Have you ever struggled with poor sound quality during live game streaming, **recording, or voice calls? An external sound card may be your lifesaver! This article will explain the classification, purchase points and precautions of external sound cards for you in detail, to help you find the most suitable sound card for you and make your voice better!
1. Classification of external sound cards
1. Divide by category
1) Soft sound card.
The principle and structure are very similar to those of ordinary on-board sound cards, and new circuits can be added to achieve better sound quality and more functions.
2) Hard sound card.
The independent power supply design makes it completely independent of the interference-free power output of the host computer.
Second, howChoose an external sound card
1. Brand and quality
Choose a sound card from a well-known brand, which has a high reputation and market share in the field of audio equipment, and the product quality and after-sales service are relatively more guaranteed.
2. Interface type
Check whether the interface type of the sound card meets the requirements, such as USB and PCIe. The USB-based external sound card is more portable and easy to use, while the PCIe external sound card provides higher sound quality and stability. The quality and stability of the interface also need to be considered.
3. Performance parameters
A higher signal-to-noise ratio (SN) value indicates less noise and clearer sound quality. Generally speaking, it is better to choose a sound card with a signal-to-noise ratio of 110db or higher.
4. Number of channels
The number of channels has a great impact on the sound processing effect, and the number of channels refers to the number of audio channels processed by the sound card at the same time. The common number of channels is stereo (2 channels), surround sound (5.).1 channel, 71 channel, etc.) Select the number of supported channels according to your needs.
5. an output connector
Select the type of device you want to support, such as headphones, microphones, speakers, and more.
6. Dynamic range
The greater the dynamic range, the more it expresses the mood and ups and downs of the work. Ordinary professional sound card, reaching more than 100db is considered a good sound card.
7. THD distortion
The lower the THD distortion, the better the sound quality. This is because low distortion is able to reproduce the audio signal more accurately, reducing the harmonic and noise components in the signal, making the sound more pure and clear. As a result, low-distortion sound is often used in high-quality audio applications such as production, recording, and mixing. THD distortion also has an impact on the performance of external sound cards. If the THD distortion of the sound card is too high, it may cause distortion and noise of the audio signal, affecting the quality and clarity of the sound. Therefore, when choosing an external sound card, you should pay attention to its THD distortion parameters and choose a low-distortion sound card to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the audio signal.
8. Function
Choose a sound card with the right features for your needs, such as reverb, noise cancellation, voice changing, and more.
Choose the right product according to your budget, and generally speaking, the higher the product, the better the performance and quality are likely to be. But it is not absolute, and it needs to be balanced according to actual needs and budget.
10. Software support and compatibility
Find out if the drivers or software required for your sound card are easy to install and use, and if there is a need for updates or upgrades. At the same time, you need to consider the compatibility of your sound card with your computer or other devices.
11. Maintenance and maintenance
Proper use and care for the sound card to prolong its lifespan. Clean parts such as connectors and plugs regularly.
12. Security
Avoid using the sound card in environments with electromagnetic interference, which can affect the sound quality or damage the device.
3. Precautions
1. The type of sound card
Choose the right sound card according to the type of computer to ensure the compatibility between the sound card and the motherboard interface of the computer.
2. Interface quality
Make sure that the sound card connector is intact and that there is no damage or poor contact, otherwise the audio quality may be affected.
3. Avoid electromagnetic interference
When using the sound card, try to stay away from sources of electromagnetic interference, such as mobile phones, microwave ovens, etc., to avoid interference with the audio signal.
4. Software installation and update
Make sure the sound card drivers are installed correctly and updated regularly to guarantee the stability and compatibility of audio quality.
5. Prevent virus attacks
When using an external sound card for audio input and output, ensure the security of the computer system to prevent virus attacks that may cause damage to the audio device or data loss.
6. Sound quality adjustment
When using an external sound card, you need to adjust the audio quality according to the actual situation to ensure the clarity and stability of the audio signal.
Protect the sound card
Avoid inserting or unplugging the sound card too hard or shaking it vigorously to avoid damaging the sound card or connector.
8. Avoid hot swapping
Try to avoid hot-swappping the sound card while the computer is running, so as not to cause system crashes or hardware damage.
Consider the quality of the cable
When connecting the sound card to the computer or other equipment, try to use the best cable to ensure the transmission quality and stability of the audio signal.
FourthSummary
When purchasing an external sound card, you need to consider it comprehensively according to your actual needs, including performance parameters, interface types, functions, software support, maintenance, etc. By understanding these points, you can better choose the right external sound card for you to improve your audio quality and experience. I hope that through this sharing, you can better choose the sound card that you are satisfied with.