External sound card appointment. Why do you need a sound card (audio interface)
The main task of any sound card is to convert digital data into a simple one that can be transmitted to headphones or speakers. In all motherboards produced now, they are already built-in, and they provide the necessary sound quality.
But some sound cards do not have enough functionality for all programs to work, for example, they cannot play and record sound at the same time. Therefore, in order to expand playback capabilities, a separate sound card is used, such as a sound USB card, and for little money the sound quality can be improved significantly.
Another plus of such a sound card is that it can slightly offload the computer processor. The fact is that the regular card transfers many sound processing functions to the processor, in addition, it also occupies a certain part of the memory. So an additional USB sound card is a rational purchase anyway.
Three groups of cards can be distinguished according to the connection method:
- Via PCI slot or PCI Express. 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.
- External USB sound card - connects via USB port, suitable for any laptop or versatility - this is one of its advantages. A modern USB sound card can immediately output sound when recording,
- External FireWire cards - connect 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 of them, the better. There must be a MIDI input and a MIDI output. They are intended for connecting a MIDI keyboard. By connecting it, you will get a good synthesizer. Well, if there are optical SPDIF outputs. The optical SPDIF interface provides the highest quality, clearest sound. Recording music from instruments also requires the appropriate number of inputs/outputs to connect the required number of devices, although it is possible to record them one at a time.
You should also look at the number of microphones and the sound card can be supplemented with special inputs for synchronization during multi-channel recording and additional monitor outputs.
Today, the variety of market offers makes it easy to find a card of the right quality and price. By paying a modest amount for the purchase, you can significantly improve the sound quality of your 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; an additional internal card is enough for a simple layman to get high-quality surround sound to accompany games and watch movies.
Dear blog subscribers and just random passers-by! Let's close our eyes for a moment and imagine that our personal computers, laptops and others would work completely silently ...
This means we would have to give up listening to music, watching movies, playing games and more. It's good that this is not the case, and in this article we will consider in detail why a sound card is needed in a computer.
educational history
Initially, they worked in a rather narrow frequency range, they emitted signals that were considered warning. But given the current pace of development of computer technology, in the field of multimedia there is an urgent need to improve the entertainment direction so that the sound is of better quality, more professional.
It was a real breakthrough. Audio cards, like all other computer devices, are constantly being improved by developers, both in the field of software and hardware.
Current sound cards for computers boast 3D surround sound with very high quality sound. Sound card: what kind of "beast"? Let's start with the fact that this is an advanced/integrated chipset. It is he who allows you to recreate the sound on a PC.
The element has many variable "names":
- Audio output device.
- Someone calls it "Sound board".
- Audio card with audio card.
There are several more names, but they are used in a highly specialized environment, so we will not focus on them.
Work specifics
The largest number of sound cards installed in PCs and laptops operate on the basis of digital-to-analog converters, which are abbreviated as "DAC". The latter serve to convert digital signals (audio) into analog ones. Subsequently, these same signals are sent to headphones or speakers, through which we listen to music, communicate on the Web, play games.
Surely, you will be interested to know, dear readers, that today there are, of course, more "advanced" options for laptops and PCs, which provide for more than one chip. They perform several functions at the same time and captivate at first sight with the speed of data transfer.
Where do audio cards "live"?
Our blog regularly covers issues related to PC parts. Their functionality and capabilities are considered, as well as the location, so that the picture is as complete as possible. The sound card is no exception.
We note right away that a number of computers work fine even without it, but in the vast majority of situations, cards are connected to expansion slots or integrated into the motherboard. There is an easier way to connect, namely through external ports.
Sound cards can be of 2 main types:
- external;
- internal (built-in).
Integrated models are not able to fully realize all the possibilities of high-quality sound, as more technically advanced cards do. What can I say, even on expensive boards, the sound in multichannel sound leaves much to be desired.
There are also non-integrated audio boards. These boards can be equipped with such elements as:
- MIDI interface.
- SPDIF.
- Incoming/outgoing ports.
- Headphone jack with volume control.
- Ability to connect via "PCI"
- USB connector.
- firewire
External and internal sound cards: we look closely!
So, let's take a closer look at the sound cards that we have already written about above, namely external and internal, so that it is easier for you to understand the difference between them.
An external sound card can be connected via a USB card, thus allowing you to increase the number of speaker connections to your PC. What advantage does it have, besides the fact that you can connect a number of speakers to it, while turning your PC / laptop into a good audio center with excellent sound?
In particular, an additional plus is that they are not exposed to electromagnetic interference inside the " " You will certainly benefit from purchasing this option if you:
- You process music and do it at a professional level.
