Mason Blake
Sound cards are a thing of the past for many, with some arguing that onboard sound is now good enough for the average person. However, for audiophiles or those with high-end audio setups, a discrete sound card can still be worth the investment, providing a significant upgrade in sound quality. With the right speakers and acoustics, an external sound card can bring a whole new dimension to your audio experience. For gamers, a sound card may not be necessary, but for music production, a dedicated sound card can be a valuable tool. The debate continues, with some arguing that modern sound cards are not worth the premium, while others swear by the creative sound processing and improved bass that a sound card can offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use case | If you are deeply into music production, have the speakers and room acoustics to tell the difference, and are using a good set of headphones, then a sound card can be worth it. |
| If you are using either USB or generic 3.5mm headphones/speakers, there is not much benefit to a sound card as the onboard sound is good enough. | |
| If you are using an AVR over HDMI or optical SPDIF, a sound card is not necessary as these methods are a digital transfer of surround data which your AVR decodes, making the quality of your sound card irrelevant. | |
| A discrete sound card is more powerful and can give you better sound than onboard graphics, but it depends on the motherboard. | |
| Quality | The quality of sound cards has decreased over the years, with many users complaining about bugs in the drivers. |
| Alternatives | There are many great external USB sound card options available. |
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What You'll Learn
Sound cards for gaming
Sound cards are not as important as they once were, with onboard audio having improved significantly in recent years. However, there are still some benefits to using a sound card, especially for gaming.
Sound cards can provide better sound quality and more options for customization, which can be beneficial for gamers who want to be able to hear in-game sounds with maximum clarity. For example, some gamers find that using a sound card allows them to hear footsteps and other important audio cues more clearly. Additionally, sound cards can help reduce CPU overhead, which can improve gaming performance.
That being said, sound cards are not necessary for most gamers. Onboard audio is typically good enough for the average person, and investing in a sound card may not provide a significant enough improvement to justify the cost. For those with mid-range setups, it is often recommended to put extra money towards a better graphics card, which will provide more substantial improvements to gaming performance.
Ultimately, sound cards can be worth it for competitive gamers or those with high-end audio equipment who want to ensure they are getting the best possible audio quality and performance. However, for the vast majority of people, onboard audio is more than sufficient.
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Sound cards for music production
Sound cards are an essential component of any music production setup. They are devices that connect to your computer, allowing you to transport audio to and from your system. Modern motherboards have improved onboard audio that is generally sufficient for most users. However, for music production, a dedicated sound card can offer distinct advantages.
If you are deeply involved in music production and have the right equipment and acoustics, a sound card can be a worthwhile investment. It can provide better sound quality and more powerful features than onboard audio. When choosing a sound card, factors like low latency, buffer settings, and compatibility with your equipment are crucial. Latency refers to the delay between recording a sound and hearing it back, which should ideally be minimal. Buffer settings involve balancing your computer's processing power with latency, keeping the buffer low for recording and higher for playback.
Additionally, consider your specific needs, such as the type of microphones, headphones, and speakers you use. For instance, a sound card with a 32-bit DAC can be fantastic for speaker setups and specific headphone models, enhancing your overall sound experience. Sound cards also come with various software offerings, plugins, and tools to enhance your music production experience.
Sound cards are available in different forms, such as PCI sound cards and USB sound cards. When deciding whether to invest in a sound card, it's essential to consider your audio setup, personal preferences, and the specific features you require for music production.
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Sound card vs motherboard sound
Sound cards are no longer considered essential, especially if you are using a USB or 3.5mm headphone/speaker setup. Onboard audio has improved, and modern motherboards, especially "gaming" ones, have good enough audio for the average person.
However, a dedicated sound card can offer improved sound quality with features like higher signal-to-noise ratios, lower harmonic distortion, 24-bit sample rates, and 192-kHz resolutions. A sound card is also worth considering if you are into music production and have the speakers and room acoustics to tell the difference.
If you are using a USB headset, the headset contains its hardware for converting digital signals to analog, so a sound card is not necessary. For quality sound, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is recommended. Many mid- to high-end motherboards have nice built-in sound cards, so an external or internal sound card may not be needed.
