The Best Soundcard For Music In 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC

The Sound BlasterX G6 is a true beast. It features a Hi-Res Audio DAC, 7.1 virtualization and voice communication enhancements, a discrete headphone amplifier, and much more. With the innovative sound card design, you can enjoy all your favorite games at full surround and amazing stereo sound quality. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Audio Interface with DJ Mixer and Sound Card

The Rondo is a 10-step reverb & 12-step electronic music & 3 modifiable tones (Treble, mid-range, bass) audio interface that can be used to start your own band. Compatible with most operating systems, this audio interface offers professional sound quality and flexible connectivity. Read Review

3. Upgrade pick: 3 Channel Bluetooth Audio Mixer - DJ Sound Controller Interface

Record and connect to a PC with this personal DJ mixer. This personal mixer includes a USB soundcard and audio interface, providing universal digital audio file compatibility. With 18V phantom power, it has the reliability you need for your next recording project. The Line Ch2 and Ch3 features 150mV/22KΩ power supply for reliable power source. Includes USB wall adapter power supply and connection cable. Read Review

4. Best Style: Podcast Equipment Bundle Audio Interface DJ Mixer Sound Card

The Podcast Equipment Bundle from Audio Interface is the perfect podcasting kit for beginners and those looking for better sound quality. With a bundle of essential recording and sound equipment, you can create professional-quality recordings that will make your listeners marvel at the experience. Read Review

Do you want to hear your favorite music without any distortions or noises? You can do so by using a good soundcard. What Is A Soundcard? A soundcard is an audio card that processes digital signals from computer speakers, headphones or external audio devices. It is one of the most important and commonly used components in your computer system because it processes the sounds you hear.

