Composition of sound card. For what you need a sound card (audio interface). How to check the sound card on the computer and find out what exactly it is

Sound card (or board) - a device responsible for playing sound. This is a mandatory component of any modern computer, because without it, even such simplest actions, like listening to music, watching a movie or video, play sound row of any computer game.

Getting Started with a sound card for a computer, you should know that they are produced in three forms:

• internal integrated;
• internal discrete;
• external.

Integrated audio cards are the most budget option. This is a separate microcircuit, shipped in motherboard. Usually, better sound chips are solder on more solid system boards, and motherboards easier contain an inexpensive chip (for example, "Realtek").

However, the savings on the purchase of a sound card is justified only when any high demands are not presented to the quality of the sound. It should be noted that the audio chips themselves may produce enough qualitative soundHowever, after putting on the result of their work, external factors begin to influence. First of all, these are electrical noises that inevitably arise on system board and affect the characteristics of the analog part of the beep.

In addition, the built-in audio adapter has no own processor. Accordingly increases the load on cPUIn some cases, it can lead to a beep delay or "hanging" sound. Do not forget that integrated cards are not designed to connect powerful high-class external devices. They can only work with inexpensive headphones and microphones, as well as with multimedia acoustics systems.

Discrete sound cards

Discrete sound card It is an independent fee that is installed in a free PCI slot. This is the most ancient type of boards - it is their use in due time turned out silent computers in multimedia computers. Discrete maps have a sound processor that performs sound processing functions, mixing sound streams, and so on. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the central processor, which is definitely improving the performance of the computer and improves the quality of the sound signal.

Such boards give more decent sound in comparison with integrated. As a rule, when they are used, no interference is observed and the audio delay. You can use more powerful external devices - Qualitative columns or headphones, it is possible to connect the system "Home Cinema". Usually, a disc with a discrete sound card is supplied with softwarewhich, among other things, allows the processing of sound in automatic mode. Manual settingUsually running through an audio player installed on the computer.

External sound cards

To obtain high-quality professional sound. Installation is required external sound card. Of course, it should be good expensive device. Cheap USB cards do not differ with high-quality sound. External soundboards appeared quite recently. They look like small plastic or metal boxes equipped with a certain number of inputs and outputs for connecting external devices. Some boards are additionally equipped with various tuning regulators. To the computer, such sound cards are connected when uSB help or WiFi interfaces.

External fees are much more functional than internal. They allow you to use the entire broadest range of high-quality audio equipment. In addition to the sound output function, they implement the recording function sound signals - on the case there are inputs for connecting different types Microphones.

Each external sound card comes complete with software. As a rule, this is a package of applications that allow you to configure output devices to the most comfortable sound. In addition, they provide automatic update Drivers, which is quite convenient.

RESULTS

Summing up, it should be noted that when the type of sound card is selected, first of all, you need to focus on the desired sound quality and the level of acoustic equipment that is planned to be used.

The main task of any sound card is to translate digital data into a simple that can be transferred to headphones or columns. In all motherboards manufactured now, already built-in, and the necessary sound quality they provide.

But some sound cards There are not enough functionality to work all programs, for example, they do not know how to play and write sound at the same time. Therefore, to expand playback capabilities and use a separate sound card, such as a USB sound card, and for a little money, sound quality can be improved significantly.

Another plus such a sound card: it is capable of unloading a computer processor slightly. The fact is that a regular map Many sound processing functions shifts on the processor, in addition, also occupying a certain part of the memory. So an additional sound card USB is in any case the acquisition of rational.

Three groups of maps can be distinguished by the connection method:

1. Through PCI connector or PCI Express. This connection through connectors located directly on the motherboard. Such cards are somewhat cheaper than similar external. But in quality and functionality, they are usually losing them.
2. The external sound card USB is connected via a USB port, suitable for any laptop or versatility is one of its advantages. Modern sound card USB may immediately issue sound on the output,
3. External FireWire Maps are connected via FireWire. These are the highest quality professional sound cards, they are resistant to interference. To connect to a laptop, you need a PCMCI - FireWire adapter.

By buying a sound card, pay attention to the number of inputs and outputs. Than them more - the better. Be sure to be MIDI input and MIDI-output. They are intended to connect the MIDI keyboard. By connecting it, you will get a good synthesizer. Good if you are optical sPDIF outputs. The optical SPDIF interface provides the highest quality, clean sound. To record music from tools, the corresponding number of inputs / outputs also need to connect the required number of devices, although you can write them in turn.

You should also see the number of microphone and sound card can be complemented by special inputs for synchronization when multichannel recording and additional monitor outputs.