If you are deeply into music production or want better sound, a sound card or external DAC will make a difference. However, you will also need a good set of speakers or headphones to truly hear the difference.
To summarise, a sound card may be worth it if you are an audiophile or into music production and have the right equipment to take advantage of the improved sound quality. Otherwise, for the average user, the onboard audio on modern motherboards is likely good enough, and you can save money by not purchasing a dedicated sound card.
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Sound card and headphone combinations
Sound cards are not as popular as they used to be, especially with the improvement in motherboard sound quality. However, if you are an audiophile or a music producer with the right equipment, a sound card can still be worth investing in.
ASUS ROG Xonar Phoebus with AntLion ModMic:
The ASUS ROG Xonar Phoebus is a highly-regarded sound card featuring Dolby Theater and compatibility with 600-ohm headphones. When combined with the AntLion ModMic, a detachable microphone that can be attached to any pair of headphones, you have a powerful setup for gaming and video creation.
Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 with Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro:
The Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 is a sound card that offers a 32-bit DAC and impressive sound quality. When paired with the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro headphones, you can expect a significant upgrade in audio performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking an immersive listening experience.
Sennheiser HD558 with a DAC/Amp Combo:
If you prioritize positional audio fidelity, such as in FPS gaming, the Sennheiser HD558 headphones are an excellent choice. When combined with a dedicated external DAC or Amp, or a DAC/Amp combo, you can achieve superior sound quality compared to a standard headset.
ASUS Sound Card Strix Soar with HD 598 SR:
The ASUS Sound Card Strix Soar is a gaming card featuring Sonic Radar and compatibility with various headphones. The HD 598 SR headphones offer a comfortable design, a wide soundstage, and detailed audio reproduction, making them a popular choice for gaming and music enjoyment.
Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 with a High-Grade Gaming Motherboard:
The Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 is a sound card optimized for gaming, featuring 7.1 channel audio input signals for vivid and realistic sound effects. When paired with a high-grade gaming motherboard, you can elevate your gaming experience to a new level, with clear and accurate sound that enhances your competitive edge.
These combinations showcase how sound cards and headphones can work together to deliver enhanced audio experiences, catering to specific needs and preferences.
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USB sound cards
Sound cards were a big thing in the early 2000s, but are they still worth it? The answer depends on your audio setup and personal preferences. If you have a good set of headphones, a sound card or external DAC will make a big difference. For instance, the Sound Blaster AE5 has a 32-bit DAC and works fantastically with speaker setups and Beyerdymanic DT770 Pro headphones. The soundcard can handle up to 600 Ohm headphones and delivers immense sound quality.
However, if you are using USB or generic 3.5mm headphones/speakers, there isn't much benefit to a sound card as the onboard audio is generally good enough. For a USB headset, the headset contains its own hardware for converting a digital signal to analog, so additional sound hardware is not required.
If you are deeply into music production and have the speakers and room acoustics to tell the difference, an external sound card can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you are using an AVR over HDMI or optical SPDIF, a discrete sound card will not make a difference as these methods involve a digital transfer of surround data that your AVR decodes, making the quality of your sound card irrelevant.
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Frequently asked questions
Sound cards are not as necessary as they used to be, as the quality of onboard sound has improved significantly. However, if you are an audiophile or are into music production, a discrete sound card can provide better sound quality and more powerful features.
It depends on your audio setup and personal preferences. If you have a good pair of headphones or speakers, a sound card can enhance your audio experience. However, if you are using basic USB or 3.5mm headphones/speakers, the onboard sound should be sufficient.
A discrete sound card can offer improved sound quality and additional features such as creative sound processing and extra bass. It can also reduce issues with ground loops and USB noise.
Sound cards can introduce complexity and potential issues with additional cables and setup configurations. They may also not provide significant benefits for most users, especially with modern motherboards that have improved onboard sound. Additionally, some users have reported issues with driver bugs and a lack of ongoing support from manufacturers.
