Often, manufacturers of laptops and ultrabooks, for the sake of compactness of their technology and space saving under the device’s body, install far from the most powerful sound cards, which makes it difficult to work with sound, play and even just watch movies. For this reason, so-called external sound cards have been developed that connect to the computer using the USB connector. They can significantly improve sound quality.
Recently, more and more such models have begun to appear on sale. Choosing from them the most suitable and optimal in terms of cost and quality of manufacturing may not be too simple, especially if a person does not have special knowledge in this area. Therefore, we decided today to devote our review to the best external sound cards of 2019. However, let's first look at what to look for when buying such devices.
Summary of the rating:
What qualities are important for an external sound card?
First of all, you should decide whether this equipment is really necessary and whether it is worth buying. So, an external sound card will be useful to users if they need good and high-quality sound on a portable personal computer. Users can say that you can connect speakers or headphones, but this approach is fundamentally wrong. Additional speakers will increase the sound volume, but the quality will remain the same. An external sound card is also useful for owners of laptops whose integrated part is out of order.
In most cases, such a device has a small overall dimensions - with an ordinary flash drive or card reader. Designs more expensive have a larger value - with an external hard drive. The most productive models have even larger sizes, which are quite comparable with the laptop itself. The capabilities of such equipment can make the sound clearer and stronger than the integrated element. Using such a card, you can connect several microphones, speakers, headphones, and so on.
The most expensive models are equipped with various indicators, buttons and volume control knobs; they have all sorts of interfaces - analog and coaxial outputs. An external sound card allows for almost professional audio recording. Often this design is connected not only to a personal computer, but also to a tablet or phone. The setup is very simple, carried out using buttons and knobs directly on the case.
When choosing such a product, certain product qualities should be taken into account. For home amateur use, a card equipped with one input and audio output is enough. For a small compact cinema, devices with two similar pairs are suitable. If the product is intended for professional use, then these outputs should be at least 4. The width of the external sound card must be at least 24 bits. If you plan to connect musical instruments, then appropriate jacks should be provided for them.
It will be very good if the card has support for sound standards of the Digital Theater System or Dolby Digital, which allow you to work with multi-channel audio and video. This is important not only when watching movies or games, but also when editing music. An external sound card should not support the ASIO transfer protocol, but if such a function is present, it will be very good.
EAX technology does not hurt, due to which environmental sound effects are added - this will be a good advantage for a computer game lover who prefers applications with support for multi-channel sound. When compiling our rating of the best external sound cards of the year, we took into account all these points, and also looked at the feedback from users and professional workers with sound. We tried to take into account the price-quality ratio of the models so that the most expensive products are not included in our review. It's time to analyze the performance of these products.
The best models of external sound cards of the year
10. ESI U22 XT
By and large, this model is an external analogue of the widely used ESI MAYA 44ex sound card. There are only two physical channels that are not dependent on each other, however there are two additional virtual channels - they are used for Internet broadcasting. The interface of this equipment is quite interesting, especially since it is one of the most budgetary. The case is made of metal, has a lacquered coating that looks very much like copper - a rather original design decision. One of the main achievements of this device is the presence of various twists for linear output and headphone output. According to users, this is a very convenient and correct approach.
Another important point that developers have added here is the presence of a hardware FRONT-BACK switch, which allows you to calculate whether to use the guitar plus microphone inputs on the front or digitize the RCA stereo signal from the input on the rear panel, and it does this automatically . For such a budget product, the presence of balanced outputs TRS. A separate network adapter will not be required when connecting this product, just like it does not need a power supply. It is enough to simply connect it to a personal computer, in addition, it can work with tablets and phones thanks to the support of UAC1 mode.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Convenient location of both inputs and all controls;
- Very attractive appearance;
- Easy to plug in and use.
Disadvantages:
- The volume knobs are smooth, it is not very convenient to use them;
- The quality of the recorded sound could be better.