- Why do you need a sound card in your computer yet? For a complete surround sound experience.
- If necessary, record sound from multiple sources.
As for the second point, the built-in sound card comes with PCI or PCI-E connectors. The latter also input / output sound to the back of the PC (to the connector). Occasionally, it can be equipped with an external module with a control tuning system.
If you are planning soon, then you should definitely consider a few relevant tips in this vector (which one to choose).
If you are a gamer, then you should pay attention first of all to cards that allow you to verify in practice the existence of the so-called "presence effect". The products of the EAX brand are most in demand in this direction.
For home use, experienced people most often recommend purchasing the Creative SB X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro model; users agree that it is optimal for good sound quality, as they say, in everyday life.
It is difficult for musicians to give competent advice, as the choice is huge. Everything here will depend on the range of connected instruments.
Summing up
And finally, we note that the more connectors a sound card has, the better. Almost everything in personal computers suggest equipping with built-in (integrated) sound cards and chips, respectively, the ports can be brought to any convenient place, of course, if the design allows you.
However, everyone is free to use third-party cards, which are purchased separately. However, if you have enough built-in resources, you can not think about such a development of events, how to connect an additional one. You decide!
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Many musicians and other people who in one way or another often work with sound on a computer or just listen to music are dissatisfied with the standard sound on a computer. This is where a sound card comes in handy. Let's talk about how to choose a sound card what are its types.
When buying a computer or laptop, you will in any case have a standard sound card installed in the motherboard. Often it is enough for ordinary ordinary users who do not care about sound quality and who just need sound.
Interesting fact: About 15 years ago, standard sound cards were not inserted into the motherboard, and one had to be bought separately. Because there was simply nowhere to connect speakers (headphones).
Musicians and audiophiles will not be able to use the built-in sound system, so sooner or later they will have to buy an additional sound card. Any, even the most budgetary external sound card will make the sound much richer and brighter.
Of course, first of all, you must decide what you need a sound card for. And already proceeding from this - you can choose a specific device.
What you usually need a sound card for:
- You just need more connectors (inputs and outputs).
- Want high-quality sound in games.
- For listening to music.
- For sound recording and sound processing (for musicians).
- To watch movies.
- Etc.
Types of sound cards
To know, how to choose a sound card, it is necessary to understand that they are all conditional can be divided into 2 categories:
- Musical. Such devices are intended mainly for musicians, sound engineers - for people who have to work with recording and sound processing. Such sound cards are more expensive than other cards.
- multimedia. These models are suitable for ordinary users: for watching movies, for playing games, for recording video, for normal listening to music. Such devices are more common and cheaper than musical ones.
In addition, sound cards are also divided into the following types:
It is worth noting that if you choose a sound card for a laptop (or tablet), then you should stop at an external device. You simply cannot connect an internal card anywhere.
Sound outputs
The more sound outputs, the more devices can be connected to the sound card. Of course, each user needs their own number of connectors. Therefore, first decide what you need a sound card for in order to figure out how many sound outputs you need.
Ideally, at least the following connectors should be present in the sound card:
- Microphone input.
- Headphone output.
- S/PDIF connector. S / PDIF - you can connect various devices. It is believed that it is when connecting through this connector that you can get better sound quality.
- line out.
- MIDI inputs and outputs (if you plan to connect midi devices such as synthesizers.
Which connector is needed for what:
Headphone and microphone preamps
Before, how to choose a sound card, please note that there are devices that are equipped with built-in preamps for headphones and a microphone, and there are also without preamps.
What is a preamplifier? The fact is that, for example, the microphone itself is weak, and in order to record it, a preamplifier is needed.
If the sound quality is really important to you (both when recording and listening), it is better to take a sound recorder without preamplifiers, and buy them separately, because the built-in preamplifiers are not of very good quality. But keep in mind that individual preamplifiers will take up extra space. It's up to you to decide what is most important to you.
Built-in ASIO driver
When choosing a sound card, be sure to check or ask the seller if the device has a built-in ASIO driver. What it is?
This is a special protocol that is needed to minimize the delay in sound when it is transmitted from a sound card to a computer.
For example, when you play the guitar (through the sound system into the computer), you first strike the strings, and hear the sound in the speakers after a while (even a fraction of a second - and you can already hear how the sound lags behind). Or when you play on the same thing can happen: first you press the key - and you hear the sound in the speakers after a while.
So, the ASIO driver minimizes this delay to such an extent that you will not hear it. That is, it will, of course, be, but it will be so minimal that the human ear will not hear it.
So if this is relevant for you - make sure you have such a driver when choosing a sound card. Otherwise, you will have to additionally install an ASIO driver already on the program in which you will work, which is not always convenient.
