Consider computer power, desired features, and compatibility when choosing a USB sound card. Check hardware requirements and look for HD audio and surround sound capabilities. Research options online and in stores. USB sound cards can also be used for basic recording input setups.
When choosing a Universal Serial Bus (USB) sound card to play audio through your computer’s USB jack, it’s important to consider a few points that can help you get the best sound card for your situation. Computer power and memory can affect sound card performance. Knowing what features you want from a USB sound card can also help you choose. An inexpensive sound card will be less likely to have advanced features such as multiple audio inputs and outputs, stereo or surround speaker capabilities, or upgraded high-definition sound quality. It’s also a good idea to make sure you can use the new USB sound card with the rest of your hardware in your current sound setup.
Before heading to the store to check the available options, know your computer’s processing speed and random access memory (RAM), and check the sound card hardware requirements to determine if your computer can run the sound card. If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum power and memory requirements, your sound card may malfunction. Typically, the minimum hardware requirements are listed on the side of the box that the sound card comes in, and are sometimes available on the manufacturer’s website.
If you will be watching movies on your computer and want surround sound from your movies to come through, look for a sound card with high definition (HD) audio, as well as the ability to drive multiple speakers. Sound cards that can handle surround sound usually identify themselves as surround sound, having 5.1 or 7.1 sound capability. This will ensure that your new sound card can handle the multi-channel sound built into most new movie releases.
Another point to consider when choosing a USB sound card is your existing hardware. The more compatible your new USB sound card is with the hardware you already use to run the original sound system, the less additional hardware you’ll need to purchase. A USB sound card must be connected to your speakers, so choosing a sound card designed to connect to the type of speakers you already have will save you some speaker troubleshooting time.
When shopping for computer hardware, doing extra research can help you make sure you’re getting the hardware you want at the best price. Search both online and in retail stores to get information about hardware options. You can often get the same price on a USB sound card if you search local electronics sales.
If you’re an amateur recording artist looking for an external input for your audio inputs, there are several USB sound card devices, often manufactured by Digidesign® or M-Audio&reag;, designed to provide a basic recording input setup. . M-Audio Ozone® is a common starter sound card and recording console that connects via USB. This USB sound card is a good start for beginning recording artists, but can be restrictive for advanced sound enthusiasts.
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