• What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

    Recently, we talked about external sound cards for a computer, which belonged to the budget segment and were suitable only for those who just wanted to slightly improve the sound quality on their computer for further watching movies, listening to music and playing with a toy. In this review, we will write about sound cards that are installed in your computer and are intended primarily for those who want to play modern gaming products with clear sound, clear effects and positioning. Naturally, the cost of such sound cards is a little higher, they are installed inside the computer, in the slot reserved for expansion, and produce better sound in games. However, this does not mean that you will not be able to listen to music or movies will sound bad. No, a good sound card for games does an excellent job with other tasks, it's just that the quality is felt best in shooters, races, MMOs, and so on. It should be noted that if your computer is under warranty and you cannot disassemble its case, then you will not need these sound cards. Either lose your warranty or wait for it to expire. In the meantime, you can read a little and figure out what you should pay attention to.

    ASUS Xonar DS

    The developer himself positions this sound card as an inexpensive solution for those users who want to get good positioning in games. If you play shooters, then this is an ideal option - the enemy's steps are clearly audible, you can easily find out where these steps are coming from, all the third-party noises, such as the reloading of the machine, are distinguished. In most cases, in shooters, this allows you to have a definite advantage over an enemy that does not have such positioning. With 7.1-channel sound and low cost, this card has been popular among gamers for a long time. It has an AV200 audio chip, 24-bit width, support for DTS-ES technology and 4 line outputs, plus one microphone jack. The sound card is installed in the PCI 2.2 slot. If you're on a tight budget and all you want is just good sound with positioning in shooters, then this is the perfect solution. If you want to get good sound in movies and music tracks, then you need to look further. The cost of this sound card is 4100 rubles.

    Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx

    Creative sound cards are rarely positioned as just gaming, since the developer primarily looks towards music lovers. However, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx sound card is great for gaming thanks to its 7.1-channel sound and ability to convey positioning in games as well as purely gaming sounds. This card is already installed in the PCI Express port, so you will need to take care of a free port in your motherboard. The sound chip here is Creative E-MU, it allows you to perfectly position objects in games, movies and music. The bit width of the DAC is 24 bits, maximum frequency 192 kHz. Separately, it is worth noting the support for EAX Studio technology and the ability to connect two microphones at once. In general, there are quite a lot of line outputs here, but connecting two microphones is a very good opportunity. Initially, a second connector was added for karaoke in pairs, but you can easily connect two microphones for better audibility in streams or toys. The cost of this card is 5300 rubles and we really liked it, even if it is not sold as a game card.

    ASUS Xonar DX

    The Xonar DX sound card is considered almost a legend on the market. The fact is that quite a few years have passed since its appearance, and professional players continue to use this particular solution and completely reject new items, even if they can boast of better sound. Thanks to the conversion of sound to 7.1-channel, as well as 5.1-channel sound in real time, as well as decent highs and lows, the card allows you to enjoy high-quality music and distinguish positioning in games. Of course, name the product the best option for music, we cannot, because the previous version looks even better in this role, but in games ASUS Xonar DX has no equal. You install the card into the PCI Express slot, plug in some more or less normal headphones with a microphone, and you can safely go to conquer the virtual expanses of shooters. The sound chip here is Asus AV100, that is, the difference between the Xonar DS and Xonar DX will not be very big. However, we personally consider DX to be the best sound card on the market for our money. Its cost, by the way, is only 5600 rubles.

    Creative Sound Blaster Z

    One of the few Creative sound cards that are positioned primarily as a gaming solution. The card also plugs into the PCI Express port, it has a bundled microphone (external) with beam focusing, which allows you to improve the quality of your voice with hardware, not just software. The sound card is based on the Sound Core3D chip operating in 5.1-channel mode with support for SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect technologies. It is worth noting that thanks to the proprietary CrystalVoice technology, all noise from your microphone will be removed and the voice will be crystal clear. It really works and even if you have a bad microphone on your headphones, there will be no sound problems. By the way, the card itself sounds very clean, there is good positioning of objects (I would even say one of the best on the market), as well as a signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dB. According to the creators of the card, the sound here is 35 times better than when using a standard sound card on the motherboard. Believing such numbers, of course, is not the most reasonable thing. The cost of this beast is 6,500 rubles.