If you own a computer, chances are you also use it to listen to music or watch movies. Playing music and listening to it through your computer’s speakers will not be as fun if the sounds aren’t clear and free from noises and distortions. Moreover, if you want to listen to digital media such as MP3 files on your computer instead of playing CDs, buying a soundcard is necessary too.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 14 hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best soundcard for music, we believe Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC is a worth product to buy. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC
Our Score:
9.7
Creative
  • INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY | Enjoy full audio customization and enhanced audio realism with immersive 7.1 surround virtualization, accurate cues, bass boost and in-game voice communication enhancements. It also has Scout Mode than enhances in-game audio cues, letting you hear your enemies before they hear you
  • UPGRADE YOUR GAMES ON PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, AND PC | Get immediate increased enjoyment over basic motherboard and controller audio! Apart from incredible audio quality, the Sound BlasterX G6 boasts gaming-centric features such as Sidetone volume control and easy-to-reach profile buttons
  • DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP | Custom-designed Xamp headphone amplifier features discrete components through all stages of amplification in a bi-amp design. Each audio channel is individually amplified to deliver a whole new level of pristine audio fidelity in an authentic, unaltered lossless model. The ultra-low 1 Ohm output impedance perfectly drives performance-grade sensitive 8W in-ear monitors all the way to studio-grade 600W headphones
  • 7.1 VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND AND DOLBY DIGITAL | Enjoy the latest in immersion technology with Dolby Digital decoding or Sound Blaster’s proprietary surround sound perfect for games and movies
  • 130dB DNR, 32-bit 384kHz DAC Advanced 32-bit oversampled multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology eliminates distortion, ensuring audio is streamed with the highest level of detail and fidelity
TOP Choice #2 Audio Interface with DJ Mixer and Sound Card
Our Score:
9.5
MAONO
  • BORN FOR LIVE STREAMING: MAONO DJ mixer controller supports up to 2 person, 4 devices and 4 platforms to stream simultaneously. Highlights of this set, you can change your voice to the male, female, girlish, robot. Two mic inputs, One Accompaniment input, and real-time monitoring, good noise reduction effect after pressing DENOISE button. It is compatible with IOS and Android systems.
  • START YOUR OWN CONCERT: 10-step reverb & 12-step electronic music & 3 modifiable tones (Treble, mid-range, bass) make this audio interface more entertaining and meet more live recording needs.
  • ALL IN ONE and EASY TO USE: Works as a USB sound card plus mixing station. Integrating audio mixing equipment into 1 comprehensive solution. It delivers superb sound quality and offers intuitive and full control to optimize vocal and sound effects. The S1 Bundle comes with a condenser microphone that lets you start podcasting or live to stream easily in no time. Start recording when you plug into the smartphone or PC.
  • Please Attention: The MAONOCASTER lite is perfect for podcasts, Live Stream, YouTube, Twitch, studio music recording, and more. Considering the complexity of the product, you may encounter some problems during use, please refer to the page User Guide/video, if you are willing to contact us, we will provide you with one-to-one debugging equipment by professional staff to help you solve questions and start your live stream easily.
  • Compatible with most OS: For most Laptops, PC, Windows, MAC OS, smartphones, iPhones, and tablets. But if your phone does not have a 3.5mm jack, you need an OTG adapter (not included).
  • PACKAGE LIST: 1* MIC, 1* Mic Cable, 1* Mic tripod, 1* windscreen muff, 1* Audio interface mixer, 1* Charging cable, 2* 3.5mm TRRS Audio Cable, 1* User manual. We provide a 12-Month warranty. For a better user experience, please download more instructions below and read user manual before setting up. Maonocaster Lite AM200 only supports 3.5mm microphone input and does not support phantom power. The included microphone is forbidden to be used with phantom power.
  • SPECIAL EFFECTS: Four user recordable, eight Built-in special audio effects, and various adjustments available for your creation. Fixed audio effects like APPLAUSE, LAUGHTER, CHEERING...Note please record your own audio effects you like to audio interface according to the instructions.
  • BLUETOOTH FOR WIRELESS STREAMING: This portable 3 channel DJ sound controller has V3.0 Bluetooth for wireless streaming ability. It works with iPhone, Android, iPad, Tablet, MP3 Player and other devices. The wireless range is 50 ft
  • RECORD AND CONNECT TO PC: This personal mixer has a USB soundcard and audio interface to record and connect to MAC or PC and it has universal digital audio file compatibility. Can be used by beginners or studio professional applications
  • LED INDICATOR LIGHTS: The recording mixer has LED indicator lights and audio signal clips for user convenience. It has input selection, knobs, master volume controls, independent channel balance and high, plus, low frequency adjustment
