A sound card is a necessary component for a PC that converts a digital signal into sound and vice versa. It is necessary for playing and recording audio, allows you to connect speakers, a microphone, headphones and other acoustic devices. Most computers have this component built in. However, you should not expect high sound quality from an integrated card. In this regard, music lovers and gamers often prefer discrete audio cards. We will analyze what video cards are, what you should consider when choosing a component, we will give a rating and an overview of the most popular models of 2021.
The TOP 18 includes models of audio cards from major manufacturers. When selecting components, their technical characteristics, cost, feedback from customers and experts were taken into account.
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| Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
| Rating of external sound cards | ||
| BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC22 | 75 out of 100 | From 3983 to 4036* |
| BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202HD | 78 out of 100 | From 6013 to 6 700* |
| Steinberg UR12 | 80 out of 100 | From 7687 to 9290* |
| PreSonus AudioBox IOne | 82 out of 100 | From 10 660 to 11 224* |
| M-Audio AIR 192|4 | 84 out of 100 | From 10 969 to 12 410 * |
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen | 86 out of 100 | From 11 388 to 14 642* |
| Roland Rubix22 | 88 out of 100 | From 12 990* |
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen | 90 out of 100 | From 14,669 to 16,300 * |
| Native Instruments Complete Audio 6 | 93 out of 100 | From 19 517 to 22 400 * |
| Arturia Audiofuse | 96 out of 100 | From 49 987 to 94 010* |
| Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO | 98 out of 100 | From 65 160 to 72 433* |
| Rating of internal sound cards | ||
| Creative Audigy Fx | 85 out of 100 | From 3289 to 4717* |
| ASUS Strix Soar | 88 out of 100 | From 6574 to 9280* |
| Creative Sound Blaster Z | 90 out of 100 | From 6 889 to 7 990* |
| Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus | 93 out of 100 | From 12 261 to 13 990* |
| Creative AE-7 | 94 out of 100 | From 16,383 to 29,860 * |
| ASUS Xonar Essence STX II | 95 out of 100 | From 17,744 to 21,100* |
| RME HDSPe AIO | 98 out of 100 | From 52 356* |
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Sound cards are usually divided into:
- Internal;
- Internal with an additional block;
- External.
Internal sound cards are designed for installation in a PC system unit. Externally, such devices are boards connected via the PCI interface or its more modern version of PCI-Express. Such components do not require separate power supply, but they differ in a small number of slots.
External sound cards with an additional unit are also designed for installation in the system unit. They are equipped. on the panel, it means that the volume control is installed, interfaces for switching between speakers and headphones.
External sound cards can be connected not only to PCs and laptops, but also to mobile devices, so dress significantly differ in size. Some models look like a flash drive and are connected via a USB port. More massive cards are designed for rack mounting.
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Sound cards differ in functionality. In this case, they are usually divided into two large categories: multimedia and professional. The device of the first type is designed for the average user, the connectors usually cost a single-channel ADC. However, even on such components there is support for surround game sound format.
Professional cards are designed for creating high-quality recordings using studio equipment, recording the sound of musical instruments, overlaying sound effects on an audio track, voice acting, and so on. Professional external gaming cards often have a lot of specialized connectors, a multi-channel high-performance ADC. The DAC on such cards is also distinguished by high bit depth and speed.
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The TOP 11 includes the best external sound cards from well-known brands in different price categories.
BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC22
Specifications:
- Price - 3983 - 4036 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - USB;
- DAC / ADC bit - 16 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 48 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs are stereo.
The 2x2 unit has one combo input and one instrument input. The device can be used to create recordings from a microphone or instruments. The card is compatible with popular DAW software such as Steinberg CuBase, Ableton Live and so on. The model features ultra-low latency, supports Cora Audio and ASIO technologies.
BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202HD
Specifications:
- Price - 6013 - 6700 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - USB 2.0;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- ASIO 2.0.
It is designed to ensure the compatibility of analog devices designed for sound recording and processing with a personal computer without a professional sound card. The device is equipped with two xlr microphone inputs, which are combined with a 1/4" TRS instrument jack. For each output on the control panel there is a separate section with rotary controllers. The BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202HD device converts audio with 24-bit quality, the sampling frequency is 96 kHz.
