Built-in sound cards. "Crystal sound": comparative testing of sound cards of the highest category. The best budget sound cards

Your audio interface is The Dark Knight silently doing important work. Here is a list of some of the best new sound cards of the past year that are sure to grab attention. It is up to you to decide which one to choose and whether they are worth the money!

Representatives say: “The new Crimson 3 now comes with an SPL Phonitor Matrix and a built-in Talkback microphone. The card is great for when there is no way to fully work with studio monitors.

Peculiarities:

• 16 Inputs
• 6 channels for recording (24 bit / 192 kHz)
• 2 high quality discrete mic preamps
• 4 balanced line inputs
• MIDI I/O
• 2 headphone outputs
• Monitor Matrix (NEW)
• Talkback Mic (NEW)
• Controller for monitors Knob
• Artist Mode
• Analog monitoring in real time
• Playback and monitoring without a DAW (standalone)
• Class 2.0 compatible for iOS device recording/monitoring
• Operating voltage 34 V for professional levels up to +22 dB
• Increasing performance levels for consumer electronics
• Very low jitter due to FMCTM (Fixed-Master-Clock)
• High speed USB link
• Windows XP / 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, iOS 6 or higher

The new Onyx Artist 1.2 and Producer 2.2 sound cards are even better than their predecessors! Both units offer quality Onyx mic preamps, zero latency direct monitoring, 48V phantom power, 1/4" monitor and headphone outputs. In the case of the Artist 1.2, you get one mic preamp and a 1/4 line input, while the Producer 2.2 gives you two mic inputs on a combo XLR/TRS with Hi-Z fixture switches, plus MIDI I/O advantage. Both interfaces come with the full T7 DAW and DAW Essentials Packs

Peculiarities:

• Two quality Onyx mic preamps
• To XLR/TRS combo inputs accepting mic, line and instrument sources
• Hi-Z switch per channel
• +48V phantom power for use with studio condenser microphones
• High-Resolution Recording at 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Direct monitoring of analog inputs with zero latency
• Dedicated 1/4 TRS monitor outputs
• MIDI I/O for connecting synthesizers, controllers, etc.
• Powerful headphone output
• USB bus powered for easy mobile recording without the need for a power adapter
• Rugged built-in A-Tank design
• Included free software from
• Compatible with all major DAWs

Average price: $140 for Artist 1.2 and $210 for Producer 2.2

Roland has updated its line of audio interfaces with the introduction of the new Rubix range. These three products are compatible with all operating systems.

As you might expect, the Rubix22 is a 2-in/2-out model, and the Rubix24 adds a few extra outputs and a built-in compressor/limiter. If you need two more inputs, then you can choose Rubix44.

“We promise low noise on all interfaces, with support for expansion up to 24bit/192kHz. On the indicators you can see a good signal or it is overloaded, while the compact size allows you to place the device on any surface.”

Features of Roland Rubix22, Rubix24, Rubix44:

• 2-inputs/2-outputs (in Rubix44 - 4 inputs and 4 outputs)
• 2 low-noise mic preamps with XLR combo jacks
• Hi-Z input for guitar and other high impedance sources
• Input and output for Midi
• Wide shielded, low noise design
• Rugged metal construction
• Easy to read indicators
• Low latency and compatible drivers
• Enabled free version Ableton Live Lite

Prices: from $170 to $500 for Rubix44

Apogee Element 46

The Thunderbolt protocol has proven itself well in audio recording and playback as the battle between manufacturers escalates. In order to compete with Universal Audio's Apollo products, Focusrite's Clarett series and 828X MOTU have been very actively developed, but have not yet been surpassed by the Apogee series. These products have three separate models as Element 24, 46 and 88. The numbers represent the number of analog inputs and outputs that can be connected.

It's an impressive product, beautifully designed and intuitive to use, especially if you're a Logic Pro user.

Pros:

• Great sound quality and conversion.
• The software is finely tuned and very flexible

Minuses:

• No rack mount kit.

We singled out this sound card in the top for 2016, but as you can see, its specifications, quality and price category are difficult to jump over, so this line takes a confident place in 2017!

Antelope Audio has released a new Thunderbolt and USB interface with 26 inputs and 32 outputs. It features 8 "console grade" mic preamps.

As the name suggests, the Discrete 8 has eight analog inputs (A1 to A8), eight analog outputs (on a standard 25-pin D-SUB connector), a pair of monitor outputs, and a pair of headphone outputs.

Discrete 8 is available as a stand-alone or as an assembly with special microphones designed specifically for the Antelope Audio series of cards. Prices start from 1300 euros for the minimum set.

Less than six months after the release of the Quantum Thunderbolt audio interface, PreSonus has unveiled . It complements rather than replaces its sibling and has fewer ins and outs.

22 in and 24 out on Quantum 2, using Thunderbolt 2 bus and 24bit/192kHz resolution. Built-in 2 combo microphone/instrument inputs with XMAX digital control and +48V phantom power.

Quantum 2 integrates tightly with the included DAW Studio One Artist. Also included is a Magic Plug-in Suite for mixing music.

The cost of a sound card starts at $700.

The Fireface UFX+ becomes the centerpiece of any recording studio and it's safe to say that their products directly compete with Apogee's sound cards. The RME card is packed with many useful features that raise the bar high.

