Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
|
The best inexpensive internal sound cards: budget up to 7000 rubles. |
| 1 | Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx | Excellent signal-to-noise ratio |
| 2 | ASUS Strix Soar | Inexpensive sound card with ASIO 2.2 support |
| 3 | Creative Audigy Fx | Ideal for headphone boost |
| 1 | Audient ID4 MKII | The best sound card under 12,000 rubles |
| 2 | Steinberg UR12 | Continuous improvement from generation to generation |
| 3 | ASUS Xonar U7 | Most popular model |
| 4 | BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222 | Best price |
| 1 | Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 | Best sound card with 32-bit DAC |
| 2 | Creative Sound Blaster Z | Bright design |
| 3 | ASUS Strix Raid DLX | Stylish sound card with external block |
All modern PCs and laptops are sold with built-in audio chips, but manufacturers are actively saving on their components, so not everyone likes the quality of regular sound.In this case, independent sound cards come to the rescue, which are able to provide a noticeable increase in sound purity even for little money.
Sound card market leaders
Against the background of other PC components, the audio card market seems tiny, but it also has its own recognized “leaders”, whose product quality is beyond doubt:
Creative. A Singaporean company that was one of the first to start mass production of sound cards and once had practically no competitors. It is Creative that often becomes a pioneer in the field of introducing advanced technologies for computer acoustics.
ASUS. This brand needs no introduction and delights its fans with audio cards of all formats and price ranges.
Behringer and Steinberg. German companies that can be considered the best in terms of producing professional sound cards with excellent component base quality and a good price/functionality ratio.
Audient. A British brand that strives to offer budget-priced options, but with the functionality and quality of premium-segment models.
What to look for when choosing a sound card?
Choosing a good sound card is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, so you need to take into account a number of important nuances:
Form factor. There are two types of audio cards: internal and external. The former are installed directly on the computer's motherboard, are cheaper and provide a basic level of functionality. The latter are installed outside the PC case, connected to it via USB, often have a better component base and can offer the functionality of a full-fledged music studio.
Support for multi-channel audio. Surround sound systems can not be connected to all audio cards, so check for support for 5.1 / 7.1-channel sound.
DAC bit depth. Acceptable sound, especially in games and movies, cannot be provided at bit depths below 24 bits.
Signal to noise ratio. This parameter directly determines how much noise the audio card imposes on the sound during its operation. The minimum recommended by experts is 75-90 dB, but the higher this value, the clearer the sound will be.
Remote control. For gaming sound cards, it is important to have an external control panel, which will allow you to quickly switch playback modes and adjust the volume level without being distracted from virtual battles.
The best inexpensive internal sound cards: budget up to 7000 rubles.
Let's start with the most common sound cards. Devices in this segment are characterized by moderate performance. They are only enough for everyday tasks - listening to music or watching movies. The attractive price is due to the absence of an external case. These models are installed inside stationary PCs, and the connection is made through PCI and PCI-E interfaces.
3 Creative Audigy Fx
Country: Singapore
Average price: 3510 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
A sound card that provides good sound, clean bass, clear and understandable equalizer bands for an inexpensive price. Users in the reviews write that after installing this device, the sound became richer, the stereo effect became more expressive, and the high and low frequencies felt detailed and balanced. The volume has become higher - there is a built-in headphone amplifier.The SBX Pro Studio Sound Enhancer allows you to enjoy a more enjoyable sound experience.
There are no problems with installation and configuration. Just connect the hardware, install the driver and get an increase in sound quality in proportion to the financial costs. Often users buy this sound card in order to amplify the sound of their good headphones. The card also performed well in 3D games, playing surround sound.
2 ASUS Strix Soar
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 6790 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
A high-quality "unit" with the C-Media 6632AX chipset for those who want to get excellent detailed sound at a low price. This model provides reliable 7.1-channel audio output with a minimum of extraneous noise. A 24-bit DAC with a frequency of 192 kHz is used here. The signal-to-noise ratio does not exceed 116 dB. There are 8 analog outputs, an optical S/PDIF and an independent headphone output via the built-in amplifier. A microphone input is provided for recording.
Reviews for this budget sound card are mostly positive, citing sound quality, ease of installation and setup in any PC, and a stylish design that is suitable for a gaming PC. There are also enough criticisms: there may be problems with drivers on some motherboards, extraneous noise when the PC is poorly grounded, poor quality of the stock from the microphone, non-switchable backlight.
1 Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx
Country: Singapore
Average price: 5560 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The first line of the rating is occupied by a representative of Creative. The ratio of silence and noise - 106 dB. The maximum DAC frequency in multi-channel mode is 96 kHz, against 192.It is worth noting that this model provides more scope for sound recording. For this, two microphone and one line input are built into the device. This link allows you to record from two sources at the same time, such as guitar and vocals.
The proprietary software is represented by such utilities as KaraokePlayer, SmartRecorder and WaveStudio. With their help, you can not only enjoy high-quality sound, but also do amateur sound recording on your computer. For better sound and lower latency, the device supports the ASIO v. 2.0.
The best external sound cards: budget up to 15,000 rubles.
The second category includes external sound cards connected to a computer via a USB connector. Such devices are recommended for laptop owners or those who want to create their own recording studio. They allow you to expand the number of audio outputs and connect more devices.