  • 3 CHANNELS: Caters multiple device connectivity because it has 3 channels. It has XLR microphone input, 3.5mm (1/8'') microphone jack with 3.5mm (1/8'') headphone jack, RCA (L/R) input, 2-TK RCA (L/R) input & RCA (L/R) stereo output connectors
  • 18V PHANTOM POWER: For reliable power source, this DJ mixer comes with an 18V Phantom 3mV/12KΩ (Gain Max) and Line Ch2 and Ch3 has 150mV/22KΩ power supply. Includes USB wall adapter power supply and connection cable.The Line Ch1 has
  • 【Microphone kits Feature】condenser capsule offers clear audio for communicate, recording. Microphone is designed as cardioid for pick up the collected sounds are more focused, and less noise as you speak around the sides and the bottom of the mic, and it is widely used pattern in professionalFeatures extremely quiet self-noise, In technical terms: a noise level of just 16 dB(A). Thus, it is perfectly suited for vocals and audio drama productions in high definition for Music instrumental
  • 【Recording Studio Equipment Kits】Equiped with 1* Condenser microphone, 1*Shock mount, 1*Mic, Power cable, 1* Live sound card Mixer 1* table ring light Ideal for home-studio applications.
  • 【ring light comes with tripod stand & cell phone holder】it can help you whenever you need extra light for making up, taking photos, making videos, reading books, and live streaming!
  • 【Connection to Smart Phone 】 Use the charging cable to connect the charging port(Until the lighe comes on) 2.Connect the phone to the LIVE1/LIVE2 on the sound card via AUDIO CABLE(APPLE/TYPE-C reauires and adapter.
  • 【Multiple Devices Connection】Support single mobile phone live, dual mobile phone live, mobile broadcast computer accompaniment, ect. Compatibility:most major mainstream Kara song software, IOS and Android cellphone, tablets, computer, earphone, speaker, microphone
  • 【Microphone Features 】Carefully Tuned Sound: Balanced and Neutral frequency response. Unlike most condenser microphones, this microphone does not sound harsh and will not stand out in your mix or sound fatiguing over time.
  • 【Ultra-Wide Multiple Compatibility】:Podcast Production Studio with XLR Microphone for Guitar, Live Streaming, PC,LED Ring Light 3.5" with Tripod Stand & 2 Phone Holder for Live Streaming & YouTube Video, Dimmable Desk Makeup Ring Light for Photography, Shooting with 3 Light Modes
  • 【High Quality Diaphragm Mi】: Our capsules are made using high-grade brass. They are manufactured with the most precise machinery to achieve higher sensitivity making them able to reproduce subtle sounds. This makes it the perfect for a vairety of sources.Low Noise Circuit.great performance without distortion, and a noise floor of less than 13dBA.
  • 【Connection to Computer】To live broadcast one a computer/laptop, you need to connect the charging port(not LIVE1/LIVE2) of the sound card through the charging cable. 2.The computer will automatically identify and install the sound card driver
  • 【Device Compatibility】This sound effects device can be used on any mobile phone, computer, tablet iPad, PS4, Xbox, Switch, Apple iOS systems, Android systems and Any game platform. Change your voice anytime, anywhere, call with friends, chat on for WeChat, live and sing, take video for TikTok, Youtube, etc.
  • This is a sound card HAT designed for Raspberry Pi, low power consumption, supports stereo encoding / decoding, features Hi-Fi playing / recording, what's more, it can directly drive speakers to play music.
  • Integrates WM8960 low power stereo CODEC, communicates via I2S interface
  • Onboard standard 3.5mm earphone jack, play music via external earphone, Onboard dual-channel speaker interface, directly drives speakers, Supports sound effects such as stereo, 3D surrounding, etc, Comes with development resources and manual (python demo code for playing / recording)
  • Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W/Zero WH/2B/3B/3B+/4B and later versions
  • Integrates dual high-quality MEMS silicon Mic, supports left & right double channels recording, nice sound quality
  • CONDENSER MICROPHONE FEATURES: The included microphone has a convenient adjustable angle placement & large-diaphragm design. It also features low noise & a wide dynamic range offering crisp voice clarity. Ideal for studio vocals, streaming, and more
  • COMPATIBLE AND MULTIPLE INPUTS: The sound card features Bluetooth compatibility and has a power/OTG jack, 3.5mm AUX output jack, 3.5mm LIVE IN jack, 3.5mm headset (Headphone with Mic) Jack, 3.5mm condenser mic & 6.35mm dynamic mic input
  • SOUNDBOARD AND CONDENSER MICROPHONE SET: This bundle comes with a sound card, 2 audio cables (3.5mm to 3.5mm), USB charging cable, wired condenser microphone tripod stand with holder, AUX (3.5mm) to XLR cable, and a microphone windscreen sponge
  • SOUND CARD FEATURES: The sound card has 8 sound effects and 12 ambient music for you to choose from. It also has 8 control knobs for you to adjust your audio & tone to your liking. It also has a monitor control fader & battery power indicator lights
  • NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: This 2 channel voice changer for one is equipped with DSP noise reduction chip to eliminate unwanted noise for crystal clear audio. Supports major mainstream live broadcast software such as etc.
  • 🎵【Great Sound Effects Board】This multifunctional sound effects board can be used for DJ, music studio recording, condenser microphone, karaoke online, podcast, mic, singing, k song, live stream, TikTok and YouTube streaming, guitar, Facebook, anchor, voice mixing, home audio recorder. Music mixer board is also a voice changer for gamer to play games online.