Today, the variety of market proposals allows you to easily find the map of the right quality and price. Having posted a modest amount for the purchase, you can significantly improve the sound quality of the computer, expand functionality. It can even provide a simple USB sound card.

A high-quality card can be the basis for the home sound studio, it is equipped with its own software for convenience in work, but this card costs very weekly. Such devices use professionals in their work, a simple manual is enough additional internal card to get high-quality volume sound for accompanying games and watching movies.

The home computer has long been from the workstation turned into a full-fledged multimedia device. In addition to surfing on the Internet and communication in Soc. Networks, a modern PC allows its owner to view videos, listen to music, process audio files, play, etc. To display an audio signal on the speakers or headphones, a sound card is required (ZK). Next, consider existing varieties, appointment and design features of these devices.

How to choose a sound card

The main task of the sound card is to convert a digital signal to analog, output to headphones, columns, etc. Today, all modern motherboards are equipped with an integrated sound card, which is able to provide quite a good sound quality. Minuses this solution are:

• reducing the performance of the computer due to the cost of the central processor resources;
• the lack of a high-quality signal converter, which is processed using a hardware codec.

These are the main factors forcing users to refuse integrated solutions and acquire discrete models for their computers. To choose correctly this device, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of sound cards, their appointment, technical characteristics, scope.

Types of sound cards

Today, all sound cards are customary to classify according to the following features:

1. Type of location. There are integrated, internal, external.
2. Method of connection. Integrated cards are not removable, wpaen directly in the motherboard. Internal models are connected to the system board through PCI or PCI-Express connectors. External, connect to PC through uSB port or through high-speed interface

Tip: When choosing an inexpensive external model, the best option Connections will be using a high-speed USB 3.0 port. If it is not provided in your PC, you can purchase an extension board connected to the PCI connector.

1. Specifications. The most significant positions in specifications Sound module - Signal / noise ratio, harmonic coefficient. For good cards The first indicator is in the range of 90 - 100 dB; The second is less than 0.00 1%.

Important! Pay attention to the discharge of a digital analog and analog-to-digital converter. The norm is 24 bits. The higher this indicator - better quality (ZK).

1. Appointment. Sound modules can be divided into multimedia, gamers, professional.

External Sound Card

External audio cards are small devicewhich connects to a laptop or PC on the high-speed FireWire interface. This design solved two main problems: increased the noise immunity of the card, which had a positive effect on the quality of the sound, freed the PCI slot, the number of which is limited to the PC.

Today, there are two FireWire Standards: IEEE 1394, bandwidth which 400 Mbps; IEEE 1394B, which supports data transfer rate up to 800 Mbps. The IEEE 1394 audio cards support work up to 52 channels thanks to the ability to serially connect the devices to one bus. External sound cards with FireWire interface refer to semi-professional and professional equipment.

Important! To connect an external audio card to leptopa, you will need a PCMCI - FireWire adapter.

Sound card with USB

These devices appeared on the domestic market for about 6 years ago. Connecting the device to the PC occurs through the USB port. These models are equipped with an output on columns or headphones and inputs per one or more microphones.

The main advantages of this technology:

• Universality. All modern computers are equipped with this interface.
• Improving the quality of playback, sound recording, compared with integrated models.
• Mobility, simplicity of connection, card settings. As a rule, most budget models do not require the installation of additional drivers. On more dear models Drivers are supplied complete with the device.

The disadvantage of these audio converters is relatively low speed data transmission. For USB 2.0 interface, the data transfer rate does not exceed 480 Mbps.

Studio sound cards

Studio sound recording has its own specifics. Studio audio converters are equipped with a mass of various input, output connectors for connecting tools, microphones and other studio equipment. Entrance Connectors:

• XLR is a connector for connecting a condenser microphone.
• Jasc3. Not a balancing connector for connecting such tools as a guitar and other acoustic instruments with pickups.
• Jasc3. Balate connector for connecting keyboards, etc.
• S / PDIF - Designed to record a digital stereo signal.

Weekend:

• Jasc3. Bass. To transfer the signal to other devices.
• JASC 5/6.3 to connect headphones.
• S / PDIF - Designed to transfer a digital stereo signal.

For the operation of audio converters, usually manufacturers deliver drivers. The most modern models do not even have them: Studio audio cards use the ASIO protocol which allows the device with a connected tool directly.

