Rating TOP 7 best external sound cards: characteristics, reviews, price

Rating TOP 7 best external sound cards

It is difficult to make the right choice in this area, so after analyzing many factors we have compiled a rating:

• Steinberg UR242.
• Roland Rubix24.
• BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222.
• CREATIVE Sound BlasterX G5.
• CREATIVE X-Fi Sound Blaster Surround 5.1 Pro.
• CREATIVE Sound Blaster X7.
• Audient iD14.

Let's consider each model separately.

Steinberg UR242

Steinberg UR242 is one of the best models designed for listening to music and instruments (guitar, violin, flute). Relatively low price from a fairly recognizable manufacturer Steinberg. The devices are aimed at professional use, although this model fits perfectly into the picture of home life.

Price: from 15,290 to 17,300 rubles.

• excellent sound (24 bit/192 kHz);
• many inputs/outputs (Jack, MIDI, USB, XLR);
• strong body (made of metal).

• problems with the standard driver package (they disappear when installing new versions).

All necessary connectors are present. There are two line inputs into which a Yamaha MOXF6 synthesizer is connected for latency-free monitoring in stereo mode. Works great under Mac OS. All bundled software works well. It seems that the monitoring settings are saved in the card itself and therefore the next time you start dspMixFx you don’t even have to turn it on again. In principle, I'm happy with the purchase.

Steinberg UR242

Roland Rubix24

The card is designed as an add-on to improve computer sound. She can record and process any music. There are two inputs and four outputs. There are also many other additions: direct monitoring, microphone phantom power, overload indicators and the like. It will fit perfectly into the workplace of a streamer/singer recording podcasts. High-quality sound, reliable design, compactness, affordable price and many functions - this is how you can describe this model.

Price: from 13,490 to 16,008 rubles.

• beautiful design (irridescent shades of red);
• excellent sound (no noise, 24 bit/192 kHz);
• ability to work without drivers.

• tight adjusters for headphones and monitors (difficult to turn).

So far I’ve only been using it for the second day, but I must note that it took me quite a long time to figure it out, because there are a huge number of incomprehensible switches. I haven’t installed any drivers these days, but the device shows its best without them. Nothing glitches, cracks, or sticks together. The sound of voices is recorded well. There is a convenient limiter, thanks to which you can now process tracks manually.

Roland Rubix24

BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222

Inexpensive USB sound card for listening and creating music. It may surprise you with a high level of noise suppression, loud and fairly high-quality sound without defects. Separately, we can be pleased with the implemented support for ASIO 2.0, which is rarely found in similar audio cards. By the way, this model can work without official drivers from the manufacturer. Many people note that in this mode the sound is much better than with drivers.

Price: from 1,590 to 2,220 rubles.

• light weight (100 g);
• compact dimensions (172x129x25 mm);
• Huge functionality (ASIO 2.0, 2xRCA, 2xUSB, etc.).

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• low maximum sampling frequency (48 kHz).

An excellent option, for example, for laptops and netbooks. Suitable even for a beginning computer musician, because the card supports ASIO 2.0 drivers, which is unique in this price category. The set includes a disc with a variety of VST instruments and an Energy XT multitracker.

BEHRINGER U-CONTROL UCA222

CREATIVE Sound BlasterX G5

Ideal for typical gamers. The unit is capable of significantly increasing the sound level, and is portable and compact. It is used most often in games, as it completely immerses the player in the atmosphere of the events taking place. It is possible to fine-tune the operation of the device. The case is equipped with bright red backlighting, indicator lights and volume controls. Any manipulation is easy to perform even in pitch darkness.

Price: from 8,300 to 9,005 rubles.

• stylish design (bright lighting on a dark body);
• high-quality sound in games (the smallest details can be heard, there is no interference);
• enhances the sound in headphones (Movie Easy technology).

• gets very hot.

I use it with HyperX Cloud Core headphones. The device was specifically designed for watching movies, listening to music and playing games. No problems were noticed while watching movies. The sound is quite high quality, loud, no interference. I was pleased with the convenient control of presets with a button on the case (up to three presets). When the headphone power is 75%, the sound becomes very loud. The card is compact, beautiful, bright. I advise everyone to buy it.

