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— Ordinary. This category includes all sound cards that do not have a pronounced specialization and do not belong to any of the types described below. Usually, they have a set of characteristics of an entry-level or intermediate level and are designed for simple everyday tasks: listening to music and game sound through ordinary speakers or headphones, communicating on the Web through a microphone, etc. Conventional sound cards are equipped with both digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converters, they can be either internal or external.

— Audiophile (Hi-Fi). Sound cards designed for lovers of high-quality sound; they can also be useful for professionals who are engaged in professional audio processing and need the most accurate reproduction of the received signal. Accordingly, models of this type are distinguished by high build quality, advanced components, as well as the presence of additional equipment, an abundance of interfaces and advanced customization options (both software and hardware, including even the ability to replace individual circuit components). However, these cards cost accordingly.

— Gamer's. Sound cards originally designed as components for advanced gaming systems. Accordingly, the main purpose of such models is high-quality transmission of game sound, including three-dimensional and multichannel. Typically, gaming audio ca...rds are equipped with advanced DACs and support various special standards (see below); in addition, they may have additional equipment such as remote control modules (see below). The vast majority of models of this type are made internal, but they often have a rather original design (which is useful for modding enthusiasts who use transparent cases).

— CAP. Abbreviation for "Digital to Analogue Converter". Usually, this term refers to the constituent element of a sound card, but in this case it refers to a separate type of audio cards, the distinguishing feature of which is the absence of an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC). Accordingly, DACs are only capable of transmitting sound from a computer to headphones, speakers, etc., and cannot be used to digitize sound from a microphone or other external signal source. Note that this category includes a variety of models — from the simplest USB-headphone adapters, the size of a flash drive, to advanced audiophile-class solutions.

— Audio interface. A kind of opposite to the DAC described above: audio interfaces are designed primarily to digitize the sound coming to the input (for example, from a microphone or an electric guitar). Accordingly, they are not only necessarily equipped with analogue-to-digital converters — usually, these ADCs have very advanced characteristics and extensive sound tuning capabilities (and in some models even hardware switches are provided for this). At the same time, audio interfaces can also work in the digital-to-analogue audio conversion mode (in other words, to output sound to headphones/speakers). The cost of such devices is usually quite high, so it makes sense to purchase them only for those who plan to work a lot with sound recording.

The type determines how the sound card is installed and connected.

— Internal. Such models are designed to work as a permanent component of the system. They are installed in the computer's system unit, in a slot on the motherboard (PCI or PCIe, see "Connection interface") in such a way that usually only a panel with inputs and outputs is located outside. One of the main advantages of internal cards is compactness — they do not take up space outside and practically do not affect the dimensions of the system unit. At the same time, in terms of functionality, such models can vary from the simplest low-cost options to advanced professional solutions. On the other hand, in connection, internal cards are less versatile and more complex than external cards: this requires at least disassembling the PC case, and installation options are limited both by the characteristics of the motherboard and by the availability of space inside the case. It is also believed that cards of this type are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference, as they are in close proximity to the electronic components of the computer.

— External. As the name implies, models of this type are located outside the PC case during operation and use the appropriate connection interfaces — USB or FireWire (see below). Of the advantages of external cards, first of all, it is worth noting the convenience of connection: after al...l, connecting a plug to an external socket is much easier and faster than fiddling with the hardware of the case. Due to this, one card can be easily used on several computers, reconnecting if necessary. In addition, they are indispensable for laptops and some desktop computers, where the installation of internal audio cards is not structurally provided. Another advantage is the remoteness from the hardware of the computer, which reduces the level of interference. The main disadvantage of this type of cards is the need for additional space for them near the computer; while more advanced models, usually, take up more space. In addition, for devices with additional power (see below), you will need a separate outlet.

The main interface used to connect a sound card to a computer or other device.