Compatibility with your software
There are such problems when you bought a sound card, connected it - but it does not want to work with your operating system, or with the program in which you work as a musician.
Therefore, take an interest in advance and make sure that the sound card will not conflict with your software. As a last resort, do not hesitate to ask the seller about it.
How to choose a sound card: price
Of course, it's hard to talk about prices for a particular model, since the price depends on many factors: the type of device, the manufacturer, the number of inputs/outputs, and the quality of the sound card.
We can only say that music sound cards are more expensive than multimedia ones, because the former are more demanding on sound quality.
The cheapest and most primitive sound card can literally cost you 100 rubles. For example, this one from China ():
Of course, don't expect a significant improvement in sound quality from this interface. Unless you get a couple of additional connectors, and that's it. Moreover, for such money, especially from China 🙂 But for those who want to indulge, this option may be suitable.
Medium quality sound card, normal, can cost an order of magnitude 10-15K ruble th.
Professional sound cards, especially for professional musicians and sound engineers, can be very expensive, up to 300K rubles, and even higher.
Conclusion
Here we have a little understanding of this issue - how to choose a sound card. We can conclude that before you buy this device, you need to clearly understand why you need it. Based on these goals, you should choose a sound card.
Pay enough attention to the choice of sound card, do not be lazy. Do not immediately run to the store and buy the first model that comes across. Also be sure to check out specifications favorite device.
Do you know what other criteria you need to pay attention to when choosing a sound card? Write in the comments!
Sound card(or board) - a device responsible for playing sound. This is an indispensable component of any modern computer, because even such simple actions as listening to music, watching a movie or video, playing the sound of any computer game are impossible without it.
When choosing a sound card for a computer, you should know that they are available in three forms:
- internal integrated;
- internal discrete;
- external.
Integrated sound cards are the cheapest option. This is a separate chip soldered into the motherboard. Usually, better sound chips are soldered onto more solid motherboards, and simpler motherboards contain an inexpensive chip (for example, "Realtek").
However, saving on the purchase of a sound card is justified only if the quality of the reproduced sound does not have any high requirements. It should be noted that sound chips themselves can produce a sufficiently high-quality sound, however, after soldering, external factors begin to affect the result of their work. First of all, these are electrical noises that inevitably occur on the motherboard and affect the characteristics of the analog part of the audio signal.
In addition, the built-in sound adapter does not have its own processor. Accordingly, the load on the central processor increases, which in some cases can lead to a delay in the sound signal or “freeze” 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 board that is installed in a free PCI slot. This is the most ancient type of boards - 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, of course, increases the performance of the computer and improves the quality of the audio signal.
Such boards give a more decent sound in comparison with the integrated ones. As a rule, when using them, interference and sound 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 software is supplied with a discrete sound card, which, among other things, allows you to process sound in automatic mode. Manual setting, as a rule, is performed through the audio player installed on the computer.
External sound cards
Installation required for high-quality professional sound external sound card. Of course, it must be a good expensive device. Cheap USB sticks don't sound good. 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 controls. Such sound cards are connected to the computer using USB or WiFi interfaces.
External boards are much more functional than internal ones. They allow you to use the widest range of possibilities of high-quality audio equipment. In addition to the sound output function, they also implement the function of recording sound signals - there are inputs on the case for connecting various types of microphones.
Each external sound card comes with software. As a rule, this is a package of applications that allow you to configure output devices for the most comfortable sound. In addition, they provide automatic update drivers, which is quite convenient.
Results
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.
The installed external sound card for a USB laptop makes it possible to significantly improve the sound quality.
Moreover, manufacturers of portable computers usually do not supply them with high-quality audio systems.
An integrated card is usually not enough to get perfect sound, and in simple computer models, sometimes you can’t even count on the normal sound of an audio recording and a legible movie soundtrack.
Why do you need an external sound card?
The decision to purchase an external sound card should be made in the following cases:
- if necessary, get a good sound on a portable computer. The problem can be solved by connecting audio speakers, but this will only increase the volume of the sound, but not the quality;
- when the main, built-in card fails.
Features of external models
Typically, an external audio playback card is a small device about the size of a flash drive or card reader.
Enhances the similarity and way of connecting to a laptop - via USB input.
More expensive models reach the size of the outer hard drive, and the most productive have dimensions comparable to the laptop itself.
The capabilities of any external card include:
- sound amplification compared to the laptop's built-in system;
- connecting one or more microphones, headphones or audio speakers.
The functionality of more expensive models includes volume buttons and indicators.