The card's connectivity flexibility is unparalleled: Analog, ADAT, MADI, AES, SPDIF. USB 2, USB 3 and Thunderbolt technology are standard on the Fireface UFX+. There is also an impressive number of channels: 12 analog + 16 ADAT + 2 AES + 64 MADI = 94 channels of input + outputs = 188 channels.

New AD/DA converters, optimized analog circuitry and improved SNR and THD ensure crystal clear and transparent sound. Of course, for all this you will have to pay an impressive amount. Distributor prices start from

Peculiarities:

• 94 inputs / 94 outputs
• 12 analog I/O
• 4 x Mic/Instrument Preamp, digitally controlled
• 1 x AES/EBU I/O
• 2 x ADAT I/O (or 1 x ADAT I/O + 1 x SPDIF I/O optical)
• 1 x Word Clock I/O/MADI
• 1 x Optical I/O MADI
• 2 x MIDI I/O
• 1 x Thunderbolt connection
• 1 x USB 3.0
• Total Mix FX
• Advanced remote control

AudioFuse, first announced back in January 2015, is still an attractive portable interface with tons of features.

The AudioFuse sound card is available in three different color configurations: Deep Black, Space Grey, and Classic Silver. Despite its compact form, the device has many connectivity options. On the front side you will find combo headphone inputs. In turn, they can be connected both with a mini-jack and a 1/4 connector. On the rear panel there are outputs for monitors, MIDI connections and for S/P-DIF, ADAT.

AudioFuse is a plug-and-play interface that doesn't require a special driver, but does require you to download the Control Center software, which acts as a bridge between the interface and your DAW of choice.

The only problem with this audio interface is its cost. Other products with similar capabilities are available at substantially lower prices. The price from distributors starts from $650.

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

The Apollo Twin is a good and more budget-friendly alternative to the Apollo 8 and 16, giving you access to those mythical Unison preamps and awesome UAD plug-ins that the company often gives away for free (as a gift with purchase).

The new Apollo Twin MkII received minor improvements and an additional DSP update. However, the interface remained in the desktop format, with the ability to work in 24 bit / 192 kHz. The connection is via Thunderbolt and requires external power.

In 2017, there were no big breakthroughs among new sound cards. The companies are completing the previous lines to the standards, applying free software, increasing the signal transmission speed and the quality of the converters. We believe that in 2018 something incredibly punchy and unlike anything awaits us!

Often, manufacturers of laptops and ultrabooks, for the sake of compactness of their equipment and saving space under the device case, install far from the most powerful sound cards, which makes it problematic to work with sound, play, and even just watch movies. For this reason, so-called external sound cards have been developed that connect to a computer using a USB connector. They greatly improve the sound quality.

Recently, more and more similar models have begun to appear on sale. It may not be too easy to choose from them the most suitable and optimal in terms of cost and workmanship, especially if a person does not have special knowledge in this area. Therefore, we decided today to dedicate our review to the best external sound cards of 2019. However, let's first look at what you should pay attention to when buying such devices.

What qualities are important for an external sound card?

First of all, you should decide whether this equipment is really necessary and whether it is worth buying. So, an external sound card will be useful for users if they need good and high-quality sound on a portable personal computer. Users may say that you can connect speakers or headphones, but this approach is fundamentally wrong. Additional speakers will increase the sound volume, but the quality will remain the same. An external sound card will also come in handy for laptop owners whose integrated part is out of order.

In most cases, such a device has small overall dimensions - with an ordinary flash drive or card reader. More expensive designs have a larger size - with an external hard drive. The most productive models have even larger dimensions, which are quite comparable with the portable computer itself. The capabilities of such equipment make it possible to make the sound clearer and stronger than that of an integrated element. Using such a card, you can connect several microphones, speakers, headphones and so on at once.

The most expensive models are equipped with various indicators, buttons and volume control knobs, they have different kind interfaces – analog and coaxial outputs. An external sound card allows almost professional audio recording. Often, this design is attached not only to a personal computer, but also to a tablet or phone. The setup is very simple, carried out using the buttons and controls directly on the case.

When choosing such a product, certain product qualities should be taken into account. For home amateur use, a card equipped with one input and an audio output is quite enough. For a small compact cinema, devices with two similar pairs are suitable. If the product is intended for professional use, then there must be at least 4 of these outputs. The bit depth of the external sound card must be at least 24 bits. If you plan to connect musical instruments, then appropriate sockets should be provided for them.

It will be very good if the card has support for the Digital Theater System or Dolby Digital sound standards, which allow you to work with multi-channel audio and video. This is important not only when watching movies or playing games, but also when editing music. An external sound card should not support the ASIO transfer protocol, but if such a function is present, it will be very good.

EAX technology, which adds environmental sound effects, will not hurt - it will good advantage for amateur computer games, which prefers applications that support multi-channel audio. When compiling our ranking of the best external sound cards of the year, we took all these points into account, as well as turned to feedback from users and sound professionals. We tried to take into account the ratio of price and quality of models so that the most expensive products are not included in our review. It's time to analyze the performance of these products.