CREATIVE Sound BlasterX G5

CREATIVE X-Fi Sound Blaster Surround 5.1 Pro

High-quality and clear sound is ensured by professional ProStudio technology. Today it is used by the world's most famous recording studios. It connects to any PC using an RCA cable supplied with the device. You can also use a USB port. The model has a microphone input and headphone outputs. There is a volume control on the case for ease of use. The necessary drivers are supplied included on a special disk.

Price: from 3,990 to 4,290 rubles.

• different basses (strong and soft);
• drivers are included (CD);
• light weight (450 g).

• not found.

I won’t recommend purchasing it for desktop computers; for that amount you can get a more interesting PCI solution. If you take an addition to a laptop/netbook, then it must have a normal processor and a sufficient amount of RAM to handle all the capabilities of this demanding but powerful unit. The device is excellent and compact. The only thing I recommend when purchasing is to immediately reflash it with new firewood. Overall I am satisfied and recommend it to you.

CREATIVE X-Fi Sound Blaster Surround 5.1 Pro

CREATIVE Sound Blaster X7

The most advanced model recommended for music and gaming lovers. This multifunctional unit, which provides high-quality HRA audio playback, functions as an external USB digital-to-analog converter and a powerful audio amplifier with minimal latency for connecting devices via Bluetooth and a Dolby Digital decoder. Creative design, discreet appearance and powerful internal components determine its position in our rating.

Price: from 22,000 to 25,390 rubles.

• built-in microphone;
• ability to connect to a phone (via Bluetooth);
• built-in amplifier (Texas Instruments TPA6120A2).

• not found.

I don’t know why, but the interesting and even brutal design of the device immediately makes you think about its good functionality and high-quality assembly. My intuition did not let me down and this is true. This beauty looks pretty impressive on the inside, and even better on the outside. The sound quality is excellent: there is no interference or noise. Yes, the price is high, but believe me, there is something to pay for. I recommend to everyone.

CREATIVE Sound Blaster X7

Audient iD14

The main features of this audio interface are: excellent internal equipment and the presence of an optical input that allows you to connect an external amplifier with an additional eight inputs. For the most part, the manufacturer did not skimp and installed high-end DACs and preamplifiers in this model. We get stable, high-quality work and low noise levels for little money. The appearance is quite interesting, but not at all ergonomic. Handles sticking out on the top panel are not the best transportation option.

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Price: from 12,900 to 14,900 rubles.

• high-quality sound (quiet preamps, DAC 24 bit/96 kHz);
• optical connection (S/PDIF connection providing eight additional inputs);
• strong body (made of metal).

• indication works with a delay;
• ergonomics suffer (the location of the controls on the top panel).

I was pleasantly impressed by working with the Audient sound card. The Audient iD14 model I recently purchased was a high-quality and compact solution. The main advantages of this unit compared to its younger brothers are: DSP mixer, DAC/ADC converters from Burr-Brown, digital ADAT input, a large number of indicators for monitoring system status and much more. Overall an excellent solution, I recommend it.

Audient iD14

Ten models of studio sound cards

Lexicon Alpha

By and large, this device is not a sound card, but a full-fledged studio designed for sound recording and dubbing of films. The model has multifunctional software. A USB mixer and a special Lexicon Pantheon reverb plug-in are provided. There is also one XLR microphone input, TRS and RCA inputs and outputs. On the front panel, the user will find a quarter-inch universal instrument input, allowing direct recording to personal computers. In addition, there is a headphone output. In general, the operating parameters are quite modest, but the price of the device is also quite reasonable, so the model is excellent for use at home.

The design has a reliable body made of silver and blue plastic with a matte coating, which gives the product additional style. The handles are also plastic, corrugated, they rotate quite smoothly and moderately tightly, which allows you to set the most accurate parameters. The sound card comes with a fairly long USB cable; you still have to install drivers, otherwise the computer may not see such an external device. In addition, this process has a positive effect on the overall performance of the equipment.

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Advantages:

• For work in a home studio, it provides fairly decent sound quality;
• All adjustments are mechanical, which allows you to adapt to the specific acoustic characteristics of the room and change parameters directly during the recording process;
• There are all the necessary connectors for connecting microphones and musical instruments;
• You can record your voice simultaneously with music.

Flaws:

• When working with a microphone connected via the XLR connector, recording is carried out only in mono mode.

