Other Options for Sound Control

Not every computer has a sound card. Some motherboards feature integrated audio support instead. A motherboard that has its own DSP can process multiple data streams. It may also support 3-D positional and Dolby surround sound. However, in spite of these features, most reviewers agree that separate sound cards provide better audio quality.


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External sound controller


Laptops usually have integrated sound capabilities on their motherboards or small sound cards. However, space and temperature control considerations make top-of-the-line internal cards impractical. So, laptop users can purchase external sound controllers, which use USB or FireWire connections. These external modules can significantly improve laptop sound quality.

Shopping for a Sound Card
Numerous factors affect a sound card's abilities to provide clear, high-quality sound. When shopping for a sound card, pay attention to:
  • ADC and DAC data capacity, measured in bits
  • Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and total harmonic distortion (THD)
  • Frequency response, or how loudly the card can play sounds at different frequencies
  • Sampling rate
  • Output channels, such as 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound
  • Supported application programming interfaces (APIs)
  • Certifications, including Dolby Master and THX
Anyone investing in a top-of-the-line sound card should also have high-quality speakers. Even the best sound card cannot compensate for poor speaker quality.


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