    ASUS Strix Soar

    A product called ASUS Strix Sora is that rare case when the most expensive gadget in a selection can be called the best. Yes, we have already said that the Xonar DX is the perfect product for its price, but the ASUS Strix Soar has many advantages over the competition. For example, this is one of the few cards that works on 7.1 channel audio. Most cards either work on 5.1 channels, or are converted by software 5.1 to 7.1. Naturally, native 7.1 support is much better. The card is powered by the C-Media USB2.0 6632AX High-Definition Sound Processor sound chip; there is support for Asus Hyper Grounding, Asus Sonic Radar Pro, ASIO 2.0 and Perfect Voice technologies. There is an 8-channel DAC ESS SABER 9006A Premier Audio DAC, a TI-TPA6120 headphone amplifier with frequencies of 10-48000 Hz. There are outputs for the front channel, headphones, side channel, subwoofer, center and rear channels. By plugging in headphones like the Razer Tiamat with 7.1 channel audio, you get the best sound and positioning on the market. While the sound is very clear here, there is elimination of microphone noise and significant amplification. The cost of such a miracle is 6800 rubles.

    It is difficult to imagine a modern computer or laptop without the ability to listen to music or watch movies. A sound card for a computer is responsible for playing the sound. How to choose (tips will be given a little later) and what to look for when buying such a device? Read about this and much more below.

    Sound card for a computer: how to choose?

    First of all, any user faced with such a problem, first of all, should start from personal considerations and the area of ​​using the sound system. Today, the use of such devices is no longer limited to high-quality reproduction of music or a track in a video or film.

    With the development of the gaming industry, the requirements for sound cards have increased incredibly, and they themselves began to offer the user much more opportunities in terms of the same surround sound reproduction or special effects that can immerse the gamer in the gameplay, creating a completely realistic atmosphere of what is happening.

    The same goes for the direction that provides for the creation and recording of music at home or in a professional studio. Here the requirements are even higher, and the cards themselves are much more expensive. Therefore, when deciding which sound card to choose for a computer, one should proceed from just such considerations. Next, we will consider some aspects that affect the choice of a chip of one type or another, with an analysis of the main features and characteristics of several of the most popular sound chips.

    Sound card for a computer: how to choose? Specifications

    In any case, the very first parameter is high-quality sound reproduction without distortion or unwanted side effects... Typically, most devices use either analog or digital inputs. The former can create additional interference during sound reproduction through the speaker system (speakers or speakers), while the latter practically completely exclude their appearance.

    In most cases, crystal-clear sound can only be achieved with an S / PDIF interface for connecting a loudspeaker through the appropriate connector.

    However, according to many professional musicians, digital devices, while delivering crisp sound without distortion, nevertheless lack the so-called analog warmth, which adds realism to any music track, which is quite difficult to achieve on digital devices.

    The second point is related to the frequency range that the sound card itself for a computer can "give out". How to choose a device based on these considerations? You just need to pay attention to the lower and upper frequency limits. The lower limit is usually 16 Hz (followed by infrasound, which is not perceived by the human ear), and the upper limit is 18-22 kHz (above is ultrasound, which the person also cannot hear). However, today you can find devices that can reproduce 22 and even 24 kHz, but they are practically not used in everyday life.

    Finally, if most modern sound cards support the Dolby Digital and DTS Dolby Surround standards, the cards for games must declare support for EAX v.X technology or the same standard in the form of Advanced HD, without which it is simply impossible to achieve realistic sound in the game process. Separately, it should be said that buying cards with 5 + 1 (7 + 1) support if you have ordinary stereo speakers at home is absolutely inappropriate.

    As for the main types of sound cards on the market, they can be divided into integrated (built into motherboards), internal (connected via PCI slots) and external.

    They all have very different characteristics and quite different principles of operation and connection. But external devices of this type have the advantage that they can have built-in memory, and due to the absence of size restrictions, they can have more connectors.

    In addition, internal and integrated cards can be exposed to electromagnetic radiation and the resulting interference, and external devices are almost completely immune from this. Finally, the use of external sound cards is the only solution to improve the sound quality and connect 5 + 1 speakers to laptops.

    Sound cards for everyday work

    However, in everyday life, when only listening to audio tracks or watching videos will be performed, and sound quality is not a priority, an integrated sound card for a computer can be used. How to choose such a device? Actually, you don't need to choose it. It is already built into the motherboard. Replacing the chip is another matter.

    The most common are WDM-type devices (such as Realtek) with High Definition Audio drivers. Therefore, any chip of this kind will do here.