Lexicon Alpha

9. Focusrite Scarlett Solo

A fairly easy-to-use and very compact device that provides high quality sound recording even at home. You can work with it on various platforms - MacOS and Windows. If necessary, the sound card can operate completely offline, that is, without connecting to a personal computer. You can take this model with you everywhere: just connect it through a special connector to the mains, connect it to a microphone and guitar, and then start recording. The interfaces are optimal for working with any musical equipment. If necessary, the instrumental part and vocals can be recorded simultaneously. In addition, there is a function for activating effects - adding amplifiers to the guitar channel, as well as adding reverb to vocals.

The audio output delay is minimal. The user can download special software for the product, thanks to which the customization options will be greatly expanded. There are various overdrives, plug-ins, amplifiers and other add-ons. Initially, this model was developed exclusively for guitarists, but musicians who play keyboards or drums will also be able to appreciate the capabilities of such a sound card.

Advantages:

• Minimum time delay of the output signal;
• Excellent sound quality;
• All physical controls are carefully thought out;
• When various effects are activated, special LEDs will light up.

Flaws:

• The software does not always work correctly;
• The sound through the headphones is somewhat flat.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Zoom UAC-2

It has a fairly high operating speed, this sound card is capable of using two channels at once, and the interface was originally created for optimal use on MacOS and Windows platforms. With the help of this product it will be possible to take the quality of recorded sound to a fundamentally new level. Connects to USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connectors and can work with various mobile devices. During product development, the most modern SuperSpeed ​​technology was used, with which it was possible to achieve minimal output signal delay. In addition, there is a whole set of advanced features, in particular, quadruple upsampling. You can connect absolutely any musical instrument, microphone or other linear signal source to the sound card.

The card is suitable for playing music from the stage, it can be used as a full-fledged digital workstation aimed solely at listening. The interface is suitable for online media presentations, game broadcasts, and so on. The sound card can work with any microphone, from the simplest to the professional. The housing has a connector for direct connection to a household electrical outlet.

Advantages:

• Quite austere appearance;
• Build quality implies solidity of the body;
• Very convenient to use;
• The interface functions reliably regardless of the platform used;
• All inputs and parameter adjustment knobs are located on the front panel of the product;
• Drivers are reliable and updated quite rarely;
• You can work without connecting to a personal computer.

Flaws:

• When you turn off the computer it still continues to work.

Zoom UAC-2

Steinberg UR44

Despite the fact that this product was developed and released about five years ago, today there are not too many models of studio sound cards that could surpass it in terms of performance parameters. There are four inputs for connecting microphones, so you can record several vocal tracks. The body is made entirely of metal, but this does not in any way affect the quality of the recorded music - nothing is shielded, the depth and fullness of the sound will not be lost. The sound card is capable of operating in modes up to 24 bits at a frequency of 192 kHz. Combined XLR/TRS connectors. Like all the models we reviewed earlier in this review, this sound card is equipped with its own software. The application, installed on a personal computer, is a control panel that can control the built-in hardware mixer.

Each channel has several built-in effects - equalizer, compressor. The first is equipped with a set of factory settings, and they can be adjusted and returned to their original position. The program allows you to create your own settings when working with the equalizer, as well as save them. The reverb function here is designed more for concert rather than studio use. All regulatory elements are located on the front side of the equipment. There is no display or submenu provided here. The interface is also equipped with microphone preamplifiers.

Advantages:

• As many as four microphone inputs;
• Works stably even in the latest versions of the Windows operating system;
• Can also be connected to a running personal computer;
• Expanded functionality of the mixer and effects processor;
• The frequency range can be adjusted in real time if necessary.

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Flaws:

• The microphone outputs are not galvanically connected to each other;
• Not suitable for listening to music;
• Quite a high cost.

Steinberg UR44

PreSonus Studio 24

This is one of the newest studio sound cards that appeared on the market not too long ago - about six months ago. The model is excellent for home and semi-professional use. The device has two combined inputs, each of them equipped with an XMAX-L preamplifier; in addition, there are two TRS line outputs and a headphone output. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish - it will not accumulate various types of dirt and dust. It is distinguished by its high-quality assembly: all elements are reliably fitted to each other, no backlash or extraneous creaks were detected even with strong pressure.

All controls responsible for signal amplification are located on the front panel, and there is also a button for turning on phantom power. One of the important qualities is the presence of a liquid crystal display that displays input levels. The dynamic range of the converters is 108 dB. The sound card comes bundled with specialized Studio One Artist software, which includes several additional plugins. Connects to a personal computer using USB C/A cables.

