Most modern computers come coupled with an internal onboard soundcard. These are basic cards that are designed for basic needs, such as playing MP3 files, video games, internet video’s etc. But what if you need something a little more advanced? For example, a home recording setup will typically consist of an external sound card, which has a low latency and will work with software applications such as Cubase and Pro Tools. There are some things to consider when buying the best external sound card, which we are about to discuss in some minor detail.

The first thing you should look at is what you want to do. Some people like purchasing external sound cards simply because they have a volume control knob that they can adjust without any effort. For example, if you are playing a video game, you could simply adjust your volume directly on the sound card without having to minimize the game in order to get to the Windows volume control. There are also some other benefits, but in my opinion you would only really need one of these cards if you intend to record.

An external sound card for a recording setup is a must. This is because audio cards that come coupled as onboard device with motherboards, or simple PCI cards simply are not good enough, as their latency is extremely high and the input (line in) quality is generally quite poor. Obviously if you just want to have a simple audio conversation over the internet these cards will work just fine, but for recording purposes they should be avoided at all costs. At the beginning of this paragraph I made reference to an external device. Of course there are internal devices that will serve the same purpose, but we will not be discussing those, as the majority of people will go the external route.

Most external devices will include added benefits, such as MIDI functionality and low latency support. If you are using an application such as Guitar Rig (which processes guitar effects in real time), low latency is a definite requirement. If you plan to only record direct audio, you can investigate cheaper options with higher latency.

External sound cards either connect via USB or firewire. Firewire is generally more stable and many people swear by it. In my personal experience, I have never had a problem when using USB cards. The decision is ultimately yours and should be tailored to your own specifications.

As you can see, the best external sound card is largely dependant on your circumstances. You should compare options and purchase a card that suits your needs and conditions. You will find extremely good prices and deals online and I urge you to use the internet as your primary resource when purchasing an external card.