9. TASCAM US-2 × 2
This is a rather convenient model in terms of operation, which has two inputs and outputs. The product was put into wide sale back in 2014, however, the operational characteristics turned out to be so good that the product is still very popular, in addition, it is distinguished by an excellent ratio of price and quality. The design is equipped with two Mic / Line inputs, working with XLR / TRS connectors - this allows the use of even condenser microphones. Moreover, each of them is allowed to be used to connect instruments - the switch is located on the front panel, so you can safely connect an electric or bass guitar to this external sound card.
The headphone output is classic 6.3 mm, there are two balanced line outputs of the same type. The device supports recording and playback of sound in 1624 bit mode, the frequency range is in the range from 44.1 to 96 kHz. According to users, this sound card provides excellent sound, distortion and noise are minimal. These indicators were largely achieved thanks to the installation of two Ultra-HDDA preamps at once.On the front panel you can find the main controls for this product, the signal levels for headphone output and line outputs are adjusted separately. The device is connected to a USB 2.0 type connector, it is very simple to configure it. This equipment also has MIDI input / output, which allows you to connect a variety of devices and music equipment, such as a synthesizer or drum kit. The sound card is perfectly compatible not only with laptops, but also with personal computers, including MacOs, works well with other Apple products - iPad. The case is made of high-quality aluminum, made in a stylish industrial design. The overall dimensions are compact, the mass is small - just a little more than 1 kg. Side panels can be removed.
Benefits:
- Installed high-quality preamps for microphones;
- Musical instruments sound professionally;
- Compact product;
- The assembly is high-quality, not a single part of the case is backlash;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- On a computer, sometimes you have to suffer with drivers.
8. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen
This is a new generation of external sound cards, the quality of which reaches a fundamentally new level. Under the metal case, you can find new developments in microphone preamps and converters. The device supports sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz, the delay of the audio signal has been minimized, the set of software that comes with this sound card has also been increased. The body is made of metal, it looks quite elegant, the knobs are metal, grooved, which helps the operator to fine-tune the product and get the highest quality sound and clarity.
Microphone preamps are equipped with a linear gain control. The transducers have a dynamic range of up to 109 dB. The sound transmission delay is only 2.74 ms, due to which all effects can be detected literally in real time, the same thing is done during recording or monitoring. Analog circuits are equipped with special protection that does not allow devices to fail in the event of voltage surges. Here is the Focusrite Creative Pack software package, which additionally contains 12 plugins.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Slight delay in sound transmission;
- High-quality sound when recording voice and instruments;
- Almost complete absence of noise and other recording defects.
Disadvantages:
- It happens that the sound card starts to freeze, but this happens quite rarely.
7. Audient iD14
This is a product of a British company engaged in the development of audio equipment, in particular, microphone preamps. This equipment is compact in size, so you can work with it even on the road. It is placed in a metal case of increased strength, it has rubberized legs that do not allow slipping even on perfectly smooth surfaces. Such a sound card is ideal for use in a home recording studio. There is an instrumental input, as well as two line and microphone inputs. In total, this design has ten inputs and four outputs, support for sampling frequency reaches 96 kHz. The set of functions, according to the manufacturer, is universal, which ensures excellent sound quality, which is almost impossible to distinguish from full-size devices.
Microphone preamps are class A, which helps to achieve a truly world-class sound. You can directly connect an electric guitar, bass guitar and other similar instruments, even the most elementary ones equipped with a simple pickup. The card has a DSP mixer with minimal delay. Manufacturers set the iD ScrollControl mode here, thanks to which you can work with iTunes libraries and change various plug-in parameters.The device is powered from the USB connector or from the external adapter that comes with the equipment. The adjustment knobs are made of corrugated aluminum.
Benefits:
- For its value, the sound is simply magnificent;
- The functionality is diverse, but there are no special features;
- The software is stable;
- Very comfortable adjustment knobs.
Disadvantages:
- The headphone output is not very loud.