4 BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222
Country: Germany
Average price: 2100 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Super-budget excellent "zvukovuha" with good sound, the simplest installation and even support for the ASIO 2.0 driver. Thanks to the latter fact, this sound card is considered the best for the money for beginner computer musicians. The form factor of the external device allows you to connect the device to both a desktop PC and a laptop. Comes with a CD with a variety of VST instruments and an Energy XT multitracker.
Analog stereo output and stereo input on tulips, powerful headphone output with volume control. Noise is not heard by analog - they write in the reviews. There is a digital optical SPDIF output.If you want to buy a budget sound card for the highest quality and sophisticated sound in headphones and stereo systems, then the U-CONTROL UCA222 is your choice.
3 ASUS Xonar U7
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 6580 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The third place is occupied by a model from ASUS with the index U7. Compared to Creative, the maximum DAC frequency here is just great and is 192 kHz. More and output channels - only 8 pieces, which makes it possible to use surround sound format 7.1. There are three types of output connectors: RCA ("tulip"), Mini Jack, S/PDIF. Switching between them is carried out using a washer located on top of the housing. It also acts as a volume control.
This model is recommended for purchase to those users who appreciate high-quality surround sound in films and video games and do not plan to engage in sound recording. Users involved in streaming or wanting to record their own track, it is better to look at more expensive models.
2 Steinberg UR12
Country: Germany
Average price: 10490 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The model was introduced at the end of 2014 and has not lost its relevance. The main advantage is a record for affordable prices, while maintaining all the characteristics of the previous generation. The device is placed in an all-metal case, is powered by a USB bus, and can be connected to a condenser microphone. There are 6 connection modes in total, from 44 to 192 kHz. Equipped with a preamp from Yamaha.
The interface works with any music software in MacOS and Windows operating systems. It is also fully compatible with the iPad.Compared to more expensive devices, the interface performs very well and is clearly audible on high-detail hardware. This is noted by users in their reviews, and the number of claims to quality with each generation is less and less.
1 Audient ID4 MKII
Country: Great Britain
Average price: 11880 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The main advantage of ID4 from Audient is the filling. The microphone preamp migrated here straight from full-size studio consoles. The instrumental input here is built on dusty transistors. The manufacturer responsibly approaches the assembly of devices and, according to user reviews, does not even save on converters. The dynamic range of the DAC here is one of the best in the segment - 115 dB.
Despite the meager delivery set, consisting of the device itself and a USB cable, all the main goodies will become available after registration on the official website of the manufacturer. The card itself is dual-channel (two sources can be connected) and can simultaneously receive both a condenser microphone and an electric guitar. Both channels have separate amplification and indication. The ID4 combo input has support for line connections, which will allow you to connect not only instruments and microphones, but also devices with line outputs, such as preamps.
The best sound cards for gamers
Gamers are a special layer of buyers. They use only the best equipment and computers from top manufacturers, often releasing special limited editions of devices. Sound cards did not stand aside either, having received special "game" improvements that allow you to immerse yourself in the gameplay as fully as possible.
3 ASUS Strix Raid DLX
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 17100 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Opens the TOP of the best gaming sound cards creation from ASUS. StrixRaid DLX is the top card in the manufacturer's assortment due to its good technical characteristics. The maximum DAC frequency is 192 kHz, 8 channels are supported, the signal-to-noise ratio is excellent - 124 dB. The only fly in the ointment may be a slightly overpriced price relative to competitors. Appearance is not satisfactory - it is moderately aggressive, simple and at the same time attractive. The additional block allows you to connect a gaming headset, adjust the volume and switch between normal and game mode using the "RAID" button.
A proprietary utility for managing a sound card deserves special attention. ASUS SonicStudio allows you to change the volume, adjust the equalizer, adjust the number of sound sources, and more. According to customer reviews, the interface has a pleasant color scheme and functionality, making it easy to master.
2 Creative Sound Blaster Z
Country: Singapore
Average price: 7490 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
In second place is a sound card from Creative. It has an attractive price, which is due to slightly lower capabilities than competitors. The maximum frequencies and signal to noise ratio are approximately the same, but only 6 channels are supported. Otherwise, we get almost the same thing for a lower amount.
The original appearance is due to the presence of a "viewing" window, in which the main chip is visible. There is also a remote block. You can connect headphones and a microphone to it.However, it should be borne in mind that the volume control only works with headphones - an audio system connected directly to the sound card does not communicate with the external unit. But there is a connector for connecting to the front of the PC.
According to user reviews, the card is great for gaming due to the optimal combination of all frequencies and creating sound volume. This plus will be difficult to evaluate when watching movies, as the emphasis is on the central channels.
1 Creative Sound Blaster AE-7
Country: Singapore
Average price: 17840 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
Powerful internal sound card for gamers who want to enjoy high fidelity detail and acoustic clarity. The model is far from budget, but justifies its price: 5.1-channel system, ESS SABER-class 9018 32-bit DAC, maximum sampling frequency - 384 kHz, reduced signal transmission delay, signal-to-noise ratio at 127 dB, Xamp headphone amplifier, support for a range of functions to improve the sound in games. As a result, we get an excellent device that turns a computer into a mini-station for high-quality work with sound.
This is also confirmed by reviews in which buyers praise the model for ease of use (especially the remote control), a good study of proprietary software, clear sound, and detailed bass. The card does not receive any particular complaints, many people do not like its price, plus batches with factory assembly defects can occasionally come across.
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