Modern motherboards even in the budget segment can boast the ability to connect speakers 5.1 and even 7.1, but this solution can not be called the best for music lovers. To output the signal to the headphones or speakers, the PC is equipped with a sound card. Many novice musicians use a computer to record their tracks. For this, sound cards with parameters exceeding the user ones are intended. But not everyone knows which sound card is suitable for recording voice or music in a certain direction. Having studied customer reviews, expert comments, I made a rating of the best sound cards of the year.
ASUS Xonar DG
Our rating opens with the inexpensive Asus model with three analog connectors and one microphone input. There is an optical output. Oddly enough, the characteristics are enough for most users. The Xonar DG sound card has a built-in headphone amplifier, Dolby Headphone 5.1 technology, and an exclusive GX 2.5 audio effects processor. All this provides a clear, detailed sound with accurate positioning of sound sources in space, which makes the Xonar DG a good enough card for gamers. There are 3 gain modes for different applications: VoIP mode is required for voice communication over the network. Gaming improves the spatial positioning of sound sources, while the musical provides more powerful bass and depth of the sound stage. The model has a built-in C-Media CMI8786 processor, the maximum ADC frequency is 96 kHz, the ADC capacity is 24 bits.
Benefits:
- Low price.
- Quick installation.
- Built-in headphone amplifier.
- 3 gain modes.
- There is an optical output.
Disadvantages:
- Native drivers are crookedly installed on the computer.
- No Linux support.
- The built-in amplifier only works for headphones that are connected at the rear.
Good budget Asus sound card. For an ordinary user who does not expect special audio effects, but wants to have a good sound, this is a very good option. I want to note the built-in headphone amplifier with Dolby Headphone 5.1 technology: it really significantly improves sound quality. When installing drivers from the disk, users begin to have problems due to poor-quality drivers, so I recommend downloading them from the official site. Price - . On the Yandex portal. Market 78% of buyers recommend this product.
Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro
An external sound card Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro will turn your PC or laptop into an entertainment system with SBX Pro Studio technology and a remote control. The board is easily installed via a USB 2.0 connection. Instead of low-quality built-in audio components - excellent connectivity, you can use the remote control with buttons to mute, adjust volume, control music playback.High quality gold-plated RCA stereo jack and optical digital output for the best sound reproduction, conveniently located headphone and microphone jacks when chatting on the Internet. SBX Pro Studio technology is specially designed to deliver great sound. With Dolby Digital Live technology, you can connect a decoder with one cable to play sound from any source. The maximum frequency of the ADC is 96 kHz, the resolution of the DAC is 24 bits.
Benefits:
- An opportunity to receive a sound 5.1.
- SBX Pro Studio Technology.
- Dolby Digital Live technology.
- Decent sound with good highs and mids, tight bass.
- Remote control.
- Convenient and intuitive Audio Control Panel interface.
Disadvantages:
- Problem software.
- There is no support for the Russian language.
- The device may respond to other IR remotes in your home.
- The software loads the system quite heavily, a card for more powerful system units.
A popular external sound card that allows you to get sound like when using 5.1 system is its key difference from ASUS Xonar DG. With all these new built-in technologies, the output is high quality sound with an acceptable level of bass. But for old PCs, this sound card will not work: after installation, it loads the system very much, so your computer will slow down a lot. She, as in ASUS Xonar DG, has problems with the quality of drivers, but here it is easier to set up thanks to the convenient interface in the Audio Control Panel. Price - . On the Yandex. Market 80% of buyers recommend this product.
BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202HD
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is a small desktop card that provides compatibility of analog devices for sound recording and processing and a personal computer without a professional sound card with specific audio connections. Like all converters in the series, U-PHORIA UMC202 works with high quality sound. Card with two XLR mic inputs combined with 1/4 '' TRS instrument connectors. For each of them, a section with control elements is selected on the control panel - a rotary sensitivity controller, a linear / Hi-Z switch of TRS-connector operating modes and a Pad switch. The channel sections contain LED indicators that signal the activity of the input signal to the connector and the occurrence of clipping. The main section of the panel contains a ¼-inch headphone jack, a volume control for the output signal supplied to it, a direct monitoring mode switch, in which the input signal is sent to the headphones. In the same section - the signal volume control at the output connectors, power indicators and phantom power +48 V on the microphone inputs. Sound recording and playback in resolutions up to 24 bit / 192 kHz are provided. This model is compatible with popular recording software including Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools and Steinberg Cubase. Like the Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro, the UMC202HD is connected via a standard USB 2.0 connector.
Benefits:
- Sound recording and playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
- Convenient, easy to operate.
- There is a button for direct monitoring.
- Supports ASIO driver.
- There is phantom power 48 V.
Disadvantages:
- When recording music, faint noises are heard.
- If the PC is weak, then when recording vocals clicks are periodically audible.
- The driver flies from time to time, you have to reinstall it.
- No On / Off button To disconnect, you need to disconnect the USB.
A good model for musicians who begin to record their music and songs at home. Works great with popular recording software such as Ableton Live, Avid Pro Tools. The two previous samples cannot boast of this. But uninterrupted operation will be ensured only on a good modern PC. If you have an old PC, you will hear clicks, noises when recording music. The driver periodically flies, you have to reinstall it again. There are no complaints about the sound quality; it is at a high level. Price - . On the Yandex. Market 87% of buyers recommend this product.
Creative Omni Surround 5.1
Another Creative model that easily connects via USB and makes your computer sound as realistic as in the cinema. This sound card uses SBX Pro Studio technology, so it instantly turns your computer into a 5.1-format entertainment system with surround sound, precise positioning, and additional customizable sound effects thanks to the Sound Blaster Omni control panel. Sound Blaster Omni is suitable for voice communication using the built-in dual microphone, which uses CrystalVoice, a technology that provides remote voice reception without a headset by enhancing the sensitivity of microphones in the frequency range of the user's voice and reducing noise outside this range.
This technology is not present in Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro. And for high-quality sound lovers, the Omni card is equipped with a 600 ohm headphone amplifier for studio-grade performance. Like the Creative X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro, the Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 card uses Dolby Digital Live, an advanced audio processing technology that delivers discrete 5.1 surround sound for digital entertainment systems over a single digital cable. For video game lovers, Scout mode technology will let you hear enemies from afar, giving you a tactical advantage in battle. Ergonomics decent, high-quality gold-plated stereo RCA jack and optical digital output for the best sound reproduction, conveniently located headphone and microphone jacks - all this will be at your fingertips.
Benefits:
- Beautiful view.
- Technologies SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice, Dolby Digital Live.
- For gamers - Scout mode.
- High quality sound through speakers or headphones.
Disadvantages:
- When headphones are connected, the speakers start to glow.
- No Linux support, only Windows.
- The software installation is problematic.
- Plugging in headphones will disable all other functions.
The card produces excellent sound both on the speakers and on the headphones, but provided that the latter are of high quality. As in most models, this sample also has problems with the software: the software is difficult to configure, it is not installed the first time, but after installation, the system will delight you with excellent sound and microphone quality. This is a very technological device, when compared, for example, with the ASUS Xonar DG, in which there are practically no technologies. Price - . On the Yandex. Market 89% of buyers recommend this product.
Creative Sound Blaster Z
Sound Blaster Z Sound Card is a member of the high-performance Sound Blaster Z series PCI-Express cards. The model features SBX Pro Studio audio processing technology for realistic sound and stunning spatial sound effects through speakers or headsets. The device is equipped with a new high-performance Sound Core3D processor for processing audio and speech signals, accelerating the work with sound and voice.