Best external sound cards of the year

10.ESI U22XT

By and large, this model is an external analogue of the widely used ESI MAYA 44ex sound card. There are only two independent physical channels here, but there are also two additional virtual ones - they are used for Internet broadcasting. The interface of this equipment is quite interesting, especially since it is one of the most budgetary. The case is made of metal, has a lacquered finish that looks like copper - quite an original design solution. One of the main achievements of this device is the presence of various knobs for the line output and headphone output. According to users, this is a very convenient and correct approach.

Another important point that the developers have added here is the presence of a hardware FRONT-BACK switch, which allows you to calculate whether you should use the front guitar plus microphone inputs or digitize the RCA stereo signal from the input on the rear panel, and it does this automatically . For such a budget product, the presence of balanced TRS outputs. A separate AC adapter is not required when connecting this product, just like it does not need AC power. You just need to connect it to a personal computer, besides, it can work with tablets and phones thanks to the UAC1 mode support.

Advantages:

• Acceptable cost;
• Convenient location of both inputs and all controls;
• Very attractive appearance;
• Easy to connect and use.

Flaws:

• The volume knobs are smooth and not very comfortable to use;
• The quality of the recorded sound could be better.

9. TASCAM US-2×2

This is a fairly convenient model in terms of operation, which has two inputs and outputs. The product was released to the general public in 2014, but the performance was so good that the product is still very popular, and it also has an excellent price-performance ratio. The design is equipped with two Mic/Line inputs that work with XLR/TRS connectors - this allows you to use even condenser microphones. Moreover, each of them can be used to connect instruments - the switch is located on the front panel, so you can safely connect an electric or bass guitar to this external sound card.

The headphone output is a classic 6.3 mm, there are two balanced line outputs of the same type. The device supports sound recording and playback in 1624-bit mode, the frequency range is in the range from 44.1 to 96 kHz. According to users, this sound card provides excellent sound, distortion and noise are minimal. Such indicators were largely achieved thanks to the installation of two Ultra-HDDA preamplifiers at once. On the front panel you can find the main controls of this product, the signal levels for the headphone output and line outputs are adjusted separately. The device is connected to a USB 2.0 connector, it is very easy to set it up. This equipment also has a MIDI input/output, which allows you to connect a wide variety of devices and musical equipment, such as a synthesizer or drum kit. The sound card is perfectly compatible not only with laptops, but also with personal computers, including MacOs, it works well with other Apple products - iPad. The case is made of high-quality aluminum, made in a stylish industrial design. Overall dimensions are compact, weight is small - just a little more than 1 kg. The side panels can be removed.

Advantages:

• Installed high-quality preamplifiers for microphones;
• Musical instruments sound at a professional level;
• Compact product;
• The assembly is of high quality, not a single part of the body does not play;
• Attractive appearance.

Flaws:

• On a computer, sometimes you have to suffer with drivers.

8. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen

This is a new generation of external sound cards, the quality of which is fundamentally new level. Under the metal case, you can find new developments in microphone preamps and converters. The device supports sampling rates up to 192 kHz, the audio signal delay has been minimized, the set of software that comes with this sound card has also been increased. The case is made of metal, it looks quite elegant, the regulators are metal, corrugated, which helps the operator to fine-tune the product and get the sound of the highest quality and clarity.

Mic preamps are equipped with linear gain control. The transducers have a dynamic range of up to 109 dB. The audio transmission delay is only 2.74 ms, so that all effects can be detected literally in real time, the same is done during recording or monitoring. Analog circuits are equipped with special protection that does not allow devices to fail in the event of voltage surges. Here is the Focusrite Creative Pack software package, which additionally contains 12 plugins.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• Slight delay in sound transmission;
• High-quality sound when recording voices and instruments;
• Almost complete absence of noise and other recording defects.

Flaws:

• It happens that the sound card starts to freeze, but this happens quite rarely.

7.Audient iD14

These are products of a British company that develops audio equipment, in particular, microphone preamps. This equipment is compact in size, so you can work with it even on the road. It is placed in a metal case of increased strength, it has rubberized feet that do not allow slipping even on perfectly smooth surfaces. This sound card is ideal for use in a home recording studio. There is an instrumental input, as well as two line and microphone inputs. In total, this design has ten inputs and four outputs, supporting sampling rates up to 96 kHz. The set of functions, according to the manufacturer, is universal, which ensures excellent sound quality, which is almost indistinguishable from full-size devices.

The mic preamps are Class A for a truly world-class sound. You can directly connect an electric guitar, bass guitar and other similar instruments, even the most elementary ones equipped with a simple pickup. The card has a DSP mixer with minimal latency. Manufacturers have set the iD ScrollControl mode here, thanks to which you can work with iTunes libraries, change various plug-in parameters. The device is powered from the USB connector or from an external adapter supplied with the equipment. Adjustment knobs are made of serrated aluminium.

Advantages:

• For the price, the sound is just great;
• The functionality is varied, but there are no special features;
• The software works stably;
• Very comfortable adjustment knobs.

Flaws:

• The headphone output is not very loud.

6. Creative Sound BlasterX G5

One of the smallest models in our entire review, however, the purpose of this device is quite wide, no adapter or any other additional elements are required for direct use. The equipment can work with USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors, it provides high quality sound from a personal computer, laptop, various consoles such as Xbox or Sony Play Station. Built-in microphones and other similar additional functions are not provided here, which could not but affect the cost, of course, to a lesser extent. Dimensions and weight are small.