    If you need higher quality with the use of surround sound systems, you will have to tackle the problem of how to choose a sound card for your 5.1 computer. Most experts call the purchase of a PCI device Audigy Fx (Sound Blaster line from Creative), which has decent characteristics and a fairly low cost, as the optimal purchase.

    Inexpensive Sound Chips for Gamers

    It's not that simple with games. The main emphasis when choosing a device is made on the availability of support for EAX v.X and OpenAL technologies.

    Judging by the reviews of gamers, the following are considered the most popular and relatively inexpensive models of sound chips in this series:

    • ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 / DG / DGX / DS.
    • Recon3D PCIe from Creative.
    • Audigy Fx (again from Creative), etc.

    All of these devices reproduce multichannel sound, are equipped with 24-bit DACs, and the sampling rate in stereo mode is 96-192 kHz. You can, of course, stop at 192 kHz, but this is not necessary, since the difference will not be discernible by ear.

    What should a musician choose?

    Musicians also need a sound card for a computer like air. How to choose a chip? It is necessary to proceed from what the device will be used for. Any simple chip is suitable for recording music from a MIDI keyboard, even at the level of outdated cards with Wavetable support like Yamaha WDM.

    To work with sequencers, it is better to use cards like Terratec or the same Audigy card, but a prerequisite is support for the previously used Full Duplex standard and modern ASIO drivers.

    But for recording live instruments in studios, an external sound card for a computer should be used. How to choose this type of device?

    You can refer to the list of the most popular and demanded sound cards, which was compiled based on the reviews of the musicians and sound engineers themselves:

    • Focusrite Scarlett Solo / 2i2 / 2i4 / 6i6 / 18i8.
    • M-Audio M-Track II.
    • Tascam US-366.
    • PreSonus AudioBox USB.
    • Roland UA-55 Quad-Capture.
    • BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UMC202 and others.

    Most often, for an ordinary user, it is important that the sound from the computer is simply reproduced normally. Since the built-in sound card copes with this perfectly, the question of how to choose a sound card simply does not arise.

    But for music lovers, gamers or true lovers of high-quality sound, the capabilities of an integrated sound card are clearly not enough, and in this case, you need to think about buying a separate sound card.

    Naturally, a discrete sound card is a must if you own high-quality 5.1 or 7.1 acoustics, the built-in card is simply not able to process high-quality surround sound.

    So, let's take a look at what to focus on when choosing a sound card:

    Sound card type

    - Internal... Such cards in the form of a separate board are installed inside the system unit, in the PCI slot on the motherboard.

    Pros - does not take up extra space and has no wires.

    - External... Such cards are a separate device and are located outside the system unit. Cons - it takes up additional space and requires additional wires. External sound cards connected via USB do not provide the same performance as internal cards. This is due to the fact that the USB port is not suitable for such tasks..

    Pros:

    1. The external audio card cannot be affected by electromagnetic interference, which may negatively affect sound reproduction.

    2. You can easily connect an external audio card to a laptop or tablet, thereby greatly improving the sound quality.

    3. An external audio card is not limited in size and can include more connectors, which makes it possible to expand its functionality.

    Sampling frequency

    The sampling rate is a parameter that shows the number of signals that the card processes over a certain period of time. It is measured in hertz. Most often, sound cards have a frequency of 96 or 192 kHz. The larger the given parameter, the better.

    Digit capacity of converters

    The sound card configuration includes digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and analog-to-digital converters (ADC).

    DAC - used to convert a digital signal to analog

    ADC - used to convert an analog signal to digital

    The bit width of the converter shows the number of signal levels that it can process. This parameter is measured in bits. Modern sound cards predominantly have a 24-bit converter, this is quite enough and this figure should be guided by.

    Just don't get too hung up on sampling and bit numbers, much depends on the quality of the DAC. Great DACs for sound cards do: Wolfson, TexasInstruments, Ti- BurrBrown.

    Signal to Noise Ratio (S / N)

    This parameter indicates the ratio of the sound card signal to the noise that appears when this signal is played. This ratio is measured in decibels.

    For a good sound card, this parameter should be more than 90 dB... For professional audio cards, this parameter can be equal to 100 dB or more.

    Audio outputs

    The more connectors an audio card has, the more input / output devices you can connect. The sound card should at least have the following connectors:

    • microphone in
    • headphone output, makes it possible to connect headphones directly to the card
    • S / PDIF. S / PDIF is an optical output that can be used to connect many different devices. You can get the best sound from the S / PDIF connection.
    • Subwoofer and center channel outputs;
    • Front speaker output;
    • Rear speaker output;
    • Linear output

    There may be other inputs / outputs on the audio card, so if you know exactly what you will connect to the sound card, make sure that the correct connector is on it. Modern speaker systems come in form factors of 2.0 to 7.1, so before purchasing an audio card, make sure it supports the appropriate number of channels.