The manufacturer developed the quad-core Sound Core3D sound processor to remove the burden of implementing the effects of SBX Pro, Studio Pro, CrystalVoice from the main PC processor. The gaming experience is improved by increasing frame rates with dramatically improved audio and voice quality. The model supports Audio Stream Input / Output (ASIO) drivers, which make the Sound Blaster Z card an excellent solution for high-quality audio with low latency. A useful feature that is not present in previous models is the ability to switch the signal from the headphones to the speaker system and vice versa by simply pressing a switch. Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect technologies - connection to a decoder or home theater is possible via one digital cable for 5.1 surround sound from any source. The package includes a microphone with a variable beam width, which can be considered as a bonus.
Benefits:
- Lots of modern technologies.
- New Sound Core3D processor.
- ASIO driver support.
- Beautiful view.
- Switching the signal from the headphones to the speaker system by pressing the switch.
- Good sound quality at the output.
- Powerful headphone amplifier.
- Bright red backlight.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- The backlight does not turn off.
- Clicking in the columns when turning on / off / restarting the computer.
- CrystalVoice is not working well.
For the money, this is a good model that is practically devoid of flaws. High-tech, has its own processor to reduce the load on the PC processor. There is no such functionality in any of the named samples. There is support for ASIO drivers, a switch between speakers and headphones. I did not like the work of CrystalVoice: I was almost inaudible. I also don't understand why the developers made such a bright red backlight (it does not turn off in any way), when the light is off, it illuminates the room quite strongly. Price - ... On the Yandex. Market 84% of buyers recommend this product.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
The model has a USB Type-C connection bus for faster data transfer and faster operation (compatible with USB 2.0 / 3.0). There is no such connection in any of the listed samples. Balanced TRS outputs effectively eliminate hiss, hum when connecting monitors with balanced inputs. The instrumental input circuit for direct connection of a guitar or bass has been completely updated, 6 dB at the input has been added, so even when connecting guitars with active sensors, there will be no overload. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen features one new third generation preamp offering up to 56dB gain. It features a switchable Air mode that emulates the technology of the same name used in the legendary ISA preamps. The interface supports sampling rate modes up to 24 bits (192 kHz). The model has independent gain controls that set the input signal levels. For connection, there is one microphone XLR input, instrument TRS input, headphone output, 2 TRS outputs for studio monitors, USB-C port. Solo 3rd Gen comes with a set of the following programs: Avid Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite Red Plug-in Suite, Redrite Focus 3 Plug.
Benefits:
- Beautiful view.
- USB Type-C connection.
- Balanced TRS outputs.
- Built-in preamplifier 3 generations.
- A large set of programs in the package.
Disadvantages:
- Very overpriced.
- When turned on, loud clicks in the speakers.
- Problems installing software.
The new generation of Focusrite Scarlett SOLO 3rd Gen sound card looks more interesting and attractive than the previous generation. The redesigned filling improved the parameters, and the newly appeared AIR emulator emulation mode distinguishes the interface from other budget cards. Given the balanced outputs that have appeared, you can recommend them for recording and creating music in your home studio. The Focusrite Scarlett SOLO 3rd Gen is powerful enough for use with inexpensive microphones and entry-level studio monitors. But the price is clearly overpriced. I would recommend, for example, Creative Sound Blaster Z, which in terms of features and sound quality is not inferior to Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen. Price - ... On the Yandex. Market 80% of buyers recommend this product.
Creative AE-7
The AE-7 allows anyone to experience the difference between the sound of a discrete audio chip and that built into a motherboard. The delivery set includes a sound card and an external control module - this is a difference from the listed boards. The control module is connected to the card, it is very convenient for them to change the volume settings. The following connectors are located on the rear panel: TOSLINK optical output, rear speaker output (3.5 mm), subwoofer (3.5 mm), 1 microphone input (3.5 mm), headphone output (3.5 mm) and front (3.5 mm). The device has Dolby Digital Live technology and DTS Connect. In Sound Blaster AE-7, the manufacturer modernizes the DAC by adding an ESS Saber 9018 amplifier, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio to 127 dB with a harmonic distortion coefficient of 0.0001%. The card itself contains a complete package of sound enhancements, including customizable equalizers, sound profiles and Surround, Crystalizer, Bass, Smart Volume and Dialog Plus solutions to further enhance the sound quality. There is a Scout Mode function that gamers will appreciate.