The product has the shape of a prism, the body is plastic - smooth matte on top with small inclusions, stylized as polished metal. The front side is made of glossy plastic, which leaves a lot of fingerprints. It has only two outputs - one for connecting a microphone, the second for headphones. In the central part there is a volume control, which is also stylized as metal. On the underside, there is a pad of velvety polyurethane, which allows the device not to slide on the surface. Both connectors can be used for both headphones and microphones - if desired, two pairs of headphones can be connected to the card at once. All the features of the device can only be used if it is connected to any device.

Advantages:

• Very compact overall dimensions;
• High performance;
• Has everything you need for comfortable use;
• Good build quality;
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• The background may start when two pairs of powerful speakers are connected.

5. BEHRINGER UMC22

The functionality is not too wide - it is limited to only two inputs in order to be able to connect two external sound sources. They are the same - for XLR / jack 6.3 mm. However, they have different purposes of application: the first one can be used both for connecting instruments and microphones, including condenser ones, which provide high sound quality, especially vocals. With their help, extraneous noise is well suppressed. This connector is equipped with a Midas brand preamp, although many users report very mediocre sound quality in their reviews. In addition, it is allowed to send a 48 V phantom load to the first channel. This can be done using a special switch located on the rear panel of the device.

Headphones can recognize two types of signals - processed, coming directly from a personal computer, and the original, which comes from a musical instrument. The latter function is provided by Direct Monitor technology. In order to adjust the volume of both channels, only one knob is provided - this point is considered by many users as a drawback. The translation of an audio signal from analog to digital and vice versa is carried out as 24 bits, its frequency is 48 kHz. This allows you to use a sound card for professional sound recording. Small dimensions make it easy to use the design in a small studio and even when traveling. The case is made of metal with additional stiffening ribs - this allows you to well protect the filling of the device from various kinds of mechanical damage.

Advantages:

• Fairly good price;
• Simplicity and ease of use;
• There is a button for direct monitoring;
• It is possible to support ASIO drivers.

Flaws:

• During audio recording, clicks may occur due to a weak processor and overload.

4. M-Audio M-Track 2×2

The device is equipped with an aluminum case, characterized by a very reliable and solid assembly. All elements are tightly fitted to each other, extraneous sounds do not appear even with strong pressure. The sound card is pretty stable. The interface of the model is well thought out - all the controls are located in such a way that they are always at hand, but do not interfere with each other. The handles have a smooth stroke, which allows for fairly fine tuning. Outputs for headphones and monitors are separate, there is hardware monitoring of inputs. In particular, with the help of this sound card, you can listen to the dry sound of the guitar and combine it with the sound that has already been processed. In the design, you can also find four-segment peak meters.

The back side is quite simple. It has a combo output, as well as outputs used to connect monitors and a USB-C power socket. The minimum audio transmission delay is 64 samples, which means that the audio is transmitted almost in real time. The card allows you to provide +48V power for microphones, which is an undoubted advantage. The sound interface is at a decent level, even heavy and powerful headphones transmit sound well, have a decent volume margin. The timbres are transmitted evenly, the bass lines are not overwhelmed and do not tend to stand out. The inputs do not make noise, do not embellish or discolor the sound, creating the highest fidelity.

Advantages:

• Good sound quality;
• Acceptable cost;
• Beautiful appearance;
• Excellent ergonomics.

Flaws:

• The USB-C connector is weak, it may begin to lose contacts over time.

3. Zoom UAC-2

In third place in our ranking of the best external sound cards is a universal high-speed model with two channels and designed for use both on a computer with Microsoft Windows and MacOs operating systems. Due to this device, you can bring the quality of the received sound to a fundamentally new high level. The model is connected via a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, it can work not only with stationary computers or laptops, but also with tablets, including Apple brands. When developing the device, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ​​technology was used, which ensures the transmission of an audio signal with minimal delay.

You can connect any source of external sound to this product - a musical instrument (including a percussion type), a microphone, and so on. The UAC-2 interface located here allows for media presentations, podcasts, game broadcasts in real time. The data flow is stable, there will be no signal phase jitter, so there is no need to additionally connect external sources that would act as the main clock generator. On the front panel, you can see dual inputs of the combined XLR / TRS type, to which various signal sources are connected. It is permissible to connect various kinds of amplifiers or speakers equipped with their own power source to the outputs. There's also a quarter-inch stereo jack equipped with a dedicated volume control. There are liquid crystal indicators that make the setting of this equipment more accurate and faster.

Advantages:

• Compact dimensions;
• Good build;
• Connects without problems;
• Functioning normally;
• Contacts with all sources of sound extraction;
• There is built-in signal processing and the ability to record via Loopback.

Flaws:

• It does not turn off with the computer - for this you will have to configure the BIOS.

2. STEINBERG UR22 MKII

This model is located in the middle price category and has a good value for money. First of all, users note the compact overall dimensions of this product - it will not take up too much space. There are no problems with connecting this model to a personal computer and other devices necessary for work. The equipment is perfect for both beginner sound engineers and more advanced ones. All elements necessary for the normal use of the equipment are located on the front panel of the structure. Here you can find two XLR combo inputs, which are equipped with volume controls, above them are LEDs. Each of these channels is equipped with a preamplifier. There is only one headphone jack.