    If you have a 7.1 acoustics, then a multichannel sound card must also support 7.1.

    If you are going to connect any musical instruments to the sound card, then make sure that it has special jack jack 6.3 mm.

    Technologies

    DTSDigitalSurroundand DolbyDigital- are the surround sound standards that apply to the DVD format. A sound card with these functions will provide you with sound with minimal distortion and noise level, creating the effect of presence when watching licensed dvd films.

    EАX АDVANСED НD- Surround sound function, provides wonderful sound quality in electronic games using modern sound effects.

    Manufacturers

    The main players in the sound card market are Asus and Creative, and now we will take a closer look at them.

    ASUS

    A well-known Taiwanese company ASUS, produces audio cards under the Xonar brand- which have a high-quality element base and specialize in high-quality reproduction of musical works. They use high-quality DACs from well-known companies.

    Most often, the sound of music is more detailed and of better quality than that of Creative, and there is more variety of ports. Of the minuses, it should be noted that almost all data in these cards is processed in software, which puts a load on the processor.

    Many cards from this company have a protective cap that protects the card from EMI interference from various components located inside the computer. This is a good solution, besides, with these caps the cards look stylish and solid. The software has a bunch of customizations and extensibility options. Sound cards from ASUS are perfect for music lovers.

    Creative

    Creative sound cards can be classified as gaming... They support at the hardware level all technologies that are associated with the output of surround sound in toys. Creative is considered a pioneer in digital audio.

    It is the cards of this company that relieve the load as much as possible from central processing unit, taking over all the tasks of sound processing. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for gambling addicts. Although the sound cards of this company do a good job with processing music .

    The software of this company is quite good, but it still lacks flexibility .

    Sound cards from ECHO, M-audio are considered semi-professional, are expensive and are usually not interesting for an ordinary user.

    Firms DigiDesign, NativeInstruments – produce external professional audio cards .

    Outcome

    For music lovers, gamers and just connoisseurs of good sound, a discrete audio card is a must. You just need to understand that in order to get the maximum effect from a high-quality sound card, you must have a high-quality speaker system.

    For gamers, cards from Creative are suitable.

    Music lovers will love ASUS cards (xonar)

    For watching movies, cards from both manufacturers are suitable.

    It is also worth paying attention to: high-quality software, quality of the DAC, THD, sampling rate, bit depth, support for new technologies and standards.

    Now let's take a few specific models of sound cards that have proven themselves excellent.:

    - not an expensive option for a music lover, it will allow you to hear the full completeness of high-quality stereo sound. All processing takes place using licensed software. A high-performance DAC and AV 100 processor deliver great sound to every element of your audio system.

    For toy lovers, the presence of the EAX format will be important. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the relatively low frequency of 48 kHz and the lack of a microphone jack .

    - one of the best audio cards, protocol 5.0 for EAX format, support for 5.1 systems, 192 kHz. Has an external switching unit, a built-in tunable headphone amplifier and two sound cards in the purchased kit. All this is able to bring a potential user to a completely new level of sound perception. .

    - external sound card for professionals. This device will only be useful for digitizing analog audio and MIDI. The perfectly balanced characteristics of the DAC and ADC (96 kHz / 24bit) make it possible to mix and match a very large number of connected instruments in a quality and simple way.

    Which sound card to choose:

    The installed external sound card for a USB laptop makes it possible to significantly improve the sound quality - especially since laptop manufacturers usually do not provide them with high-quality audio systems.

    An integrated card is usually not enough to get flawless sound, and in simple models of computers, sometimes you can't even count on a normal sounding 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:

    • get good sound on your laptop when needed. The problem can be solved by connecting audio speakers, but this will only increase the sound volume, but not the quality;
    • in case of failure of the main, built-in card.

    Features of external models

    Typically, an external sound card is a small device the size of a flash drive or card reader. Strengthens the likeness and way of connecting to a laptop - via USB.

    More expensive models reach external dimensions hard disk, and the most productive ones have dimensions comparable to the laptop itself.

    The capabilities of any external card include:

    • sound enhancement compared to the built-in laptop system;
    • connection of one or more microphones, headphones or audio speakers.