Steinberg UR12
Specifications:
- Price - 7687 - 9290 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - USB 2.0;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- ASIO 2.2.
Differs in high wear resistance, differs in high quality of assembly. The audio card in 2.0 format is equipped with a professional adapter, it is connected, but via the USB interface. The device supports the ASIO 2.2 standard. The audio interface features unique D-PRE technology. It is possible to connect a microphone with phantom power + 48 V. The card reproduces sound with a frequency of 44-192 kHz.
PreSonus AudioBox IOne
Specifications:
- Price - 10,660 - 11,224 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 96 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- ASIO 2.0.
The device is equipped with the Studio One sequencer, supports the Capture Duo application. On the case there is an XLR-F microphone input and a TS Jack 1/4″ instrument connector. The all-metal model features zero latency.
M-Audio AIR 192|4
Specifications:
- Price - 10,969 - 12,410 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 96 kHz.
The device is perfectly suitable for professional sound recording and monitoring. USB Type-C connection with a high-speed path provides a minimum latency of 2.59 ms. The design features CrystalTM preamps for transparent sound. The volume level is displayed on the LED indicators.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Specifications:
- Price - 11,388 - 14,642 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- ASIO 2.0.
A switchable AIR mode is provided that emulates the technology used in ISA preamps. The interface supports sampling mode up to 24 bits 192 kHz.
Roland Rubix22
Specifications:
- Price -12,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- ASIO 2.0
The model works on the basis of a 24-bit converter. the sampling frequency is 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Specifications:
- Price - 14,669 - 16,300 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- ASIO 2.0.
This allows you to get a brighter and more open sounding vocals. The model is equipped with 24-bit sa3a envelopes with 192 kHz sampling. A high-impedance instrument input is installed on the body with the ability to record a bass guitar without clipping. The audio interface connects to a PC running Windows or Mac using a standard USB cable. The package includes everything you need to get started, including two fully functional digital audio workstations.
Native Instruments Complete Audio 6
Specifications:
- Price - 19,517 - 22,400 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Connection - USB;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 96 kHz;
- ASIO 2.0.
The metal housing provides four analog inputs and outputs, as well as a digital input / output. microphone inputs are equipped with efficient preamps. The model is based on the Cirrus Logic CS4270 converter.
Arturia Audiofuse
Specifications:
- Price - 49,987 - 94,010 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - USB2.0;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz.
The model is equipped with four DiscretePRO preamps that provide high quality sound and integration. The device has a built-in Bluetooth receiver with support for AAC and aptX. On the case there are two pairs of trs inputs, an independent stereo headphone output, independent analog line outputs with amplification function.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO
Specifications:
- Price - 65,160 - 72,433 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Connection - Thunderbolt;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- ASIO 2.0.
The device is ideal for sound recording and monitoring. The model allows you to cope with the flow of analog sound recording. It works on the basis of a top-end DAC and ADC. The model is equipped with two microphone preamps that support Unison technology. They are able to emulate the sound of the legendary amplifiers SSL, Manley, Neve. Out of the box, the device offers a large selection of plug-ins.
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The TOP 7 includes sound cards of different price categories, designed for installation in the system unit.
Creative Audigy Fx
Specifications:
- Price - 3289 - 4717 rubles;
- User rating - 4.4;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - 6.
The model implements sbx Pro Studio technology. Supports 5.1 surround sound. The sound card works on the basis of a 24-bit bus with a sampling signal with a frequency of 192 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 106 dB. The headphone amplifier features a 600 ohm impedance, which guarantees sound quality close to the studio. The case has two inputs - line and microphone.
No asio 2.0 support.
ASUS Strix Soar
Specifications:
- Price - from 6574 to 9280 rubles;
- User rating - 4.1;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - 8;
- ASIO 2.2.
The model works on the basis of physical level audio DAC. The signal-to-noise ratio is 416 decibels. The device is equipped with the Sonic Studio interface for complete control over the sound parameters. Sonic Radar Pro technology allows you to visualize the sound source in the game. The device has a built-in amplifier for connecting headphones with an impedance of 600 ohms.