On the back side there are Jack connectors, MIDI input and output, as well as a socket for connecting a USB power cable. The device can be connected to a tablet, and the sound quality will be no worse than when working with a personal computer. Material recorded using a tablet can be transferred via Cubasis LE to a computer or laptop, and then continue to work with it. The design is versatile, therefore, it can be used not only for sound recording, but also for live operation, for example, at concerts. This sound card is equipped with two channels, allowing you to record instruments with 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality. According to users, the model has surpassed all, even the most daring, expectations.

Advantages:

• Good functionality;
• Ready to work immediately after being taken out of the package;
• Provides excellent sound quality;
• Minimum time delay.

Flaws:

• Small adjustment knobs, not very convenient to use.

1. ROLAND RUBIX24

Our review of the best sound cards of this year was dominated by a model from two years ago, but the developers have not yet been able to release any design that would surpass this device in terms of performance, durability and build quality. According to the manufacturers, this sound card is designed for fast and comfortable sound processing for today's professional producers, sound engineers and musicians. The main advantages of this equipment are compactness, good sound - even at home, you can provide almost studio sound. The transmission delay here is minimal, all played melodies are transmitted almost in real time. The interface of the product is equipped with two quarter-inch combo XLR inputs, there are also two balanced TRS line outputs, and there are also two additional outputs.

The sound is clear and transparent, there is practically no noise. The drivers are very well designed, there is a built-in compressor and limiter. Loopback makes it very convenient to manipulate the routing of the signal leaving the personal computer, which will be quite useful for streamers. The delay is only 3 ms for both input and output. Can be connected to the iPad, but you will first need to purchase a special adapter. The control panel is not provided, and all the main controls are located on the case, which is also quite convenient.

Advantages:

• Drivers are installed instantly on any operating system, from Windows 7 and above;
• A huge number of possibilities;
• Slight time delay;
• Four output channels at once;
• Two microphone inputs.

Flaws:

• High price.

In conclusion, a useful video

Our review of the best external sound cards of 2019 has come to an end. There is a lot of information for each model, if you still have any incomprehensible points or if you want clarification on other issues, then welcome to comment on our article. We will try to respond to your message as quickly as possible and provide additional information in the most accessible form.

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

As for musicians, as a rule, they are interested in experimenting with music and wanting to connect, for example, an electric guitar to a computer to record their own compositions, which is no reason to buy external audio equipment. PC owners, by the way, are also not always satisfied with a regular sound card with a popular codec from Realtek, and they want more from it. And if there is an overall video card in the system unit, there is nowhere to shove the “soundcard”.

Recent times this topic became interesting for our readers as well, so we decided to choose the best external sound cards for different tasks, using the recommendations of our engineers from the test lab. Below in the material we will present you with some of the best devices in our opinion and tell you about each of them in detail.

Which external sound card to choose?

Let's first decide: for what tasks an external sound card is bought. If you need to process sound and engage in 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 can not chase expensive models with the Pro prefix. Our review is dominated by affordable solutions, but there are also options for professional audio 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 ASIO driver support.

First Place: Creative Sound Blaster X7

An external sound card is ideal for gamers and cinephiles who want to fill their surroundings with impressive sound. Regardless of which device you connect to it, 7.1 speakers or headphones, the sound will be powerful and clear, especially when used with Creative E-MU XM7 speakers. Using this kit, you will accurately distinguish the sound of all musical instruments in the track by ear. An excellent all-in-one option for the audiophile gamer who also wants to feel like a sound engineer.

The sound card received a Burr-Brown PCM1794 DAC at 127 dB, provides HD audio output at a resolution of 192 kHz / 24 bits - a real Hi-Fi level. At the same time, the sound system can simultaneously act as an external DAC (USB DAC), which works autonomously without the participation of a PC and is able to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. 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. True, one nuance should be taken into account: if you buy an external card exclusively for listening to music, then you should take into account that when using it, the sound becomes so bright that it may lose its “heaviness” in some metal compositions.

Despite the affordable cost, it belongs to semi-professional solutions, 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. Sound resolution is a decent 96kHz/24bit.

Price: about 9000 rubles

Third place: Steinberg UR242

The strict execution of the external sound card in a metal case gives it a stylish and classic look. The device is portable enough, so you can safely take it with you on location recordings. Among the connectors on board are two combo line 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 on active pickups. And fans of “apple” products will be able to take advantage of the ability to work offline with Apple tablets. Adds impressions a high resolution sound 24 bit/192 kHz. It also comes with professional audio software: 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 driver installation issues. In this regard, when buying, you will have to play a little tricky: first install the first version of the drivers from the official site, and then install the latest 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 mic preamps, a 96kHz/24-bit DAC, line and instrument mode switches, gain controls for each channel, with LED indication to indicate overload.

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

Price: about 9500 rubles

Fifth place: Native Instruments TRAKTOR AUDIO 6

For sound engineering and DJ tasks, a professional sound card is ideal TRAKTOR AUDIO 6 from Native Instruments. It is notable for its simplicity: no additional settings are required after connection. In addition, the device is enclosed in a durable metal case, which protects it from physical impacts. The local LED lighting is not just a design element. From a practical point of view, this is a very smart move that allows you to work with a sound card in poor lighting conditions.

