Channels
The most advanced multi-channel audio format that a sound card is capable of outputting.
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2. Standard stereo sound on two channels — left and right. This format allows you to provide a sense of surround sound (especially when using headphones), which is quite enough for most simple tasks. However, it noticeably loses to multi-channel sound in terms of the "immersion effect", which can be critical for demanding gamers and audiophiles.
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5.1. The classic and most popular multi-channel surround sound format today: a centre channel, two front and two rear channels allow you to achieve a full-fledged “surround effect”, and a separate subwoofer channel provides rich bass sound.
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7.1. The 7.1 format differs from 5.1 by the presence of two additional channels. There are several options for localizing these channels — for example, a pair of side speakers, a pair of additional speakers above the front ones, etc. Anyway, the 7.1 format provides a more reliable surround sound transmission than 5.1, but such cards are more expensive, and there is less specialized content for 7.1.
When choosing a sound card by the number of channels, it is worth considering such moments. Firstly, multi-channel options are capable of producing sound in simpler formats (for example, a 7.1 card can be used for 5.1 acoustics), and stereo sound output is support
...ed by all models in general. Secondly, modern multimedia software (in particular, codecs) allows you to output multi-channel audio through a card with fewer channels — for example, play 5.1 sound through a two-channel card with stereo speakers without quality loss. Thirdly, for the full-fledged operation of multi-channel sound, you will need not only a card, but also appropriate acoustics; therefore, it makes no sense to specifically look for a multi-channel model if you plan to use exclusively stereo speakers.mini-Jack (3.5 mm)
The number of inputs in the design of the sound card using 3.5 mm mini-Jack connectors. This connector, usually used to transmit an analogue signal, is one of the most popular in modern audio technology. Speaking of inputs, it's worth noting that most computer microphones are designed to plug into the 3.5mm jack; this also applies to separate microphone plugs on headsets. At the same time, the specific purpose of the mini-jack sockets in different sound cards may be different; Moreover, in some models, the same socket can be reconfigured and even change its purpose (from input to output and vice versa). These points, usually, are specified in the characteristics.
Using a simple adapter, you can also connect a 6.35 mm plug (Jack) to the 3.5 mm jack.
Balanced XLR
The number of balanced XLR inputs provided by the sound card.
Such an input is a rather large three-pin round connector, with an additional latch in the form of a latch. As for the balanced connection, this is a special way of signal transmission: it uses three wires per channel (instead of the traditional two), while the interference that occurs in the two signal wires due to external interference is mutually canceled during signal processing in the receiver. This allows you to use even fairly long cables without fear of deteriorating sound quality. On the other hand, in everyday use, such tricks are not required, and the bulkiness of the connector itself makes it difficult to use it in compact devices. Therefore, balanced XLR is considered a professional interface, and specifically in sound cards, such inputs are rare — in separate high-end audio interfaces and audiophile models (see "View"). At the same time, an XLR jack can be combined with a 6.35 mm Jack, technically it is not difficult.
Separately, we note that the number of inputs in this case means the number of individual XLR connectors; while one connector allows you to work with only one channel of sound. So the minimum number of inputs of this type in modern sound cards is two, to work with the stereo format.
Phantom power
The presence of phantom power at the inputs of the sound card.
48V phantom power is required to operate condenser-type microphones. It is these microphones, which have fairly high characteristics, that are most often used in studio recording; therefore, the presence of this function is typical mainly for professional sound cards, in particular audio interfaces (see "View"). Phantom power is usually made to be switched off. it is not required for more common dynamic microphones.