Advantages:

• Compact model that requires a minimum amount of free space, which makes it ideal for home use;
• Ergonomic location of inputs and outputs, as well as parameter adjustment handles;
• There is a direct monitoring function;
• Powered via connector

Flaws:

• Quite a heavy device;
• The headphone output is on the rear panel.

PreSonus Studio 24

Apogee Duet

It is characterized by small overall dimensions and weight, so this sound card can be easily taken with you on a trip or on a business trip. As noted by representatives of the company that developed this equipment, this product is the first professional model equipped with direct digital connection technology to Apple products. In addition, it can work with MacOS and Windows platforms. The sound card operates using special Apogee Maestro software, with which the user will always have control over the sound coming through the inputs and outputs of the products.

The sound card is equipped with a built-in battery. Mobile devices will be charged when working with it, so you won’t have to worry about the gadget running out of charge at the most inopportune moment and not being able to save your work. It is connected to a personal computer via a USB 2.0 interface. On the front panel you can find two analog inputs and four analog outputs, and there are two microphone preamplifiers. The front panel features a high-definition LCD display and two programmable touchpads.

Advantages:

• Small weight and dimensions;
• Compatible with mobile devices running on the iOS platform;
• Carefully designed software.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Not too easy to find on sale.

Apogee Duet

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO

This model has been on the studio sound card market for about two years now. This is the latest generation of such equipment, which uses analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog signal converters, due to which it is possible to provide the highest possible sound quality, including at home. This device has quite decent monitoring capabilities and has a built-in talkback microphone. The sound card operates on the basis of the Thunderbolt 2x6 interface, which is supported by the Windows and MacOS operating systems, and it is also equipped with the latest generation of converters - nothing better has been invented in the two years since its release.

All hardware buttons are located on the top panel, where there is also a rotary frequency control. There are two liquid crystal displays. The body is made of high quality plastic. Its top side has a matte finish, the edges are glossy. The overall dimensions are not too large, so the product will be very convenient to use even far from home.

Advantages:

• Very stylish and attractive appearance;
• Has all the capabilities for high-quality work with any type of sound;
• A built-in microphone is provided;
• The assembly is quite reliable, no creaks or backlashes were detected.

Flaws:

• There are not too many plugins included as standard; they will have to be purchased separately;
• The products themselves are highly expensive.

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO

REM Fireface UCX

Finally, we have reached the top three in our current ranking of the best studio sound cards of the year, intended for home or semi-professional use. In general, recently experienced users in this regard can hardly be surprised by anything, but they were able to perceive and appreciate the performance characteristics of this product. In terms of the number of connected cables, the model is practically no different from real professional equipment. The product comes with a remote control, so you can control the product from a distance. Connects via USB 2.0 or FireWire interfaces.

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The design is equipped with a large number of the most modern converters, which provide a minimum level of noise and sound distortion. The delay time here is minimal. The sound card is capable of working with the TotalMix application, which provides low latency and also allows for convenient routing. This model also features increased hardware processing, which is usually found on the most powerful sound cards found in high-end studios. Up to six user settings can be stored in the product’s firmware; they can be accessed using a special control button located on the front panel of the equipment.

Advantages:

• Excellent recorded sound quality;
• Small overall dimensions;
• A decent number of inputs and outputs.

Flaws:

• If you use the device for a long time and continuously, it begins to heat up quite strongly;
• High price.

REM Fireface UCX

MOTU UltraLite-mk4

Quite an interesting and original model, which was awarded second place due to its decent functionality. On the rear there are many analog inputs and outputs - eight of each type at once. At the same time, on the front side you can find several regulators and toggle switches for controlling sound quality and channels. There is also a liquid crystal display. It is quite simple, but at the same time informative, has a pleasant LED backlight, which allows you to work with the device even in low light conditions. This sound card is powered via a special adapter, or via FireWire 400; the ability to connect power via the USB connector is not provided. If the user plans to use FireWire, then no further connection is needed - power and data will be transmitted over one cable.

The device is characterized by excellent build quality, the resulting sound is quite clear, no cracks or noises were detected during operation. You can control the sound card using a special graphical interface. If necessary, the equipment can be used in standalone mode, without connecting to a computer. In other words, the card will perform the functions of a separate switching unit.