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

Price: about 20,000 rubles

Updated: 16.07.2018 17:21:43

*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A sound card in a computer converts a digital signal to an analog signal. The first is files. Collections of songs in MP3, FLAC and other formats; audio stream from streaming services; system sound notifications and everything else. The analog signal is necessary for the operation of the connected speakers and is simply a current with a certain frequency and amplitude.

Usually sound cards are already integrated into the motherboard. But such devices are definitely not suitable for audiophiles, home studio owners, or simply those who want to connect more than one speaker to their computer.

Rating of the best sound cards

The best budget sound cards

Why it's number one: Suitable for a 7.1 audio system and has a good DAC.

For whom: Owners of media systems, home studios.

Description: This sound card is a good solution for both playing and recording music. It is equipped with 24-bit DACs and ADCs that support 192 kHz decoding. In addition, thanks to the elaborate placement of elements on the board, the sound card has a signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB.

The board has four output connectors, two channels each. Peripheral equipment can also be connected via the optical interface. There is also a microphone input, which is also two-channel. Additionally, the sound card supports the ASIO v. 2.0.

Advantages

DAC and ADC of the same level;

Differs in a transparent sound;

The equalizer is configured through the bundled software;

Flaws

Windows 10 will require an unofficial driver;

The amplifier will not cope with high-impedance headphones;

For adequate operation, additional external power is required;

Why second place: Lower SNR than the leader of the ranking.

Who it's for: Gamers and home studio owners, as it comes with two analog inputs.

Description: This sound card is designed for both playback and recording. For high-quality audio output, it is equipped with a 24-bit DAC with a maximum clock frequency when converting two-channel audio to 192 kHz. For recording, it is equipped with two analog (two-channel) inputs and a separate ADC. In addition, the device has a discrete headphone amplifier that can drive even 600-ohm speakers. The design of the board provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 106 dB.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that it supports sound virtualization technology in gameplay EAX v.4.

Advantages

The ability to fine-tune the sound;

Discrete headphone amplifier;

Sound virtualization in computer games;

Flaws

Minor delays in the ASIO interface;

No color differentiation of connectors;

Complicated driver setup;

Why the third place: Only two analog connectors for connecting peripheral equipment.

For whom: Owners of Hi-End speakers or headphones, people with a TV connected to a computer.

Description: This is one of the cheapest Hi-End sound cards. The 1796's proprietary 24-bit DAC is capable of running at 192kHz even with multi-stream playback. The design of the sound card provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB.

The sound card is equipped with a special chip to enhance digital audio over HDMI, but this requires communication with a compatible HDMI receiver. The sound card driver emulates EAX v.5 for surround sound in games.

Advantages

Low price with high quality;

Well distributes surround sound across channels;

Stable software;

Flaws

No discrete headphone amplifier;

On some configurations, the driver does not change the sampling automatically;

Doesn't improve HDMI digital signal well enough;

The best internal sound cards in terms of price-quality ratio

Why it's number one: Supports Windows 10, full 7.1 sound.

For whom: For users of audio systems with amplifiers or Hi-End headphones.

Description: This sound card is designed for beginner music lovers with medium or top-middle class equipment. Its design includes 24-bit DACs and ADCs, proprietary Muses amplifiers and Cirrus Logic chips for high-quality sound. Sampled on-board wiring delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 124dB.

The design of the board includes four two-channel analog outputs with a 6.3 mm jack, one input and one coaxial port for digital equipment. Recommended for use with external MOLEX power supply.

Advantages

Discrete amplifier for high-impedance headphones;

Convenient driver and configuration software;

Discretized wiring without crosstalk;

Flaws

A 6.5 mm jack is used to connect equipment;

Feels warm;

Needs additional nutrition;

Why second place: The focus is not on hardware, but on proprietary technologies, and a lower signal-to-noise ratio than the leader in the rating.

For whom: Users of medium and budget equipment, owners of home studios.

Description: In this sound card, the main bet is made on proprietary sound technologies. So, SBX Pro Studio is responsible for surround audio effects; CrystalVoice improves voice capture, including when communicating in audio chats; Dolby and DTS create surround and "juicy" sound. To process the digital stream, a proprietary 24-bit Sound Core3D chip with a maximum stereo frequency of 192 kHz is used. The location of the elements on the board provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dB.

The design of the card includes three analog outputs and one input, each with two channels. Supports surround sound technology in EAX v.5 games.

Advantages

There is a separate headphone amplifier that drives high-impedance models;

Complete software adjusts all sound parameters;

The scope of delivery includes a directional microphone with noise reduction;

Flaws

Bright, eye-catching backlight;

The driver does not communicate with the rest of the software on the computer;

Outdated Recoon3D chip;

Why the third place: The card is designed for sound recording, not playback.

Who it's for: Owners of home and semi-professional studios.

Description: This sound card is equipped with a powerful 24-bit 96 kHz ADC, which ensures the purity and detail of sound recording. A separate 24-bit DAC at 192 kHz is used for playback. Both chips provide 108 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a similar dynamic range thanks to on-board sampled wiring.

The input audio processing chip is equipped with support for phantom power, which allows you to connect studio-class microphones to it. In addition, there is a balanced input channel.

