10 best external sound cards

Why among all components of a sound card is in second place in order of importance immediately after the computer? First, the interface is necessary for high-quality playback of sound and music. Inside all the cards are digital-analog and analog-to-digital converters - DAC and ADC, turning digital audio into analog, which you hear in headphones or speakers. The same principle, only works in reverse order when recording from a microphone or an electric guitar.

External cards install professional-quality quality transducers, which makes the sound quality from an external sound card incomparable when using the internal interface. The bass, normal stereo will play, the sound will be clear and deep, the previously hidden elements will appear. Secondly, VZK are needed to connect professional equipment such as microphones, headphones, monitors, etc. Thirdly, the effect of sound delay is reduced when the sound plays with a lag when you play the instrument.

We have selected for you the top 10 best budget external sound cards for connecting to a personal computer or laptop.

Top 10 best external sound cards

10 ESI U22 XT

The U22 XT is a cheap and simple card that does not prevent it from being in the top of the best devices of the same type in sales and at the same time in our ranking. Standard equipment:

• Brochures with usage information;
• Disk with drivers for MacOS and Windows;
• USB power cable;
• Program DeckaDance and Bitwig Sequencer.

The device is made in a bright orange color, on the front panel there are all the main connectors, both for connecting microphones, and guitars and other devices. Each toggle switch is in place, the buttons do not interfere with each other.

The card provides a full 24-bit 96 kHz direct to the sequencer. During recording and playback U22 XT allows you to achieve in dynamics up to 100 dB. According to customer reviews, a separate monitoring and amplification system makes it much easier to adjust the headphone volume during recording. More suitable for guitarists due to lack of media.

9 TASCAM US-2x2

The US-2x2 is a well-built interface with two audio inputs and outputs. The body is made of metal, weighs surprisingly little and has an interesting design due to unusual side edges. Due to the absence of backlash and a good-fitting parts fit like a monolithic block. The coating is matte, black, moderately resistant to fingerprints and dirt. Handles on the front panel of smooth plastic, fingers can sometimes slide off. Regulators rotate smoothly, without causing difficulties. The main disadvantage is that the level setting buttons are too close. The front panel has a switch for switching on the additional power supply of 48 Volts, two combined microphone and instrumental inputs for external sound modules and devices. The main controls are located there.

The external sound card US-2x2 sounds decent, but it can’t stand out with anything, except the built-in preamps are really good and show a low noise level even at high volume music.

8 Audient iD14

The company Audient has released a line of audio interfaces, where iD14 is positioned as a model of the middle segment. The main advantage of iD14 is a decent sound and wide functionality. Package includes quick start brochure, USB cables. There is also a 13 volt power adapter with adapters for European, English, American and Australian outlets. The body is completely made of metal, the upper part of a single piece of aluminum. In fact, the paint color is dark gray, not silver, as it may seem in the pictures. The coating is matte, but you still need to get napkins - the black upper part perfectly collects fingerprints and dust.

The device is configured when connected to a laptop or desktop computer through the program of the same name iD - a virtual mixer. It is quite simple and easy, besides customizable. This greatly expands the field for audio interface settings.

7 Creative Sound BlasterX G5

The most interesting features of this budget sound card are resistivity of about 600 ohms, the presence of a built-in sound processor, 2 transducers and an amplifier. The card is delivered in an extremely compact package, where all the necessary information is available, in particular, compatibility with operating systems. Inside the card is fixed in a velvet substrate. The card itself is made in a spectacular case and is very compact. The ideal place would be to use the device at home. Compatible with PC, consoles and phones. Controls and ports for connection are placed on the sides of the device. The scroll wheel is in front.

According to the main technical characteristics, everything is not bad here either: a full-fledged 24-bit bit of the D / A converter, the maximum noise level is 120 dB. There is a mode for high impedance microphones. Experts in their reviews say that the device is perfect for game rooms or small sound studios.

6 BEHRINGER UMC22

Welcome one of the most cost-effective external sound cards on the market from the extravagant U-PHORIA series. This is a two-channel card, the case looks quite reliable, as it is assembled from aluminum. The presence of built-in monitoring allows you to enjoy clear sound without delays and passes through the software on your computer. Supports up to 48 kHz sampling rates. The whole thing is connected through two balanced connectors on the rear side of the device. There is a microphone linear combined input, instrumental, headphone output, you can organize a direct monitoring. Connecting to a computer or laptop via USB 2.0.