  • 🎵【Multi-Device Support】Compatible for double cell phone live, mobile phone computer synchronous live, one computer live, computer accompaniment cell phone live, instrument input cell phone live. Support two microphones connected at the same time, highpitch, alto-voice and lowpitch can be adjusted independently.The sound board voice changer machine can be compatible with PC, Computer, iPad, Tablet, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox, Switch, IOS, Android phone, Windows, and electronic musical instrument.
  • 🎵【Atmosphere Building Sound Board】This sound effect board has 7-color atmosphere light, changes with the music, with 12 modes and 20 sound effects, makes the same atmosphere effect as you have a party or a bar. Four magic sound mode switchable: Male/Female/Children/Warcraft voice.
  • 🎵【Matters Attention】 The sound board for streaming is perfect for Live Stream, YouTube kind of videos, Gaming play online, studio music recording and more. The karaoke sound card voice changer only supports 3.5mm microphone input and does not support phantom power and USB microphone.This is NOT professional - level audio mixer, but a audio console for the beginner or intermediate level podcaster OR someone who wants to do some basic voice over work.
  • 🎵【Powerful Function Live Sound Card】The dj mixer board support 12 modes and 20 sound effects, live singing, one-key avoidance, elimination of original sound, noise reduction, real-time monitoring and other fuctions. Powerful Four-Core DSP chip, with stable signal, nice sound quality and without delay, 50% increase in noise reduction with RT. 1200 MA large capacity battery.
  • 【Live Sound Card with sound effects】 large knob adjustment, fader adjustment, 27 kinds of sound effects, colorful lighting, dual phone live broadcast.Anchor personality sound: personalized sound effects, unique four recording keys, can be repeated countliess times, create your own sound effects.
  • 【Voice Changing and Real-time Monitoring】 The live sound card voice changer automatically recognizes the human voice, automatically reduces the volume of the background music, the chat interaction is more interesting, and the real-time ear-back monitoring allows you to adjust the rhythm in time to sing entertainment or practice, avoiding the embarrassing experience.
  • 【Bluetooth and DSP Intelligent Noise Reduction Chip】Pickup DSP chip digital signal processor, digital signal calculates human voice, accompaniment and sound effect through multi-channel calculation. the sound quality is clearer and more stable, ensuring a sense of depth and space between the extension and the voice, making the sound during the live broadcast more mellow and three-dimensional.
  • 【Wide Compatibility for Mobile Phone and Computer】 The Sound board voice changer machine can be compatible with PC, Computer, Tablet, Android phone, Type C devices, Windows, and electronic musical instrument. Perfect for broadcast, karaoke, studio music recording and more.Bluetooth 5.0, independent Bluetooth switch key, open the Bluetooth key independently, ≤5m high fidelity reception, 10m effective distance.
  • 【Package】You Will Get: 1 pc x Live sound card 3 pcs x Live cable 1 pc x Charging cable 1 pc x User manual
  • 【Powerful Power Storage】The sound card has a built-in 1500MAH lithium battery, to avoid going out of K song power, can be used continuously for 8~10 hours, 90 days long-term standby.
  • 【Ultra-Portable Design】Compact and easy to carry wherever you want, and you can easily put it in your backpack and take it wherever you want.
  • 【Multiple Sound Effect Modes】Live sound card with many variable sound effects, it has live sound effects, introduces background accompaniment, helps to easily adjust the live atmosphere, and makes your party completely memorable.
  • 【Strong Compatibility】Support cellphone/PC/laptop/tablet, and support separate headsets. Including single smartphone K song live broadcast, cellphone&PC/laptop synchronization live broadcast, single PC/laptop live broadcast, and PC/laptop accompaniment mobile live broadcast.
  • 【Adjustable Volume】Touch sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking, Supports reverb size, microphone volume, treble and bass, recording volume, music volume and monitor volume adjustment (ie, ear return function). The buttons are diversified to satisfy various adjustments of the volume by the user.
  • Portable: About 157x78x15mm/6.18x3.07x0.59inch. It's the same size as a mobile phone, easy to carry. Built-in rechargeable battery, you can continue to live to reach more than 5-8 hours.
  • Noise Reduction: With smart noise control chip, audio processing is faster and more stable, make the input sound voice more clear, and there is no lag.
  • Compatibility: Highly compatibility, suitable for mobile phone/computer. Support to connect 2 mobile phone or computer at the same time.
  • Features: A variety of live control sound effects, sound modes and adjustments, professional control, easy to use.
  • Bluetooth: Support Bluetooth 4.0, accompaniment music can be transferred via mobile phone, free from the shackles of wires.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best soundcard for music?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best soundcard for music:

Channel Support

For a fantastic home theatre, 5.1 channels are essential. Many of the latest sound systems feature the 7.1 and 7.2 surround sound. These audio systems give the illusion of 3D sound and provide incredible immersion.

Only the sound card can provide separate channels to the system. Many sound cards can provide virtual 7.1 sound through audio processing, but only a handful of cards offer true surround sound support. If you have a high-end, 7.1 home theatre system you may be using costly external audio solutions. However, if this is the case, then you should consider upgrading to the most recent 7.1-channel sound card.

For headphone users, the majority of high-end headphones can be used as stereo headphones. You will only get surround sound via the sound card's Digital Signal Processing.

Dolby Atmos' latest format provides 3D sound, but comes with a lot of requirements. Although there are some 7.1 surround headphones on the market with as many as ten drivers, their audio latency makes them less appealing than high-end stereo headphones.

Software Features

Because everyone has their own preferences, the software capabilities of a sound card are essential. It is actually one of the most important reasons you should get a soundcard.

Virtual Surround Sound is the most prominent feature. It's often used with headsets to improve spatial awareness in games, particularly in esports. These software solutions can also provide advanced audio features like customizable frequency response, equalizer settings and other options.

Headphone Amplifier

An essential component in sound cards is the Headphone amplifier. It is required if you have studio-quality headphones. These headphones have higher impedances, so they are not compatible with low-end sound card that don't include a headphone amp.

Studio-grade headphones that have poor audio solutions will result in low volume. If you wish to purchase studio-grade headphones with poor audio solutions, ensure that you get a sound card that has a dedicated amplifier for your headphone. The supported impedance should be greater than the rating of the headphones.

Swappable OpAmp

High-end sound cards offer the option of swapping out their OpAmps. Different OpAmps can provide different audio characteristics. Audiophiles love the ability to personalize their sound card's sounds.

Additional Power And Connectors

Some sound cards, in addition to the minimum requirement for the motherboard's PCI/PCI Express slot, require extra power to run the components. This connector is typically a Molex connector.

DAC Quality

The first thing to look for in a sound card is the quality of the Digital-to-Analog-Converter. The DAC module is responsible for audio playback. A better DAC will result in a more natural sounding track.
How can you determine the quality of a DAC's DAC? The SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is a common indicator of the DAC's quality. It simply refers to the volume of the intended useful sound compared with the noise that is not being used.

High-end sound cards can provide a SNR of up to 124 dB. The majority of motherboards that have onboard audio solutions offer an SNR between 80 and 90 dB. This is quite a difference considering decibels can be logarithmic.

Moreover, in addition to the SNR, the DAC also controls bit depth and audio sampling rates.

The latest high-end sound card can provide 24-bit, 32-bit and even 32-bit audio at a sampling rate of 192-kHz to 384-kHz. These specifications roughly define the audio quality of the sound card, although there are other factors included such as gold-plated connectors, Electromagnetic-Interference shielding, etc.

Interface

There are two kinds of interfaces when we talk about the computer. The first is an interface between the soundcard and the computer. The second is an interface between audio devices and the soundcard. The latest sound cards require a PCI-Express slot. Make sure to have another, free slot.

The audio interface must be inspected at the ports of the sound card. Some sound cards support multichannels via RCA jacks, while others utilize 3.5mm jacks. Some sound cards have 3.5mm headphones whereas others provide 1/4-inch or 6.3mm headphones.

FAQs

Are USB Audio Cards Good?

If you're a filmmaker or video editor, USB cards may be your best choice. An external chipet can be used to connect it to other consoles, whether it's a computer or laptop. If you are looking to enhance your audiophile level, USB audio cards can be very useful.

Do Audio Cards Really Make A Difference?

An audio card's main purpose is to enhance sound quality when playing video games or listening to the in-game sounds. Even with a high-end headset, the inbuilt sound card on a PC or gaming console may be dull. You need a sound card with balanced sound to balance the sound.

What Makes A Good Sound Card?

High signal-to noise ratios and low distortion are the hallmarks of a sound card. Your soundcard's SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) will have a greater ability to reproduce audio signals and not introduce unwanted artifacts.

What Is The V8 Soundcard?

The version number V8 indicates the type of audio card that you'll be using. Multi-function models are the basis of this audio card. This is currently the only chip that allows dual-mobile use. Both iOS and Android smartphones can use the sound card to play games.

Which Is The Best Audio Card?

It can be difficult to find the right audio card. The right card will improve surround sound capabilities and provide great results.

How Long Does The Soundcard Battery Last?

These chipsets are available in two versions. The one you see will likely be an internal PCIe card, while the other might be an exterior card. The power source for your motherboard will supply the internal cards with the power. They do not need a battery. To get power, some external devices can be connected to the computer via a USB connector.

What Alternatives To Sound Card Do Exist?

A comparison of sound cards and alternatives to them. The most popular alternative is the USB headset. It can play both music and voice. The downside is that USB headsets are limited in audio quality, typically 16-bit 48kHz. They cannot produce high frequency frequencies sufficiently well to reproduce music and speech. There may also be latency problems with USB headsets for playing digital audio streams from computers.

2 ratings

About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.