    Functionality 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 coaxial output, although their dimensions are much larger than that of compact sound cards.

    The advantages of external sound cards are as follows:

    • a dramatic improvement in the quality of playback and, when choosing a suitable model, audio recording;
    • mobility, allowing you to connect an external card to any other computer - both stationary and portable. Also, the device often connects to a tablet or phone;
    • a large enough range of models in order to choose both a functional and an affordable device;
    • easy sound adjustment, including volume, timbre and bass using buttons on the card body. On a laptop without an external sound device, this can only be done programmatically.

    For low-power and old laptops, the card can take the load off the processor. After all, due to the fact that sound processing occurs using external device the computing power of the computer itself is freed up. As a result, the equipment heats up less, and its efficiency increases.

    Map selection

    When choosing a sound card, it is worth considering several characteristics, depending on the tasks that the device must perform:

    • for home use, one audio input and one audio output is sufficient. For a compact home theater - at least two. And when used as a professional device for sound recording, it is worth choosing a model with 3-4 pairs of connectors, although it will cost more;
    • the bitness of the sound card must be at least 24 bits;
    • the ratio of signal and noise parameters is at the level of 100-114 dB;
    • musical instruments require an interface that allows the connection of these devices.

    It is desirable that the external card supports the Digital Theater System or Dolby Digital sound standard, which allows reading multichannel audio and video tracks - this can be important when watching movies.

    Support for the ASIO audio transfer protocol is optional, but allows you to increase the convenience of professional audio work.

    EAX technology can provide sound effects environment, which will be a good advantage for a player using multi-channel audio gaming applications.

    The most profitable option

    A sound card like Dynamode C-Media 108 (7.1) can be an excellent choice for high-quality sound.

    The advantages of the model are compactness, ease of use, a durable body and a minimal cost (about 300 rubles), and among the disadvantages is a relatively small functionality. Such a sound card is worth buying 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 jack, but not as high quality as when using more functional models.

    Portable Home Theater Card

    The advantages of the ASUS Xonar U7 external sound adapter are the following:

    • the presence, in addition to the usual mini-jack connectors for headphones and a microphone, also an eight-channel analog output, which improves the sound for a home theater audio system;
    • full compliance with all parameters for a good sound card - sound 24 bit / 192 kHz and signal-to-noise ratio at 114 dB, resistance 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 3000 rubles.

    Game card

    Those who like to play games, where the sound quality is as important as the video parameters, will appreciate the capabilities of the Bahamut model.

    This external card from Thermaltake works with both Windows and MacOS, is distinguished by its attractive appearance and the presence of buttons on the case for turning on and off connected devices (headphones, microphone, speakers).

    When connecting the card, be sure to install the drivers (included), and in the process of using - update them in a timely manner. The cost of the model is in the middle range - from 2500 to 3000 rubles.

    Universal option

    A decent mid-priced external sound card is the Creative Sound Blaster Play 2.

    In spite of 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 for any type of audio system - from headphones to 7.1.

    Among other advantages of the card is convenient control through the corresponding application. At the same time, on the body of the device itself there are no buttons for controlling the sound. However, the lack of external control makes it compact, 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 can be a great choice for music and recording people. 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 body;
    • stylish appearance;
    • compatibility with laptops running different operating systems;
    • the ability to simultaneously record from a guitar and a microphone;
    • a common volume control for all outputs (headphones and speakers);
    • complete set with all devices necessary 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 the ratio of cost and capabilities, this one can be called one of the best and most affordable. You can buy it online for about 20-22 thousand rubles.

    Starting and shutting down the map

    It doesn't take long to connect an external card. You just need to connect the device to your laptop (using a cable or just plug it into the USB input). Next, you need to wait for the laptop to determine the external card and automatically install the drivers, and only then connect headphones, a microphone or speakers to it. If the system does not find the required software in its database or the device requires the use of only its own programs, they are installed from the disk or from the manufacturer's official website.

    Advice: for high-quality sound reproduction, 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:

    1. The laptop “does not see” the device;
    2. Card is installed, but no sound is played.

    The first problem can be solved by reinstalling it into the next USB connector (if the card works, then the cause of the malfunction is an inoperative input) or connecting to another computer. If this did not help to restore the card's operability, it is worth reinstalling its drivers (by downloading from the network or from the disk that comes with the equipment). The latter method allows you to cope with the second problem as well. Failure to start an external sound card may indicate a malfunction or a factory defect.