Advantages:

• High level of operational reliability;
• FireWire and USB interfaces are provided;
• Minimum audio latency;
• The output is clear and high-quality sound, without the slightest hint of noise or distortion;
• Very easy to use graphical interface;
• You can use the sound card in standalone mode.

Flaws:

• There is only one headphone jack;
• There is no possibility of power supply via the USB interface.

MOTU UltraLite-mk4

RME Babyface PRO

We are pleased to present you the winner of the first place - an external portable sound card made in Germany, characterized by compact overall dimensions and quite powerful sound. It is crystal clear, not a single user noticed the slightest hint of sound distortion and could not hear any noise. The device is housed in a small housing made of high-strength cast aluminum alloy. Although the thickness of the metal is small, the body is very durable, so it can withstand significant physical stress. This material does not shield sound, so it will not affect the sound quality at all. The model is connected via a USB 2.0 connector.

By connecting an external ADAT converter, you can use a very large number of analog channels: 24 in total - 12 each for input and output lines. This equipment is ideal for professional concert or studio activities. Many musicians purchase it for home use. The product has support for sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz, and provides switchable phantom power. Microphone amplifiers are equipped with a gain of no more than 70 dB, and the step is only 3 dB. The control here is digital, so you can easily set the exact value of any parameter.

Advantages:

• Excellent sound quality and high detail across the entire frequency range;
• Minimum overall dimensions of the device;
• High-strength metal housing;
• Can be used for both concert and studio activities, including work at home;
• Inputs and outputs are completely independent of each other.

Flaws:

• High price;
• Each platform will have to download its own drivers.

RME Babyface PRO

Comparison of the presented models

For a more clear comparison of the models presented above, we use a comparison table.

Best lists

Let us highlight models that differ from the rest in some characteristics:

• Budget.
• Autonomous work.
• Best sound quality.

Let's consider them separately.

ASUS Xonar U3 - budget

The Xonar U3 sound card model from ASUS is the most affordable offer on the market in terms of price. Only low-quality devices from China will cost you less. This product is compact and does not take up much space. In size it can be compared to a flash drive. Connects via USB cable.

Price: from 1,880 to 2,220 rubles.

ASUS Xonar U3

CREATIVE Sound Blaster E1 - battery life

This product has a wide range of interesting functions: voice recording from a microphone, karaoke, home audio system, long battery life and others. The company's proprietary software allows you to customize the operation of the device completely to suit yourself and not bother with this problem for many years.

Price: from 3,500 to 4,520 rubles.

CREATIVE Sound Blaster E1

ROLAND RUBIX24 - the best sound quality

Probably one of the most expensive cards in its segment. But its price is fully justified by its high-quality technical components and wonderful atmospheric sound. At home, the device will show its best side thanks to properly functioning software, a powerful signal and a built-in compressor.

Price: from 11,900 to 13,540 rubles.

ROLAND RUBIX24

Tips for choosing

In the paragraph below we will look at what features should be taken into account when choosing devices in this category.

1. Number of connectors. As a rule, the more there are, the better. A good sound card should have the following connectors: connection to a computer/laptop, rear/front speaker output, subwoofer output, microphone, line output and headphone jack.
2. Signal and noise indicators. This parameter shows the level of sound distortion. To put it simply, the lower the noise level, the better. A figure of 100 dB is considered almost ideal.
3. Number of audio channels. Stereo sound is supported by all modern sound cards. However, to connect a multi-channel audio system, you need a device that supports 5.1 or 7.1 signal level.

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What else should you pay attention to?

To choose the right audio interface, you need to focus on the areas of its application. When choosing, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

• Duplex mode support – the function of simultaneous recording and playback of sound (useful for bloggers, musicians, streamers).
• Simulate 3D sound – emulates the location of sound sources around the user, this option is useful for movies and games.
• Support for standards and codecs: DTS, Dolby Digital, EAX and others.
• Maximum number of simultaneously used channels.
• The number of preamplifiers, their quality - a good preamplifier does not distort the sound at high volumes.
• Design - depends on personal preferences; gaming solutions include backlighting, gold-plated connectors, and regulators for external models.
• The housing - preferably metal - protects against interference.
• Support for ASIO - a software interface for transferring information between an application that works with audio (player, editor) and a sound driver, bypassing the OS audio subsystem.