Sound cards for microphones and guitars

To record sound from a microphone or pickup guitar, practically any external audio card with the required number of input connectors will be suitable. The only thing you need to know when choosing is the quality of the device, which is usually expressed in its cost. The main problem of the removal of sound from the microphone or the pickup guitar is distorting sound. Choose a premium segment audio converter, which will save the sound of voice and tools in its original state.

Professional sound cards

A feature of professional sound converters is the lack of drivers in the delivery. In addition, as standard, the device of this type does not have tools to adjust the sound level. All operations are manufactured programmatically; All information is displayed on a special control panel. The sound quality is provided by built-in expensive converters. No interference and distortion - high-quality power filters.

Ballast inputs and signal outputs are used in professional audio cards. Output connectors are adapted to connect musical instruments: RCA; JASC 6.3; XLR Connectors. A feature of professional maps is the ability to maintain almost all standards, and even such rarely used as GSIF and ASIO2.

Lexicon sound card features

Lexicon audio converters are external devices that are a full-fledged recording studio.

• Built-in USB mixer.
• Specially designed software with a reverberation plugin.

Equipment: TRS line inputs and linear outputs TRS and RCA. Depending on the model, LexiCon sound cards allow you to process several input signals at the same time and write two independent tracks. Connecting to a PC via USB interface.

As a conclusion

As noted above, the external sound card may have a USB or FireWire interface. All of them have both positive and negative sides. Right choice The interface depends exclusively from the task.

FireWire should be chosen if you are a musician and you need to process audio signal in real time. The card with a high-speed interface will need those who record the sound simultaneously with 18 or more channels. For all other cases, experts recommend using USB audio cards that are easy to use and do not require additional investments to upgrade your PC.

The world of modern computer technology Developed at the speed of light, it affected absolutely all spheres of this progressive industry. And the sound is one of these areas, without which the picture of computer harmony looks absolutely not holistic. And provide high-quality sound, entrusted to such an important component of the computer as a sound card. Sound cards can be divided into two types: internal and external, each type of card has its advantages, and the disadvantages of which should certainly tell. And now about everything in order ...

Internal sound cards

Such cards are already built into system blocks and laptops. And they are intended for normal use, without any of the sizes. In the case, such cards are considered a budget option. They are universally suitable for watching a movie, listen to music or play some game. Such a sound card will provide a standard spectrum of reproducible sounds in stereo mode.

Internal map is usually inserted into the system block through the PCI slot. She is imperceptible, many even weakly imagine how it looks, as it is hidden in the case system Block And neither her own, no wires visible. In which case, you will suit such a sound card.

If you are not picky by sound quality, do not play games, where there is a surround sound technique, do not watch the cinema in the format of surround sound Dolby Surround And you are an ordinary user who satisfies the standard sound quality without any special sound effects.

External sound cards

But about this "Device" is a completely separate conversation. This is a completely separate device that is in no way embedded under the PC cover. As a rule, such sound cards have relatively small sizes, which allows not saving on space. In addition, such sound cards have a very stylish and at the same time not catchy and not unwinding the design. Distinctive feature External sound cards are an abundance of outputs, mostly eight them. What makes it possible to conclude about the possibilities in comparison with the inner card.

The outer sound card is thereby cherished key to the door called Volume Sound 5.1. It is with its help that the sound on your laptop or computer will sound much more. The functional part of the outer sound card is more than diverse and each of the outputs plays its own, strictly allotted role for it. The most important connector is used to connect to a PC, output to the front speakers, output to the rear speakers, on the central speaker, as well as a microphone, headphones, line input, as well as other connectors that can also be useful with time.

So, that we ultimately gives an external sound card, what she wins in the inner and vice versa. The outer sound card will allow you to watch movies with surround sound, thanks to the DTS technology (Digital Surround and Dolby Digital) with the effect of presence, that is, explosions behind the back, shouts of the dead, then on the left, right and so on. Also almost all advanced gamers use external sound cards due to the standard called EAX Advanced HD..

Which allows you to get realistic, surround sound in modern, cool toys. And the presence of digital output will always provide excellent sound quality, without any distortion. The key factor is the price of such a card, and it is an order of magnitude higher than the usual inner. It is ideal for gamers, music lovers or kinomans, for whom impressive sound effects and high-quality surround sound are important.

Output

The market is full of all kinds of sound cards and choose a suitable sound card will not be difficult. What card to choose, specifically depends on the person and expectations. If the user is not attracted and used to the usual sound of the speakers, the standard inner sound card is ideal for all the purposes, for which the columns are usually used. If the user is the most powerful, surround sound, then the external sound card is needed. And you can choose the individually necessary card by numerous reviews on the Internet or in a computer supermarket, consulting with a specialist.