    High quality sound recording and reproduction in a home studio environment requires corresponding financial costs. The main part of the budget will be spent not on high-quality switching (although you also need to invest in these components), but on the purchase of a productive audio interface.

    Those who are going to buy an audio interface need to decide on the budget and the list of features of the sound card. Think about how many inputs and outputs you need, what instruments and devices you will be connecting, and what kind of music to record. Based on this information, select the list suitable models will be much easier.

    out of 34

    Behringer UCA 202/222

    The cheapest sound cards for home recording studios that can reproduce and record linear stereo signal with a quality that is significantly higher than the built-in cards. Moreover, in the UCA202 / 222 models, a completely normal headphone preamplifier is installed, and there was also a place for an optical S / PDIF output for connecting to better equipment.

    out of 34

    Behringer UMC22

    Behringer UMC is one of the most inexpensive sound cards for the home recording studio. They are cheap, equipped with the essentials: phantom power and mic preamps are ready to record any material. Aside from the outdated ASIO driver from Behringer and the need to use a generic ASIO4ALL, the UMC22 can be considered as a working option for every day if you are on a budget. The youngest model of the line, UM2, is better not to be considered - it sound characteristics not far from the built-in sound cards.

    out of 34

    ESI MAYA22 USB

    One of the most inexpensive sound cards for home studio with full phantom power, normal mic preamps, guitar HiZ and line input. The sound is all right: in our opinion, MAYA22 sounds and writes better than any cards from Behringer. It is especially worth noting its compact size, which does not exceed a pack of cigarettes - MAYA22 can be taken with you wherever you go.

    out of 34

    IK Multimedia iRig 2 HD

    A very popular guitar interface for the iPhone - you can play through dozens of mods from the AmpliTube emulator and record yourself on your smartphone. The device is equipped with a headphone output and a combo port. In the West, such a device can be found in the arsenal of almost any guitarist with an iPhone: a couple of taps and you have already recorded a high-quality demo or part for the next song.

    Of 34

    Roland RUBIX22

    One of the most popular cards on the market. With sound and capabilities, everything is in order: 2 microphone inputs, one instrument input, one line (stereo) and MIDI connectors. What makes this card stand out from its competitors is its headphone output, whose power is easily pumped by high-impedance models.

    out of 34

    ESI U22 XT

    An excellent sound card for a home recording studio. The ESI brand, of course, is not as cool as Focusrite or Roland, but this did not affect the capabilities of the interface in any way. Equipped with a stereo line input, which is useful when recording a synthesizer or working through a guitar processor. Most importantly, it is one of the few cards that runs Linux out of the box. If you want to save reasonable money - take it, you won't be mistaken.

    out of 34

    Behringer UMC202HD / UMC204HD

    Unlike the younger models UM2 and UMC22, which operate under a standard system audio driver and are limited in audio recording to 96 kHz and 16 bits, the UMC202HD and UMC204HD can record a signal with a sampling rate of 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits. Both models are equipped with 2 combo mic / guitar / line inputs, a separate headphone output with its own level control and monitor outputs. Additionally, the UMC204HD offers two more monitor outputs and MIDI IN / OUT ports.

    What is more important: the cost of cards is at least 30% cheaper than analogs. At the same time, one cannot say that they sound worse than their competitors - the sound is at a level, and the cards themselves can be considered a kind of workhorse without unnecessary frills and at an affordable price.

    out of 34

    Steinberg UR12

    Competitor to Focusrite Scarlett Solo. The main advantages are pleasant sound, ease of use, stability of work. Of the minuses: the lack of a switch for the guitar input in linear mode - it will not work to connect an external preamplifier.

    out of 34

    Audient iD4

    Audient sound cards appeared on the domestic market not so long ago, but quickly became popular among musicians. The iD4 is the main competitor to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Steinberg UR12. In our opinion, compared to competitors, Audient products sound significantly better thanks to quality preamps from Audient professional studio consoles.

    Among the main features of the iD4 are two independent headphone outputs (useful for recording), as well as an assignable ScrollControl knob. The latter can control any parameters of plug-ins and the DAW itself: change the volume of tracks, pan, equalizer settings and any other devices and knobs. Cons: no line-in and no MIDI interface. The second is easy to accept, the first is difficult, but demanding more from a budget audio card is stupid.

    out of 34

    PreSonus Audiobox USB 96

    A novelty from PreSonus that has every chance to break out of the Top 5 best-selling cards in 2019. Per reasonable price buyers get 2 combined inputs, a MIDI interface and almost complete absence of noise, which was the case with the previous generation.

    out of 34

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen

    The most popular sound card for home recording in the Russian Federation. The minimum required set of functions in the person of a guitar / line input, an affordable price and good sounding are the main advantages of the model.

