Best Portable External USB Sound Cards 2020 Updated Review.
Whether you’re watching movies or gaming out, having a high-quality sound experience is essential. Consumers often spend hundreds of dollars on amplifiers to take their audio experience to the next level. But when it comes to sound cards, we often find ourselves relying on the ones that are built into our laptops.
In essence, a sound card performs the same duty as a DAC, or Digital Audio Converter. These devices take the bits and bytes of digital audio and convert them into a smooth waveform that can be understood by analogue equipment. In this article, we have made a review on some of the best portable USB sound cards available in the market.
Creative Sound Blaster Omni
The Creative Sound Blaster series of sound cards are some of the most well-known on the market. In fact, the Sound Blaster series was the very first sound cards to ever be released. They came at a time when most computers used PC speaker audio.
PC speakers were nothing more than a bunch of bleeps and bloops, so the rudimentary 16-bit synthesized audio of the sound blaster was well received by consumers. Today, Sound Blaster cards are made with high quality components, bringing audiophile grade sound to consumer electronics everywhere.
Features
- Hear the power of sound blaster technology on your PC and Mac with our SBX Pro Studio and Crystal Voice Technologies
- Advanced audio technology that delivers 5.1 discrete channels of vibrant sound for your digital entertainment.If no audio output when playing digital files check whether the powered speakers or external amplifier are connected to the line out jacks.
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 Surround sound
- Built-in dual microphones with Crystal Voice Technology to enable optimal performance of headset-free use. Compatability – Microsoft Windows 10 / Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Windows Vista.Mac OS 10.6 & above
Creative Sound BlasterX G5
While the general Sound Blaster line is great for general multimedia use, gamers often expect a little more from their hardware. The Sound BlasterX series cards are designed to the same high standard as the rest of the Sound Blaster line, with several additions that gamers will appreciate.
Features
- Native 7.1 Surround Sound Support
- Immersive 3D PC Gaming Audio
- Best-in-class Console Gaming Audio
- Blaster Acoustic Engine Pro
- Audiophile-grade Headphone Amplifier
- Built-in SB-Axx1 Audio Processor
- Backlit Volume Control with Illuminated Volume Indicator
Sewell Direct Soundbox Pro
We’ve looked at a sound card for media buffs, and we’ve seen one for gamers. But there is one group of people who are completely unwilling to compromise on sound quality – audiophiles. The Soundbox Pro is designed with you in mind, using only the highest quality components for the ultimate audio experience.
Features
- Supports 7.1 channel output; front RCA connectors, 3 x 3.5mm stereo outputs: rear R/L, side R/L and center/subwoofer
- Playback supported at 24-bit 192/96/48/44.1 kHz, THD at -90 dB and SNR at 100 dB
- Recording supported at 24-bit 192/96/48/44.1 kHz, THD at -85 dB and SNR at 100 dB
- Recording inputs; 3.5mm line-in, 3.5mm mic-in and optical-in, two optical connectors for SPDIF input and output
- SIO audio driver for low-latency high-fidelity sound
- Supports 7.1 channel output; front RCA connectors, 3 x 3.5mm stereo outputs: rear R/L, side R/L and center/subwoofer
- Recording supported at 24-bit 192/96/48/44.1 kHz, THD at -85 dB and SNR at 100 dB
- Recording inputs; 3.5mm line-in, 3.5mm mic-in and optical-in, two optical connectors for SPDIF input and output
- SIO audio driver for low-latency high-fidelity sound
Which Portable External USB Sound Cards is Right for Me?
Which card you choose depends on how you intend to use it, and what you’re listening to. If you’re looking for an upgrade to an existing system and want to improve the sound of compressed audio from Netflix, YouTube, or MP3 files, the Creative Sound Blaster Omni is a great choice. It’s built-in effects can compensate for the loss, and bring your sound up to a level that is enjoyable on a high-end stereo.
If you’re a Gamer, Creative has a sound card designed especially for you. The Sound BlasterX G5 supports 7.1 channel audio and a variety of driver-related optimization that allows your sound to perform as well as the rest of your computer.
If you’re listening to lossless, audiophile-grade sound, the Sewell Direct Soundbox Pro is a surprisingly good option. It handles the digital side of your audio needs, letting your speakers work their magic.
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