6. Creative Sound BlasterX G5
One of the smallest models in our review, however, the purpose of this device is quite wide, for direct use you will not need either an adapter or any other additional elements. The equipment can work with USB 2.0 and 3.0, it provides high quality sound from a personal computer, laptop, various consoles such as Xbox or Sony Play Station. Built-in microphones and other similar additional functions are not provided here, which could not but affect the cost, of course, to a lesser extent. Dimensions and weight are small.
The product has the shape of a prism, the plastic case - on top is smooth matte with small inclusions stylized in polished metal. The front side is made of glossy plastic, which remains a lot of fingerprints. It has only two outputs - one for connecting a microphone, the second for headphones. In the central part is the volume control, which is also stylized as metal. On the underside there is a pad of velvety polyurethane, which allows the device not to slip on the surface. Both connectors can be used for both headphones and microphones - if desired, two pairs of headphones are connected to the card at once. All the features of the device can be used only if it is connected to any device.
Benefits:
- Very compact overall dimensions;
- High performance;
- There is everything necessary for comfortable use;
- Good build quality
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- The background may begin when two pairs of powerful speakers are connected.
5. BEHRINGER UMC22
The functionality is not too wide - it is limited to only two inputs so that you can connect two external sound sources. They are the same - under the XLR / jack 6.3 mm. However, they have different purposes of application: the first can be used both for connecting instruments and microphones, including condenser ones, ensuring high sound quality, especially vocals. With their help, extraneous noise is well suppressed. This connector is equipped with a Midas brand preamp, although many users report a mediocre sound quality in their reviews. In addition, a phantom load of 48 V is allowed to be sent to the first channel. This can be done through a special switch located on the rear panel of the device.
In the headphones, you can recognize two types of signals - processed, coming directly from a personal computer, and the original, which comes from a musical instrument. The latter feature is provided thanks to Direct Monitor technology. In order to adjust the volume of both channels, only one knob is provided - this is a point many users consider a drawback. The sound signal is converted from analog to digital and in the reverse order as 24 bits, its frequency is 48 kHz. This allows you to use a sound card for professional sound recording. Small dimensions simplify the use of the design in a small studio and even when traveling. The case is made of metal with additional stiffening ribs - this allows you to well protect the filling of the device from various kinds of mechanical damage.
Benefits:
- Fairly favorable price;
- Simplicity and usability;
- There is a button for direct monitoring;
- It is possible to support ASIO drivers.
Disadvantages:
- During recording, clicks may occur due to a weak processor and overload.
four.M-Audio M-Track 2 × 2
The device is equipped with an aluminum case, characterized by a very reliable and integral assembly. All elements are tightly fitted to each other, extraneous sounds do not appear even with strong pressure. The sound card is pretty stable. The interface of the model is thought out perfectly - all the controls are arranged so that they are always at hand, but do not interfere with each other. The handles have a smooth stroke, which allows for fine tuning. Headphone and monitor outputs are separate; there is hardware input monitoring. In particular, with this sound card you can listen to the dry sound of the guitar and combine it with sound that has already undergone processing. In the design, you can also find four-segment peak meters.
The back side is quite simple. It has a combined output, as well as outputs used to connect monitors and a USB-C power socket. The minimum delay in sound transmission is 64 samples, that is, sound is transmitted almost in real time. The card allows you to provide + 48V power for microphones, which is a definite advantage. Sound interface at a decent level, even heavy and powerful headphones transmit sound well, have a decent volume margin. The tones are transmitted evenly, the bass lines are not cluttered, and have no tendency to highlight. The inputs do not emit noise, do not embellish or discolor the sound, creating the greatest transmission accuracy.
Benefits:
- Good sound quality
- Reasonable cost;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Excellent ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- The USB-C connector is weak, it may begin to lose contacts over time.