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    Shure Motiv MVi

    Shure Motiv MVi miniature single-channel sound card works with any device under the control of operating rooms. Windows systems, macOS, iOS and Android. Motiv MVi is equipped with one combo input, one stereo output, a touch screen from which you can control the main parameters of the card, and built-in presets for recording vocals and guitar.

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    M-Audio M-TRACK 2 × 2 / 2x2M

    The sound quality of the M-Audio M-TRACK cards is in no way inferior to the Focusrite Scarlett and Steinberg UR lines. Both models offer 2 mic / guitar / line inputs, and the 2X2M also includes a MIDI jack. Due to the fact that all control is placed on top panel with a large central regulator, it is very convenient to work with maps. Both models come with a huge bundle of all kinds of software - like a trifle, but nice.

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    Steinberg UR22 MKII

    The main competitor is Scarlett 2i2. Sounds a little better than Focusrite (although as anyone), equipped with a MIDI interface and only one guitar input. If you need a MIDI interface and sharpening for Cubase - take the UR22 MKII, if you want to record two guitars in parallel - look towards 2i2.

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    Tascam US-2 × 2

    A competitor to Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Steinberg UR22, Audient iD14 and other similar audio interfaces. The device from Tascam offers exactly the same features as other cards of this level. Nevertheless, some buyers note that Tascam sounds better, but whether or not it is a moot point. Of the features, we can note the ability to work with iPad and iPhone - if you are an adherent of mobile sound recording, then you should take a closer look.

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    Mackie Onyx Producer 2 2

    A quality sound card from the guys at Mackie. Ergonomic and compact unit with a solid, robust "Build Like A Tank" body, excellent DA / AD converters, 192 kHz / 24 bit recording and MIDI ports. The manufacturer also notes analog signal flow, phantom power on both inputs, and zero latency monitoring.

    Compared to peers from Focusrite, Roland and Audient, the device from Mackie is a more advantageous option at a price, whose capabilities are no worse than its competitors. If you don't have any brand preferences and want an excellent card for your home studio at an affordable price, consider Onyx Producer 2 2. For those looking for an even more compact and inexpensive device with similar equipment, Mackie's portfolio includes the younger model Onyx Artist 1 2.

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    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen

    For those who do not have enough Solo capabilities, Focusrite offers the more functional 2i2 model. The preamps are exactly the same as in the younger model, but unlike the Solo, the 2i2 can work with 2 microphones or guitars (HiZ). In addition, the card is equipped with a set of balanced outputs and a separate headphone volume control.

    In addition to the single delivery option, the 2i2 is included in the Focusrite Scarlett Studio kit, which consists of a card, a decent microphone, closed headphones and a cable to connect all this joy. The price will turn out to be a little more expensive than buying only an audio interface, but on the other hand, you will have a set completely ready for recording - you bought it and record.

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    Yamaha AG06

    A combination of audio interface and mixing console great for recording and podcasting. Six inputs, D-PRE preamps, built-in DSP effects processor, multiple headphone and monitor outputs, phantom power and a dozen other features. If you don't want to overpay, but you need more than two inputs for recording, think about AG06 - the choice is more than adequate, as we are talking about.

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    Roland RUBIX24

    Everything is the same as in the younger RUBIX22 model, but with an additional stereo output, extended monitoring and, more importantly, a built-in compressor / limiters. The latter is especially useful for those who host podcasts and go online live - the signal will always be at the level.

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    Audient iD14

    Big brother of iD4. Among the differences are the ability to record a linear stereo signal from a synthesizer or guitar processor and two combined inputs with phantom power, two stereo outputs for monitoring. Sounding on the highest level while the iD14 preamps offer more headroom than the entry-level model.

    The presence of an optical ADAT input can be considered a killer feature. Thanks to the input, the number of input channels can be significantly increased: it is enough to buy some Behringer ADA8200 to get 10 channels of high-quality sound. Due to the highest sound quality and excellent scalability, the Audient iD14 is the best sound card for a home recording studio in the range of 15,000-16,000 rubles.

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    Steinberg UR242

    Extended version of UR22 with additional monitor outputs and built-in DSP processor. The latter allows you to use various effects and processing in real time without loading the computer's processor.