Advantages

Does a great job recording instruments;

Simple and clear control through the complete software;

Built-in instrument preamp

Flaws

Inadequate work of drivers with some operating systems;

No separate MIDI port;

No full XLR support;

Why fourth place: No headphone amplifier - but cheaper than other models in the ranking.

Who it's for: Audio-CD owners and home users.

Description: This card is suitable for turning your home computer into a multimedia center. The device is equipped with a 24-bit DAC with a maximum multi-channel clock frequency of 192 kHz. Dolby and DTS technologies are supported, creating surround sound in movies and music.

Special sampled wiring creates a signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dB. Dolby effects for headphones and virtual speakers are supported. And ALT technology creates a legal copy of DRM-protected materials for digitizing CDs.

Advantages

Clean, unenhanced sound;

Powerful built-in chips;

Suitable for connecting 7.1 stereo systems;

Flaws

Limited software compatibility with modern operating systems;

There is no automatic determination of the number of channels of the reproduced sound;

Not well suited for sound recording;

The best inexpensive external sound cards

Why it's number one: 7.1 support, Dolby, and a discrete headphone amp.

For whom: For gamers and those who want to create a home media center.

Description: This card is suitable for creating a home media center based on a multimedia or gaming computer. It is equipped with a 24-bit Cirrus Logic DAC with a maximum clock frequency of 192 kHz and supports 7.1 stereo connection. It also includes a discrete headphone amplifier. The sound card supports Dolby technology (in the edition of Home Theater v4) and has a signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB.

Separately, the sound card is equipped with a sensitivity level control for the connected microphone. There is also a special disk for adjusting the playback volume.

Advantages

Convenient design with controls;

Support for Dolby technologies;

Open, transparent sound;

Flaws

Not very durable

Does not work well with alternative operating systems;

Why second place: Outputs are unbalanced line and headphone only. But this is a map and not to be played.

Who it's for: Musicians and home studio owners.

Description: Unlike the previous model in the rating, this sound card is designed exclusively for recording music. Of course, you can connect a stereo system to it via a line-out, and headphones via a 3.5 mm jack, but using it for playback will be a waste of money.

The sound card is designed for recording. To do this, it is equipped with a balanced microphone input with support for phantom power up to +48 V and a preamplifier. There is also an unbalanced HI-Z input for connecting an electric guitar.

The chip is 24-bit with a maximum clock speed of 192 kHz.

Advantages

Ideal for recording instruments;

Good sound;

Russified Cubase AI included;

Flaws

The phantom power switch is inconveniently located;

Noisy at high gain;

Few indicators;

For whom: For those who want to create a home media center and owners of vinyl players.

Description: This sound card is designed specifically for quick and easy deployment of a home media center. It, like other models from Creative Sound, supports SBX Pro Studio spatial reproduction technology, which provides realistic and high-quality sound. In addition, this sound card is equipped with a headphone amplifier, thanks to which high-impedance models can be connected to it; and a phono stage for connection with a vinyl player.

The built-in 24-bit DACs/ADCs feature a maximum clock rate of 96 kHz, and the sound card design itself provides a signal-to-noise ratio of 114 dB.

Advantages

Convenient design;

Supports optical connection (input and output);

Simple connection;

Flaws

Unsuccessful software with a poorly designed equalizer;

No Hi-Res audio support;

Overprice;

The Best Premium External Sound Cards

Why it's number one: A studio-grade or even live-grade sound card.

For whom: For owners of semi-professional, professional studios, concert venues.

Description: This audio interface can connect up to 36 channels simultaneously - 18 input and output. All of them support ASIO Direct Monitoring mode. Input channels can be recorded individually.

The installed 24-bit DACs/ADCs run at 192kHz (Hi-Res audio) and feature a dynamic range of 114dBA. The delay is fractions of milliseconds, which allows you to work in real time.

Why second place: A compact and functional audio receiver, but with a lower DAC frequency than the leader in the rating.

For whom: For those who want to create a full-fledged media center at home.

Description: This is not exactly a sound card. It is rather a full-fledged audio receiver that can receive a signal not only from a computer, but also from mobile devices. A 24-bit DAC is responsible for converting the stream with a conversion frequency in stereo mode of 192 kHz (with multi-channel audio it drops) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 127 dB.

The audio receiver is equipped with two built-in 35-watt amplifiers and support for Dolby Digital technology. The unit has two independent microphone preamps, making it suitable for high-impedance models.

USB is used for communication with a computer and power supply. The input signal can be received both via analog and optical digital interfaces.

Advantages

Built-in amplifiers for speakers and headphones;

Hi-Fi level components;

Work in audio receiver mode;

Flaws

Unstable operation of Windows drivers;

High frequencies are not clear enough;

No full 7.1 and no DTS;

Why third place: Minimum connectors, but ultra-compact.

For whom: For home use.

Description: This is one of the smallest audio interfaces in the ranking. Unfortunately, due to its compact size, it has a small number of connectors. The input interface is USB only. But this sound card is equipped with a proprietary Hi-Res chip - 32-bit, with a maximum clock frequency of 352.8 kHz! The dynamic range is 115 dB.

It is also equipped with two output connectors. The first is for headphones, with a separate amplifier. The second is linear, to which you can connect another pair of headphones.

In addition, the audio interface supports ASIO, DSD (including playback without conversion) and Core Audio technologies.