Like the sound cards themselves, the interfaces used in them are divided into internal ( PCI, PCI-E USB, USB C, FireWire, Thunderbolt, 3.5 mm mini-jack, Bluetooth). Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:

— PCI-E. The main modern interface for connecting internal peripherals (including sound cards) to computer motherboards. Used in most internal type models (see above). The main advantage of solutions with PCI-E is that connectors for their connection can be found on almost any modern motherboard. True, these connectors may be needed for other components - a video card, a TV tuner, or even an SSD drive; however, even on the simplest motherboards, there are usually several PCI-E slots, so this point cannot be called a serious drawback.

— PCI. Interface for connecting expansion boards to the PC motherboard. It is the forerunner of PCI-E, has significantly lower bandwidth and more limited features, so is generally obsolete. Nevertheless, in our time, motherboards with such connectors and sound cards for the PCI interface (including quite advanced ones) continue to be produced. This is due to the fact that a relatively low bandwidth...is sufficient to work with sound; and installing an audio card in the PCI slot leaves PCI-E slots free, which may be required for components that are more demanding on connection speed. In any case, before buying such a sound card, it does not hurt to make sure that the "motherboard" has a connector for connecting it.

— USB. Connection via standard USB port. Until recently, this was the most popular interface for external peripherals, found in almost all PCs and laptops. It was under USB that most external sound cards were made. The disadvantage of this connection method is that USB connectors may be required for other devices, which creates problems with a small number of ports and an abundance of peripherals. On the other hand, such situations do not occur so often, and to solve them, it is enough to have a USB splitter (hub) on hand.

Separately, we note that the full-sized USB sockets in modern PCs and laptops have been replaced by more compact USB C (see below).

- USB C. Peripheral connector with a symmetrical contact group, which is often replaced by full-size USB ports on board modern PCs and laptops. Many new models of external sound cards are made for this interface. The exception to the rule are only individual instances for Thunderbolt (see below) - for them, it is Thunderbolt, and not USB C, that is indicated as a peripheral connection connector.

— Thunderbolt. A universal peripheral connector used primarily in Apple computers and laptops. It should be borne in mind that different generations of Thunderbolt differ in the type of physical connector: versions v1 and v2 use a miniDisplayPort socket, version v3 uses a USB C socket. So, when choosing a sound card with such a connection, you must definitely clarify this point. On the other hand, versions of Thunderbolt with different connectors are quite mutually compatible through the appropriate adapters.

— FireWire. It is also IEEE 1394. An interface for external devices, which some time ago enjoyed a certain popularity, but today it is practically obsolete.

- 3.5 mm (mini-jack). Mini-jack is one of the most common audio connectors. However, it is usually provided as one of the audio inputs (see below) and is rarely used as the main interface for connecting a sound card to an external device. Such a connection is found mainly in specialized gaming models, including those designed for use with consoles. At the same time, in such models, the mini-jack connector can be made combined, with the ability to connect both a linear (analog) signal via a conventional electrical wire, and an optical (digital) signal via a TOSLINK cable. Recall that the optical interface is notable for its complete insensitivity to external interference, it allows you to transmit multi-channel sound, however, cables for such a connection require care in handling.

— Bluetooth. Wireless connection according to the Bluetooth standard. It is found mainly in models designed for use with smartphones and tablets - there are few wired connectors in such gadgets, but Bluetooth modules are almost guaranteed. True, initially, with such a transmission, the sound is greatly compressed, which noticeably affects its quality; however, modern Bluetooth audio cards usually include support for aptX to remedy this shortcoming. Of course, the signal source must also support this technology - you should make sure of this before buying.

Ability to work sound card with Mac computers.

Mac (Macintosh) in this case can be attributed to both the eponymous line of desktop computers manufactured by Apple and MacBook laptops. Both of them have certain hardware differences from "regular" PCs and laptops, in addition, they were originally created for Apple's own MacOS operating system. All this led to specific requirements for peripheral devices, including and sound cards — not all models are able to work normally with a Mac. Therefore, if you purchase a sound card for such a computer or laptop, you should make sure that Mac support is directly claimed for the selected model.

