what device you connect to it, 7.1 speakers or headphones, the sound will be powerful and clear, especially when used with the Creative E-MU XM7 speakers. Using this kit, you will accurately distinguish the sound of all musical instruments in a track by ear. Great option“all-in-one” for the music lover gamer who wouldn’t mind feeling like a sound engineer.

The sound card has a Burr-Brown PCM1794 DAC at 127 dB, provides HD audio output at 192 kHz/24 bit resolution - a real Hi-Fi level. At the same time, the sound box can simultaneously act as an external DAC (USB DAC), which operates autonomously without the participation of a PC and is capable of connecting to smartphones via the Bluetooth protocol. Supports aptX encoding and decoding, which ensures minimal audio loss when transmitting audio over the air.

Price: about 25,000 rubles

Second place: Behringer U-Phoria UMC204

One of the best sound cards in the budget segment, which provides good and detailed sound output with dynamic bass. It is made in a durable metal case, supports ASIO, simultaneous connection of two microphones or musical instruments. However, it is worth considering one nuance: if you buy an external card solely for listening to music, then you should take into account that when using it, the sound becomes so brighter that in some metal compositions it may lose its “heaviness”.

Despite its affordable price, it is a semi-professional solution, so it is more logical to use it in studio mode, coupled with the appropriate software for recording and mixing sound. Note that each audio input is equipped with a preamplifier and phantom power (48 Volts), which is designed to work with condenser microphones. Audio resolution is a respectable 96 kHz/24 bit.

Price: about 9000 rubles

Third place: Steinberg UR242

The strict design of the external sound card in a metal case gives it a stylish and classic look. The device is quite portable, so you can safely take it with you to on-site recording sessions. Among the connectors on board are two linear combo inputs with phantom power, two regular line inputs and a headphone output. Everything you need for most tasks.

Guitarists will certainly appreciate the dspMixFx software mixer, DSP effects for sound processing, and the ability to play with active pickups. And fans of Apple products will be able to take advantage of the opportunity battery life with Apple tablets. Adds impressions a high resolution audio 24 bit/192 kHz. In addition, the package includes software for professional sound editing: Cubase AI, Basic FX Suite and Cubasis LE.

Price: about 13,000 rubles

Fourth place: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

A good sound card that lost a few points due to problems installing drivers. In this regard, when purchasing, you will have to play around a little: first install the first version of drivers from the official website, and then install more recent ones in search of the most optimal ones for realizing high-quality sound.

But if everything goes well, you will be delighted with the quality of playback and sound recording. On board are two microphone preamplifiers, a DAC with 96 kHz/24-bit audio resolution, line and instrument mode switches, knobs for controlling the gain for each channel, with LED indication that will indicate overload.

The build quality and hardware of the sound card are at a high level, and to use it you will need a relatively powerful PC or laptop. However, we do not recommend buying it for professional studio work. It is better to pay attention to more expensive analogues.

Price: about 9500 rubles

Fifth place: Native Instruments TRAKTOR AUDIO 6

A professional sound card is ideal for sound engineering and DJ tasks. TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 from Native Instruments. It is notable for its simplicity: no additional settings no need to do this after connecting. In addition, the device is enclosed in a durable metal case, which protects it from physical influences. Local LED lights not just a design element. From a practical point of view, this is a very smart move, allowing you to work with a sound card in poor lighting conditions.

TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 It is well equipped and allows you to connect up to three stereo sources. In general, the card has three line outputs, a headphone jack, USB interface for connecting to a PC, port for external power supply(the card can work autonomously). The Cirrus Logic CS4270 converters installed here provide support for audio resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, dynamic range of 105 dB, distortion + noise of 87 dB. The card also comes with advanced DJ software Traktor LE 2, designed for mixing ready-made tracks.

Price: about 20,000 rubles

A laptop sound card is a device that allows you to play and 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 sound card 2015.

Close attention should be paid to choosing a sound card for those who like to listen to music on their laptop or often play computer games. In addition, everyone will enjoy watching a movie with good sound.

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. The developers of this product are working hard to achieve this transformation. Every laptop has a built-in sound card, but the quality of the sound it produces does not always satisfy the needs of the user, especially a connoisseur of high-quality sound.

When choosing a sound card, you need to listen to an audio recording on the selected device. In addition to purely subjective sensations, it’s worth taking a look at some of the card’s technical characteristics. Level sound signal measured in decibels (dB). Technical specifications sound card is the level of the sound signal at the input and output of the device. A good sound card has an indicator of 85-121 dB, but in general, the more, the better. With this indicator, the level of extraneous noise will be the lowest. For connoisseurs of good sound, you should choose a sound card that supports EAX ADVANCED HD, EAX. Thanks to these functions, you get the impression of being “fully present” in a game or when listening to music or watching movies. However, you almost always have to sacrifice something. The above functions significantly load the device’s processor and reduce its performance. To avoid such trouble, you will have to fork out the cash and purchase an external sound card.