Top models are characterized by the presence of various connectors and interfaces, for example, analog output channels and a coaxial output, although their dimensions are much larger than those of compact sound cards.
The advantages of external sound cards are as follows:
- a sharp improvement in the quality of playback and, when choosing the right model, audio recording;
- mobility that allows you to connect an external card to any other computer - both stationary and portable. Also, the device is often connected to a tablet or phone;
- a sufficiently large range of models in order to choose a functional and affordable device;
- easy sound adjustment, including volume, tone and bass using the buttons on the card body. On a laptop without an external sound device, this can only be done programmatically.
For low-power and older laptops, the card allows you to take the load off the processor.
Indeed, due to the fact that sound processing occurs with the help of an external device, the computing power of the computer itself is released.
EAX technology can provide environmental sound effects, which will be a good advantage for the gamer using multi-channel sound game applications.
The most profitable option
A sound card like Dynamode C-Media 108 (7.1) can be an excellent choice for getting high-quality sound.
The advantages of the model are compactness, ease of use, a durable case and a minimum cost (about 300 rubles), and among the minuses there is a relatively small functionality.
You should buy such a sound card for a laptop that has a broken built-in sound card.
With its help, it is quite possible to connect a 7.1 audio system - the sound will be better than when plugged into a regular connector, but not as high quality as when using more functional models.
Portable Home Theater Card
The advantages of ASUS Xonar U7 external audio adapter are as follows:
- the presence, in addition to the usual mini-jack connectors for headphones and a microphone, also an eight-channel analog output that improves sound for home theater audio systems;
- full compliance with all the parameters for a good sound card - sound 24 bit / 192 kHz and signal-to-noise ratio at 114 dB, impedance range up to 150 ohms;
- ease of connection and configuration.
The cost of this card, which can be called a good option for fans of watching movies with good quality, does not exceed 3,000 rubles.
game card
Fans of playing games, where sound quality is as important as video parameters, will appreciate the capabilities of the Bahamut model.
This external card from Thermaltake works with both Windows and MacOS and features an attractive appearance and the presence of buttons on the body to turn on and off the connected devices (headphones, microphone, speakers).
When connecting the card, be sure to install the drivers (included in the kit), and in the process of using them, update them in a timely manner.
The cost of the model is in the middle range - from 2500 to 3000 rubles.
Universal option
A good option for an external sound card with an average cost is the Creative Sound Blaster Play 2 model.
Despite its small size, this device provides surround sound and allows you to record audio with virtually no interference.
SBX Pro Studio technology delivers a noticeable volume boost over the built-in card and creates a 3D sound effect with any type of audio system, from headphones to 7.1.
Other advantages of the card include convenient management through the appropriate application. At the same time, there are no buttons on the body of the device itself to control the sound.
True, the lack of external control ensures compactness, making it easy to carry the Sound Blaster Play 2 from place to place.
The cost of the gadget in online stores does not exceed 2500 rubles, but you can find options for 1600 rubles.
Card for a musician
The FOCUSRITE SCARLETT SOLO STUDIO 2ND GEN model can be an excellent choice for people involved in music and sound recording.
Moreover, its small size provides a high degree of mobility, allowing you to move the device along with a laptop or transport it in transport.
The device is different:
- high quality playback and recording;
- compact and durable metal case;
- stylish appearance;
- compatibility with laptops running different operating systems;
- the ability to simultaneously record from a guitar and a microphone;
- general volume control for all outputs (headphones and speakers);
- complete with all the necessary devices for recording - a condenser microphone, studio headphones and connecting cables.
In addition to this model, there are many other interesting options for recording and playing sound.
However, in terms of cost and features, this one can be called one of the best and affordable. You can buy it online for about 20-22 thousand rubles.
Launching and shutting down the map
It does not take much time to connect an external card. It is enough to simply connect the device to a laptop (using a cable or just insert it into the USB input).
If the system does not find the right software in its database or device requires the use of only its own programs, they are installed from a disk or from the official website of the manufacturer.
Advice: to reproduce high-quality sound, it is desirable that the connector supports USB 3.0 technology. And, if your device has two options for USB inputs (2.0 and 3.0), you should choose the second one to connect the card.
Possible problems
When installing an external sound card on a laptop, the following problems may occur:
- The laptop "does not see" the device;
- The card is installed, but there is no sound.
Reinstalling into the next USB connector will help solve the first problem (if the card works, then the cause of the malfunction is a non-working input) or connecting to another computer.
If this did not help to return the card to working capacity, it is worth reinstalling its drivers (by downloading from the network or from the disk that comes with the equipment).
The last method allows you to cope with the second problem. The inability to start an external sound card may indicate a malfunction or a factory defect.