Ultra-low output impedance of 1 ohm, supports studio headphones from 16 to 600 ohms, including Hi-End planar magnetic headphones. Pure rich sound when played back in 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD64 mode is the highest among the samples listed. There is a new Sound Blaster Command software for advanced audio customization with a toggle switch for quickly activating or deactivating audio processing effects.Sound card AE-7 with a dual-channel headphone amplifier Xamp, which separately supplies power to each cup, starting from the first stage of amplification and up to the output of the audio signal.
Benefits:
- Plug-in external control module.
- Great sound, soft bass.
- Convenient software.
- It does not sound when connecting / disconnecting headphones.
- Beautiful lighting.
- Added ESS Saber 9018 amplifier.
- Low output impedance.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- The rear channel catches interference from the video card. If you have a 5.1 system with a discrete graphics card, then you are guaranteed interference.
- Sound recording - noisy, not of the highest quality.
I cannot call the Creative AE-7 a sound card that provides a fundamentally new level of sound quality for home systems. But you can recommend this sound card if you record sound at the level of conversations in games or simple podcasts, but high-quality sound in headphones or on your home 5.1 / 7.1 system is important for you, the sound of which can be enjoyed thanks to Dolby Digital Live hardware encoding and DTS For recording vocals and music, this device is not the best solution. At a price It is difficult to single out any objective flaws, although the amount is considerable, but you would have felt the difference in sound quality between Creative AE-7 and ASUS Xonar DG from the first minutes. I would like to see a better sound recording. On the Yandex. Market 83% of buyers recommend this product.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
Native Instruments KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is not just a USB sound card, it is a six-channel audio interface that offers everything you need to record, play and present your music. The model has four analog I / O, digital I / O, MIDI, minimum latency. Convenient durable metal sound card housing, two microphone inputs with preamps, Cirrus Logic converters for precise transparent sound.
The audio interface is very flexible, with many options for connecting microphones, guitars, MIDI instruments, or other external devices. Whether you play virtual instruments or record sound, this new package has all the virtual instruments and effects. The device also offers new chips, audio drivers, circuits for low latency. According to Native Instruments, the direct monitoring feature provides full direct control of recordings of guitars, vocals or other live sources. There are 6 inputs / outputs: 2 combo balanced mic / line / instrument inputs (XLR /1/4“) With phantom power and individual Gain control, 2 balanced line inputs (1/4”TRS), 4 balanced analog outputs (1/4”TRS).
Digital S / PDIF stereo input and output (RCA), MIDI input and output. Headphone output (1/4”TRS) with independent volume control, choice of monitoring source. Suitable for home or professional studio use, it is a good solution for sound producers. The model provides Direct monitoring with zero delay, a mix mixing button, a mono switch, there is a large and convenient volume control, 15 indication LEDs for complete "visual" monitoring. Full support for ASIO, Core Audio, DirectSound, WASAPI.
Benefits:
- Suitable for home and professional use.
- Cirrus Logic converter.
- Direct monitoring function.
- 15 LED indicators for full monitoring.
- Direct monitoring.
- ASIO, Core Audio, DirectSound, WASAPI support.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Sometimes the card freezes, the sound disappears, and is treated by restarting the PC.
This model rightfully occupies a leading position in our ranking. Its main advantage is that it can be used both at home and in a professional recording studio. There is a direct monitoring function, many outputs and inputs, low latency, the presence of S / PDIF, MIDI, phantom power at two microphone inputs - there are many advantages over other competitors in the rating. This model is worth the money spent on it. Price -... There are no problems with the device, it connects to a PC without any problems, it is easily configured. On the Yandex. Market 78% of buyers recommend this product.