3. Zoom UAC-2
In third place in our ranking of the best external sound cards is a universal high-speed model with two channels and designed to be used both on a computer running Microsoft Windows and MacOs. Due to this device, you can bring the quality of the sound to a fundamentally new high level. The model is connected via a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, it can work not only with stationary computers or laptops, but also with tablets, including the Apple brand. When developing the device, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed technology was used, with which the audio signal is transmitted with a minimum delay.
You can connect any source of external sound to this product - a musical instrument (including a percussion type), a microphone, and so on. The UAC-2 interface located here allows you to conduct media presentations, podcasts, and game broadcasts in real time. The data stream is stable, there will be no effect of phase jitter of the signal, therefore there is no need to additionally connect external sources that would act as the main clock generator. On the front panel, you can see dual inputs of the combined XLR / TRS type, to which various signal sources are connected. It is permissible to connect various kinds of amplifiers or speakers equipped with their own power source to the outputs. It also has a quarter-inch stereo jack, equipped with a dedicated volume control. There are liquid crystal indicators that make setting up this equipment more accurate and faster.
Benefits:
- Compact size;
- Good build;
- It connects without problems;
- It functions normally;
- Contact with all sources of sound extraction;
- There is built-in signal processing and the ability to record through Loopback.
Disadvantages:
- It does not turn off with the computer - for this you will have to configure the BIOS.
2. STEINBERG UR22 MKII
This model is located in the middle price category and has a good value for money. First of all, users note the compact overall dimensions of this product - it will not take up too much space. There are no problems with connecting this model to a personal computer and other devices necessary for operation.The equipment is perfect for beginner sound engineers, and for more advanced in their field. All elements necessary for the normal use of equipment are located on the front panel of the structure. Here you can find two combined XLR inputs that are equipped with volume controls, LEDs are located above them. Each of these channels is equipped with a preamplifier. There is only one headphone input.
On the back there are Jack-connectors, MIDI input and output, as well as a jack for connecting a USB power cable. The device can be connected to a tablet, and the sound quality will be no worse than when working with a personal computer. The material recorded using the tablet can be transferred via Cubasis LE to a computer or laptop, and then continue to work with it. The design is versatile, therefore, it can be used not only for recording, but also for working in live mode, for example, at concerts. This sound card is equipped with two channels, which allows you to record instruments with audio quality 24 bit / 192 kHz. According to users, the model exceeded all, even the most daring, expectations.
Benefits:
- Good functionality;
- Ready to work immediately after removal from packaging;
- Provides superior sound quality;
- Minimum time delay.
Disadvantages:
- Small adjustment knobs, it is not very convenient to use them.
1. ROLAND RUBIX24
The leaders of our review of the best sound cards of this year turned out to be a model two years ago, however, developers have still not been able to release any design that would surpass this device in terms of performance, durability and build quality. According to the manufacturers, this sound card is designed for fast and comfortable sound processing for modern professional producers, sound engineers and musicians. The main advantages of this equipment are compactness, good sound - even at home, you can provide almost studio sound. The transmission delay here is minimal, all played tunes are transmitted in almost real time. The product interface is equipped with two quarter-inch XLR-type combined inputs, there are also two balanced TRS-format line outputs, and there are two additional outputs.
The sound is clear and transparent, almost no noise. Drivers worked out very well, there is a built-in compressor and limiter. Loopback makes it very convenient to manipulate the routing of a signal coming from a personal computer, which will be quite useful for streamers. The delay is only 3 ms for both input and output. You can connect to an iPad, however, you will first need to purchase a special adapter. A control panel is not provided, and all the main controls are located on the body, which is also quite convenient.
Benefits:
- Drivers are installed instantly on any operating system, starting from Windows 7 and above;
- A huge number of opportunities;
- Slight time delay;
- Four output channels at once;
- Two microphone inputs.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best external sound cards of 2019 has come to an end. A lot of information is given on each model, if you have any incomprehensible moments or if you want to get clarifications on other issues, then welcome to comment on our article. We will try to respond as soon as possible to your message and provide additional information in the most accessible form.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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