As amenities here is installed amplifier company Midas. Any condenser microphone or guitar will work fine with it. Despite the cheapness of the device, users in their reviews note the clear sound and quiet sound. UMC22 is perfect for home use and listening to music.

5 M-Audio M-Track 2x2

This budget sound card supports a sampling rate of 192 kHz, which determines the presence of a 24-bit interface. Connecting to a personal computer or laptop through the port USB 2.0. On board, the card has the same two-channel audio interface, a huge level control located in the center of the control panel. Style adds color indication, which will not leave indifferent more than one buyer. The power button is touch, and ports for connecting input and output devices are located on the periphery of the case. It works stably on both Windows and MacOS systems.Occasionally, there are problems with Windows 10, but this is probably the joint of the OS itself.

Buyers in their reviews note the high quality of playback and recording, excellent appearance, sturdy case and a weak USB connector for connection.

4 Zoom UAC-2

As you know, the Japanese love all high-tech. UAC-2 is no exception and has a USB port version 3.0, so that the increased speed of data transfer. The body is metallic and resistant to sticking of dust or fingerprints. The only plastic element - the back panel. The assembly is made with high quality, without ends and backlashes. The bolts on the ends and the side grip talk about the elaborated design and make the look very impressive. The edges of the regulators are ribbed, so that the fingers do not slide off them.

The sampling rate is still the same 24 bits from 192 kHz. Dynamic range up to 120 dB, the number of audio inputs and outputs - by 2. Despite the excellent ergonomics and low weight (750 grams), the manufacturer added a virtual software mixer MixEfx, which is a very unexpected move for this segment. Thanks to the software, you can fine-tune and adjust the device completely to your preferences.

3 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen

Top 3 opens Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen - straight from the UK. 24 bits, support for a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz immediately suggests buying this device. The sound card has not combined XLR connectors on its preamps. A huge plus was the availability of Pro Tools First, a professional software package for recording studios based on MacOS and Windows operating systems. Unfortunately, there are no balanced exits here. The device is focused on the use of guitarists, and high-quality converters will play the recording clearly and without interference.

Users of many Internet sites consider 2i2 2nd Gen to be the best in its segment and capable of fighting with top representatives. The small size, light weight and perfect English assembly made the device desirable not only at home, but also professional studios.

2 STEINBERG UR22 MKII

Silver of our top gets an external budget sound card UR22 MKII from STEINBERG. In the list of its advantages can be identified:

• Cool preamps d’pre;
• Qualitatively made linear and midi inputs;
• Hi-Z mode for instrumental connection;
• Balanced outputs on TRS connectors.

The power supply in the model is carried out in two ways: from a 5-volt power supply or from USB version 2.0. It can not but rejoice and full support for the iPad, which makes it a real mobile device. The combined microphone inputs are an absolute plus of this model. When working there is a complete lack of noise, which contributes to a high-quality metal housing - all to protect the internal components. Stable running on MacOS 10.7 and higher, Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.

Thus, the device developed in collaboration with Yamaha will be excellent options for creating a home studio and listening to music.

1 ROLAND RUBIX24

This is one of the most expensive cards in the middle segment. But its price fully justifies the technical stuffing and sound. Quiet preamps, 4 balanced TRS outputs that allow you to customize the routing and use both during the broadcasts and in DJ sets. At home, the card will also show itself from the best side thanks to high-quality drivers, a built-in compressor and a limiter. High-quality Loopback will allow you to manipulate the routing of the output signal from the computer, which is very useful streamers.

IPad support (do not forget to buy an adapter from Apple), hardware grounding, which allows you to work even in the kitchen, bypassing your refrigerator - all this justifies its first place in the top. As for delays, then at level 1 it is about 3 ms on entry and exit, and on 7 it is about 60 ms. The card is assembled to the conscience, the control panel is missing, all controls are placed on the case, which is a structural feature of the model.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of external sound cards?
We vote!

ESI

TASCAM

Audient

BEHRINGER

Creative sound

M-audio

Zoom

Focusrite

STEINBERG

ROLAND

Total voted: 72

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