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    Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen

    Those looking for a lack of outputs on the 2i2 should look towards the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. The characteristics and internals are identical here, except for another pair of stereo monitor outputs and MIDI ports.

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    Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

    Sound card, positioned by Native Instruments as a tool for performing DJs - the metal casing will protect it from any influences. The sound is excellent, the equipment is also: microphone and guitar inputs, line inputs and even MIDI ports. The card comes with a rich set of DJ and studio software, plugins and virtual instruments from Steinberg and Native Instruments.

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    Steinberg UR44

    A more advanced version of the U242 with 4 inputs instead of 2 and DSP effects. The card works great with Cubase, supports recording at a sampling rate of 192 kHz and 24-bit, and is equipped with two independent headphone outputs.

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    Zoom UAC-2

    A very popular sound card with USB 3.0. It is in demand among those who want to get the minimum latency when playing the instrument: for example, among guitarists who constantly use guitar emulators. The card can record and play audio with a sampling rate of 192 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits, is equipped with a DSP mixer and good monitoring capabilities. Apart from high-speed USB 3.0, the quality of work is not much different from analogues from Focusrite, Roland or Steinberg.

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    Audient iD22

    No matter how modest it may sound, the iD22 is the best sound card for a home recording studio within 30,000 rubles. Audient interfaces are very high quality sound comparable to the more expensive and professional models from RME, MOTU and Focusrite.

    The main feature is the very evolving architecture. In addition to the usual combined microphone and guitar inputs with emulation of a tube amplifier stage, the iD22 is equipped with input and output inserts for connecting external analog processing. With ADAT, the number of channels can be increased to 10 at the input and 14 at the output, which can be controlled in the digital console.

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    Universal audio arrow

    One of the most affordable and powerful Thunderbolt interfaces in the Universal Audio portfolio. Rugged chassis, 192 kHz / 24-bit recording and powerful UAD-2 Solo Core DSP to work with the dedicated UAD plug-ins included. The card records excellently, reproduces no worse, delays are automatically eliminated by the DSP.

    The included 14 plug-ins not only take the load off your PC's processor, but also offer incredible emulations of classic studio equipment. The latter are a real killer feature of all devices from Universal Audio, and Arrow is the most affordable way to own them. out of 34

    Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

    The flagship of the Scarlett sound card lineup offers 8 microphone preamps with phantom power and 60 dB gain, two independent headphone outputs and a separate rich monitoring section. In addition, the device is equipped with digital inputs and outputs, a MIDI interface, a word clock port and excellent AD / DA converters - you don't have to worry about the quality of sound and recording.

    If you are going to record many different sound sources and are more or less serious, are not constrained in funds and want a single center for all studio tasks, then the 18i20 is your choice. Included with the device, customers receive licenses for the Novation Bass Station software synthesizer, the Focusrite Scarlett Plug-In Suite and the Ableton Live Lite digital workstation.

    In general, there are many opportunities - we are talking about all this splendor. The card will become an indispensable assistant both at the studio and at concerts. Nevertheless, you will have to pay a lot for such wealth - the cost of Arturia AudioFuse starts at 45,000 rubles.

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    Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO

    The Universal Audio Twin MKII DUO sound card is built around two DSP-processors SHARC DSP, allowing access to digital signal processing by UAD plug-ins without using computer resources. In order to "unload" the processor of a personal computer, you will need special UAD plug-ins supplied with the audio interface. The device is equipped with 2 inputs (one of them Hi-Z) and 4 outputs, optical digital input S / PDIF, built-in Monitor Talkback function, and allows you to record sound at 24 bit / 192 kHz.

    It features quality sound, Unison mic preamps, analog modulation plug-ins, and multiple routing and audio control functions. Musicians and sound engineers alike will love the ability to remotely control a studio monitoring system with four modes of operation: Mono, Mute, DIM and ALT Monitors.

    When buying, pay attention to the presence of a Thunderbolt input on your computer (owners of Apple computers and laptops can be calm - they have everything in place at once). In addition, an external power source is required for the sound card to function.

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    RME Babyface Pro

    The most interesting, high-quality, advanced and stable that can be found within 60,000 rubles. The Babyface Pro is fully charged: 4 inputs and outputs, two headphone outputs, MIDI interface, ADAT expansion ports, built-in DSP processor. By connecting the card to the iPad, you can turn the bundle into a full-fledged digital mixer.

    Recording quality is great - you can use the Babyface Pro both at home and in a professional studio.

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