In most personal computers, audio output is provided by a sound card built into the motherboard. This situation suits most users: they solve the issue of sound output by connecting simple speakers or active speakers with a built-in amplifier, while some people are satisfied with simple headphones. A separate built-in or external sound card is required for music lovers, gamers, or professionals working with audio.
Characteristics of sound cards
Sound cards are a device for a personal computer. With its help, the system processes and outputs audio to external playback devices. Additional card options can add a recording function.
The main characteristics of the cards are:
- Placement type
- Connection interface
- Conversion
- Bit depth
- Frequency
- Range
According to the type of placement, cards are internal and external. The first type is placed directly in the system unit and connected to the motherboard. An external USB sound card is much cheaper to buy used - it has a case and an external connection.
An internal sound card is installed in a port with PCIe or PCI interfaces. The PCIe slot is more modern and has better characteristics and bandwidth. The external one usually has a standard USB connector.
Conversion is abbreviated by the abbreviation DAC and ADC. The first stands for digital-to-analog conversion, the second for analog-to-digital conversion. This means sound transformation and is of great importance when recording sound.
The modern bit capacity of cards is 24, which is already the DVD standard. CD audio has 16 bits and is an outdated technology.
The frequency is measured in kilohertz (kHz). For normal listening to music, 44 is enough, and professional devices have 192 kHz.
The dynamic range of sound is the distance from the noise level to the peak sound volume. In modern devices, it ranges from 86 to 124 dB.
A used external sound card for recording from a microphone may have a number of additional parameters:
- Distortion ratio (the lower the better)
- Ability to output multi-channel audio
- Component quality and manufacturer's brand
Most well-known companies research and develop high-tech components for PCs. Their products are of excellent quality.
Advantages of working with us
Our online store as-it.ua offers customers only proven equipment from well-known brands. The components are tested and verified, and their characteristics are indicated in the product description. Each item has a warranty period. You have two weeks to check it. You can place an order through the shopping cart or by calling. The parcel will be delivered to the specified New Mail branch in any corner of Ukraine. It is even easier to buy a used sound card in Kyiv - you can pick it up yourself right from the office.