Note that Apple products have very limited possibilities for replacing internal peripherals by the user, and sound cards are not included in the list of replaceable components at all. Therefore, Mac-enabled models are usually referred to as external (see "Type").

The need to connect additional power to the sound card.

Most of both internal and external (see "Type") sound cards are powered directly through the connection connector (see "Connection interface"). At the same time, for normal operation of advanced models (for example, audiophile and gaming, as well as some DACs; see "View"), this power may not be enough, which requires an additional power source. In internal audio cards, it is carried out from the computer power supply, in external ones — directly from the 230 V network.

The dynamic range of a DAC is the ratio between the loudest sound that the converter can produce and the quietest. The wider the dynamic range — the richer the sound will be, the lower the likelihood that quiet sounds that complement the overall picture will be muffled during conversion. At the same time, it is worth noting that almost all modern sound cards provide a dynamic range that is quite sufficient for comfortable everyday use, and in many models this parameter may not be indicated at all. It is worth paying attention to it when choosing an advanced specialized audio card — for example, a gaming one (see "View"). The minimum for professional models is 90 dB, but in fact, among similar solutions, this figure is usually 120 dB or more.

This parameter determines the ratio of the "clean" sound produced by the DAC at the output to all extraneous noise. As such, it is a pretty strong indicator of sound purity. According to the signal-to-noise ratio, DACs in modern sound cards can be divided as follows:

up to 90 dB — initial level;
90-100 dB — average level, advanced "home" models;
more than 100 dB — professional level.

The dynamic range of an ADC is the ratio between the loudest and quietest sound that the converter is able to perceive and process. The larger this parameter, the more complete the picture of the sound converted to digital format will be, the less quiet details (which, nevertheless, affect the overall sound) will remain when digitizing “behind the scenes”. At the same time, we note that this parameter is critical only for professional recording, and therefore it is indicated in the characteristics quite rarely, usually only in models of the corresponding specialization (in particular, audio interfaces, see "View").

— Headphone Amplifier. The presence of a separate headphone amplifier in the design of the sound card. Such equipment allows at least to improve the overall sound of the “ears”, as well as to implement various additional settings for such sound (for example, a separate volume control). And some headphones — primarily high-impedance Hi-Fi models — in principle cannot be used without special amplifiers.

— External control module. The presence of an external control module in the design of the sound card. Such a module is actually a control panel with a wired connection; it doesn't give you the freedom of movement that a wireless remote control does (see below), but it's cheaper and often more convenient. So, the control module does not have to be in direct line of sight with respect to the audio card, and the length of the wire is often enough to place the device at the user's hand. However the set of adjustments placed on the external unit is usually limited to the most basic settings; however, even this, usually, is quite enough for comfortable use. In addition, the control unit often provides additional connectors for connecting headphones and a microphone. Among other things, this feature is especially convenient in games — it allows you to adjust the sound without distracting from the game itself. However, other types of sound cards can also be equipped with external modules (see "View").
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— Remote control. A remote control is included with the sound card. Do not confuse this function with the external control module described above: in this case, we mean a classic wireless IR remote control, like those used in TVs. Such a device does not necessarily cover all the capabilities of the audio adapter, however, the range of functions of the remote control can be quite extensive. On the other hand, the need to control a sound card from a distance is extremely rare, and in most cases, the mentioned external module is enough for this. So models with a remote control are not widely used.

— Exit to the front panel. Ability to connect an internal sound card (see "Type") to the connectors on the front panel of the PC. To do this, a special connector (or several connectors) is provided on the board, which is connected to the corresponding connector (s) using a wire. The convenience of this feature is obvious: in desktop computers, the front panel is located closest to the user, and it is to it that it is easiest to connect peripherals that involve frequent plugging and unplugging, such as headphones and microphones. Actually, connectors for such devices are most often displayed on the front panel.