Creative Sound Blaster Z
Specifications:
- Price - 6889 - 7990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - 6;
- ASIO 2.0.
It comes preinstalled with a number of applications designed to adjust and adjust the sound. The model is equipped with an external microphone with high-definition recording. The card has a Sound Card 3D processor, it is designed to create effects using the built-in software. It is possible to switch the signal between speakers and headphones without having to turn off the latter. The device supports DTS Connect and Dolby Digital technology, which makes it possible to connect a home theater.
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus
Specifications:
- Price - 12,261 - 13,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 32 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 384 kHz;
- Analog audio outputs - 6;
- ASIO 2.0.
The model is connected via the PCI-e interface. The model supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS encoding. The audio card is equipped with a customizable RGB backlight, a discrete XAMP headphone amplifier with two-channel amplification technology is provided.
Creative AE-7
Specifications:
- Price - 16,383 - 29,860 rubles;
- User rating - 4.7;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 32 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 384 kHz;
- ASIO 2.3.
The package includes a module for adjusting the sound. Implemented Sound Blaster technology for high quality audio processing.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX II
Specifications:
- Price -17,744 - 21,100 rubles;
- User rating - 4.4;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- ASIO 2.0.
It features an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 124 dB. The model has a built-in headphone amplifier with an impedance of up to 600 ohms. The design contains operational amplifiers MUSES.
RME HDSPe AIO
Specifications:
- Price - 52,356 rubles;
- User rating - 4.9;
- Connection - PCI-E;
- Analog audio outputs - stereo;
- Discharge DAC / ADC - 24 bits;
- DAC / ADC frequency - 192 kHz;
- ASIO 2.0.
The model with digital and analog converters allows you to solve a wide range of sound problems. The signal-to-noise ratio is 112 dB. The main difference of the sound card is that all inputs can work simultaneously, for example, SPDIF and AES/EBU. The audio interface is equipped with a multipurpose Totalmix mixer. Support for an additional TCO standard with the ability to synchronize with timecode is provided.
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The parameters of the sound card directly affect the sound quality and scope. First of all, when buying, you should pay attention to:
- Frequency and bit depth of ADC and DAC;
- Signal-to-noise ratio;
- Number of installed inputs and outputs;
- Number of supported channels
The DAC and ADC frequency indicator indicates the amount of signal that the audio card is able to process in a time period. The higher this characteristic, the better the quality will be: when outputting sound for the DAC and recording for the ADC. This characteristic is measured in kHz. Values not lower than 96 kHz are considered optimal. To listen to audio in Hi-Res quality, this setting must be 192 or 384 kHz.
The bit depth of the DAC and ADC affects the number of discrete signal levels that the device processes. For most modern audio cards, the bit depth of the converters is 24 bits.
Another important characteristic is the signal-to-noise ratio.Optimal for multimedia cards is considered to be 90-100 dB.
The presence of certain inputs and outputs determines the list of devices that can be connected to the sound card. For example, some models have a separate output for connecting headphones and microphones. The universal digital SPDIF output allows you to connect most modern devices. Professional models are equipped with Hi-Z and MIDI inputs for connecting musical instruments. The xlr port is used to connect professional microphones.
Modern audio cards support from 2 to 8 channels. There are various configurations 2.0, 5.1, 7.1 and so on. The main criterion is that the audio card must support as many channels as there are audio devices connected.
When choosing a professional or gaming card, you should pay attention to additional functionality.
Support for OpenAL or EAX is required to create volumetric space during the game. OpenAL technology is more modern and perfect, it's ability to accurately form a sound picture will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the gameplay.
Support for the ASIO protocol will come in handy for musicians. It allows you to transmit a signal with low latency.
When buying an audio card, pay attention to the presence of a controller and a remote control. Faders allow you to adjust the volume and other sound parameters without using a keyboard or mouse.
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When choosing a sound card, you should proceed from the purpose of the purchase. For undemanding users, a compact sound card connected via USB is suitable. These devices are inexpensive and easy to install. To improve stereo sound quality for your home or office PC, you can purchase an internal 24 kHz audio card. To connect to a multi-channel speaker system and provide surround sound, Pay attention to multi-channel sound cards in 5.1 or 7.1 format.
