The main task of any sound card is to convert digital data into a simple analog signal that can be transmitted to headphones or speakers. In all motherboards produced now, sound cards are already built-in, and they provide the necessary sound quality.
But some sound cards lack functionality for all programs to work, for example, they cannot play and record sound at the same time. Therefore, to expand the playback and recording capabilities of sound, a separate sound card is used, for example, a USB sound card, and for little money the sound quality can be significantly improved.
Another plus of such a sound card: it is able to slightly offload the computer processor. The fact is that a regular card shifts many functions for sound processing to the processor, in addition, it also occupies a certain part of the memory. So an additional USB sound card is in any case a rational acquisition.
According to the connection method, three groups of cards can be distinguished:
- Via PCI or PCI Express slot. 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 a USB port, suitable for any laptop or desktop computer, versatility is one of its advantages. A modern USB sound card can immediately output sound when recording without loading the computer.
- 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. Must have a MIDI input and MIDI output. They are designed to connect a MIDI keyboard. By connecting it, you get a good synthesizer. Well, if there are optical outputs SPDIF. The optical SPDIF interface provides the highest quality, clear sound. To record music from instruments, you also need an appropriate number of inputs / outputs to connect the required number of devices, although you can record them in turn.
You should also see the number of microphone and
line inputs. The sound card can be supplemented with special inputs for synchronization during multichannel recording and additional monitor outputs.
Today, a variety of market offers makes it easy to find a map of the right quality and price. Having paid a modest amount for the purchase, you can significantly improve the sound quality of the computer, expand the functionality. Even a simple USB sound card can provide this.
A high-quality card can become the basis for a home sound studio, it is equipped with its own software for ease of use, but this card is very expensive. Such devices are used by professionals in their work, for a simple layman, an additional internal card is enough to get high-quality surround sound to accompany games and watch movies.