As the name suggests, 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 you will have to pay a certain amount for them. But they create great sound. Such a card is not affected by electromagnetic interference, and it is not limited in size like an internal one. It has more connectors, which creates additional possibilities, including connecting a 5.1 audio system. The ease of use and additional capabilities of the card are affected by the number of its connectors. The price ranges for external sound cards are very wide. For a professional musician, such a device can cost more than the laptop itself. But for an ordinary user who values high-quality sound, a simple budget model will be enough.

Hello remoncompa.ru, I need your advice. There was no sound on my laptop, I contacted the service center, it turned out that the integrated motherboard laptop sound card and now I have two options:

1. 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 super sound for five thousand rubles, but I can buy within a thousand rubles, but again, which manufacturer should I prefer?

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

Is it possible to have external sound USB card connect to a simple system unit?

Could you please make a short review of external sound cards for laptops on your website, the information content of the resource is amazing, everything is always clear and with pictures!

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

Left click to enlarge image

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 speak up, 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 if:

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

2. You want top-notch sound from your laptop.

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

Laptops are designed primarily to allow users to access the power of a computer anywhere, under any circumstances, in any environment other than home or work. To reduce the final cost of laptop models, manufacturers, as a rule, focus on the mobility and functionality of the devices. Therefore, a laptop with an integrated high-quality sound card for impeccable sound is quite a rare occurrence. Because laptop speakers don't allow you to enjoy high-quality sound, there is no point in increasing the final cost of models with a high-quality sound card.

The average user who uses a laptop for web surfing, playing multimedia or working with some specific programs, the capabilities of the integrated sound card are quite enough. To improve sound, you can connect to your laptop good speakers. But is it possible to achieve truly high-quality sound using an integrated sound card if, for example, the question arises of using a laptop to output sound to professional acoustics? Or for high-quality sound recording? You can't do without an external sound card here. In what cases is an external sound card used, what you need to pay attention to when choosing it - we will look into all this below.

What is an external sound card?

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

In what cases is an external sound card needed?

Cases for using an external sound card can be different - from the usual whim of the user to enjoy higher quality sound with an immersive effect when playing multimedia content from a laptop to using the latter as a mobile recording studio or player for outdoor discos. An external sound card for a laptop will definitely 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 sound quality, this can be provided by both external sound cards and discrete hardware components built inside a computer device. A discrete sound card is more suitable for PC builds. So, not every laptop model has the necessary space inside to install a discrete sound card inside. Take, for example, netbooks, ultrabooks, tablets. These are devices designed to provide the user with maximum mobility and light weight.

Installing a discrete sound card inside a laptop will disrupt the original assembly of the case, which may cause the retail outlet where the device was purchased to refuse its warranty obligations. An external sound card connects to the laptop's USB port and does not interfere with the original assembly of the case.

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 to provide high-quality sound.

External sound cards with volume, bass, and tone control buttons will allow for flexible sound settings, since some laptop models do not even have a mechanical volume control button, not to mention bass or tone.

Another advantage of external sound cards for owners of low-power laptops is the removal of load from 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 to work.

What should you pay attention to when choosing an external sound card?

Before we begin to consider the parameters of an external sound card, it’s worth starting with the fact that it makes sense to buy it only when you already have a high-quality one acoustic system. It is unlikely that you will notice a difference in sound quality if the sound is output to averagely lousy stereo speakers.

Let's look at the main nuances that should be taken into account when choosing an external sound card

4 audio inputs and 4 audio outputs, which the sound card will provide, are more than enough even in some cases of professional audio work. Although in some cases, using a laptop at home, one pair will be enough, and the sound card will also cost less.

The sound card bit depth requirement for high-quality sound is 24 bits or higher.. A minimum requirement 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 and higher.

To work with electronic musical instruments, you will need appropriate interfaces - to connect these electrical instruments, digital audio recording standards, etc.

Supports Dolby Digital or Digital Theater System (DTS) audio standard will be needed to read multi-channel audio and video tracks. This is especially useful when watching feature films.

ASIO support– a data transfer protocol that ensures faster transfer and low response time – almost all professional-level sound cards are equipped.

EAX technology support, which provides ambient sound effects, will be useful for gamers playing serious games with multi-channel sound.

Installing drivers for an external sound card

It is not a fact that Windows OS itself will find drivers for a particular model of external sound card in its database. Ideally, drivers, of course, should come with the sound card. But this rule is not always taken into account in cases with budget goods or used goods on the secondary market. In these cases, you can turn to driver packs for help - software, which determines the hardware and external connected devices of the computer and installs drivers for them. Installing the latest version of the sound card driver will provide high-quality sound and flexible settings.

Buying 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 that cannot be thrown away until the warranty expires. The box contains instructions and a CD with drivers. Works with Windows 8 means compatibility with G8; with Windows 7, the external sound card also worked great.

Instructions

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

External Sound Card

Left click to enlarge image

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

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