Advantages

Works in DAW;

Ultra-compact dimensions;

Natural, natural sound;

Flaws

Relatively high price;

Weak amplifier for high-impedance studio-grade headphones;

Few connectors;

It has become optional in the computer - the built-in audio chips on motherboards can more than satisfy the needs of most consumers. But many companies continue to release separate sound cards - they are positioned as the ultimate solution for gamers, music and movie lovers.

It is worth noting that in this article we almost do not consider sound cards for professional use (for sound recording). This is a completely separate conversation, and today we will talk about sound cards for audiophiles, demanding gamers and lovers of quality cinema. We also note that we will not consider too cheap cards - in the vast majority of cases, buying them simply does not make sense, since they are no better than chips in modern motherboards. However, we will still offer you a couple of not too expensive options.

In the next section, we will talk about the important characteristics of sound cards that you should consider when choosing, and then we will tell you about ten models worthy of your attention that you can buy from sellers in our catalog.

Key features to look out for

All computer sound cards can be divided into three types - internal, external and internal with an additional block. The former are connected directly to the computer motherboard, and their outputs are located on the back and / or front panels of the PC case. The latter are connected via USB, FireWire or other ports and are located on the table or somewhere near the case. Internal sound cards with an additional block allow you to connect additional devices to this block without having to look for inputs and outputs on the back of the computer.

If you want to decorate your interior and desktop with another stylish device, then you can take a closer look at external cards. In other cases, internal models are better - they save space and are easier to use.

Connection type

Internal models are connected using PCI or PCI-Express slots (the latter is used in newer and more advanced models). External cards connect to a PC using USB or FireWire cables (mostly USB, FireWire is rarely used in professional audio cards).

Do not worry about the possibility of connecting an internal model - if you have a more or less modern PC (we are talking about computers assembled in the last 5-8 years), then it has PCI-Express and PCI slots of the required versions.

If you choose an external audio card, it's best to connect it using the faster version of USB, USB 3.0. Make sure your computer has this port or purchase a PCI expansion card with it. However, USB 3.0 is not required for audio speeds - most models provide a USB 2.0 connection, which is enough in almost all cases.

Multi-channel audio

The ability to output multi-channel audio is important for games and movies, sometimes music. If you have an appropriate audio system or multi-channel headphones, then you need to look for an audio card that can handle them.

Sound scheme

The most popular sound schemes for games and movies are 5.1 (5 speakers and 1 subwoofer), 6.1 (6 speakers and 1 subwoofer), and 7.1 (7 speakers and 1 subwoofer). Again, if you have such an audio system or headphones, make sure that the future sound card supports the desired scheme.

Built-in controller panel

Some external audio cards are equipped with such a panel. It contains various controls that are needed to control the volume and other parameters of audio output or input. Optional, but nice stuff.

phantom power

This function is equipped with professional models designed for recording sound from condenser microphones in studio conditions. Note that phantom power is not needed to record sound from dynamic microphones.

Remote control

The presence of the remote control allows you to control the volume, equalizer settings and other sound parameters remotely. Quite a convenient feature for a PC media center and fans of movies or games on a TV, but you shouldn’t focus on it - there are always enough ways to control these parameters even without a remote control.

DAC bit depth, bit

The sound quality at the output of the audio card directly depends on the bit depth of the digital-to-analog converter. Cheap models are usually equipped with a 16-bit DAC, mid-budget and expensive ones - with a 24-bit one. Needless to say, you should only choose models with a 24-bit DAC.

ADC capacity, bit

The bit depth of the analog-to-digital converter directly affects the quality of the sound that the card receives from a microphone or other external devices. The situation is the same as with the DAC - if you are going to record sound or at least communicate with other players in online games, then it is better to choose a 24-bit ADC.

Maximum frequency, kHz

The sample rate of the DAC in stereo mode also affects the sound quality. The optimal sampling rate in stereo mode is 48-192 kHz.

Also, audio cards differ in DAC sampling rate in multi-channel mode (recommended value - 48-192 kHz) and ADC sampling rate (recommended value - 96-192 kHz).

EAX version

EAX is a technology developed by Creative that allows gamers to fully immerse themselves in a three-dimensional audio panorama of the gaming world. latest version EAX is the fifth, but in games you can be content with older versions - even the second. It should be noted, however, that not all developers use EAX.

OpenAL is an API open to developers that allows you to process sounds in the 3D space of games. Quite an important, but not critical feature for gaming sound cards.

Support for ASIO technology allows you to use professional software packages for working with sound and music. If you're going to do this, make sure the card supports ASIO 2.0 or ASIO 2.2.

Inputs

If you only need a sound card for games, movies and music, then you won't need a lot of inputs - one input for a 3.5 mm mini-jack microphone is enough.

If you're planning to play music and audio professionally and are looking for a model for your home studio, then make sure you have all the inputs you need now and in the near future - for microphones, instruments and other devices that you will use in the studio. These can be MIDI, RCA, S/PDIF, XLR inputs and so on.

exits

A computer sound card for home use should have at least two analog outputs - for headphones and an audio system. If you have more audio devices at your disposal to which you want to output sound, then select the appropriate model. For audiophiles and cinephiles, it is important to have S / PDIF outputs, with the help of which high-quality audio systems and home theaters are connected.