The sound card is a piece of hardware created for the task of recording and playing audio. There are many types, each with different capabilities and prices. In this article, you can find the cheapest sound card for recording, which does not sacrifice quality for a lower price. Sound cards can be purchased for under $100, and some with all the bells and whistles may even go over $500.
What is a good budget sound card?
Table of Contents
- SUPPORTS DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS – Now with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices The AE-5 Plus also supports 5.1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround, as well as Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology
- POWERFUL DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP – Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone amp that utilizes bi-amplification technology to power each earcup individually with 1 ohm output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones
- PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY – Featuring the SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e DAC to deliver up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter, the AE-5 Plus is more than capable of hi-res audio for games, music, and movies; put simply, for discerning audio lovers of any kind, the AE-5 Plus is set to blow past your expectations with pristine audio and powerful performance
- Pro performance with the finest pre-amps – Achieve a brighter and a more open recording thanks to the best performing mic pre-amps the Scarlett range has ever seen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your vocals when recording with your Scarlett Solo.
- Get the perfect guitar take – There’s no need to sacrifice your tone with the high headroom instrument input when recording your guitar and basses. Capture your instruments in all their glory without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos.
- Studio quality recordings for your music and podcasts – You can achieve professional sounding recordings with Scarlett’s high-performance converters which enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities so that you can sound like the artists you admire.
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
- Advanced Audio Processing with SBX Pro Studio, a suite of Sound Blaster audio processing technologies that let you bring out the best in your audio
- Includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
Last update on 2022-11-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The cheapest sound card for recording
Sound Blaster Audigy FX
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX is a high performance sound card that delivers the ultimate audio experience on your PC. It’s designed to take full advantage of the advanced features of today’s games and entertainment applications while also providing unprecedented audio quality for music, movies, and other content played back on your PC.
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX offers an array of cutting-edge technologies, including THX TruStudio ProTM technology with 24-bit 192kHz recording capability for studio-quality playback, 5.1 surround sound.
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
- Advanced Audio Processing with SBX Pro Studio, a suite of Sound Blaster audio processing technologies that let you bring out the best in your audio
- Includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
Last update on 2022-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Asus Xonar SE
ASUS XONAR SE delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and up to 120dB SNR recording for precise voice chats and immersive audio. It also features the ASUS-exclusive GX 2.5 gaming audio engine for an out of this world gaming experience with realistic 3D surround effects, enhanced sound definition, deeper bass, and maximum acoustic performance.
The Xonar SE is perfect for gamers who want to get more from their games – whether it’s getting a competitive edge or an upgraded sound experience.
- 5.1 channel, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 300ohm headphone amp for detailed, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass
- Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology ensures minimal audio distortion and interference
Last update on 2022-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Padarsey PCIe Sound Card
The Padarsey PCIe sound card is a great choice for your computer, laptop, or netbook. It provides 5.1 stereo surround sound, making you feel like you are in the middle of the action! The Padarsey PCIe sound card will provide you with all of the features that you need to enjoy music and movies at their best.
- 1) PCIe sound card, 5.1 stereo audio card
- 2) Easily convert the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a 5.1 3D stereo surrounding sound
- 3) With low profile bracket for 2U case, your best choice of sound card for PC desktop
Last update on 2022-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy
The Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS is a multimedia sound card with advanced features for music and movie lovers, gamers, and home-entertainment enthusiasts. It delivers full 7.1 surround sound from a 5.1-channel speaker system and supports EAX Advanced HD3D audio effects for realistic 3D gaming audio environments.
The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS also includes the award-winning SoundFont engine for high-quality 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback of instruments, vocals.
- Advanced chipset is designed to process the legendary EAX reverb engine for powerful enhanced audio
- Immerse yourself in full cinematic 7.1 multi-channel audio, perfect for games, movies and music
- 106dB SNR ensures a high level of audio quality and supported operating systems is Windows 8, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista SP1 or higher, Windows 7, Windows 10
Last update on 2022-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Asus Xonar AE
ASUS Xonar AE delivers pure audio and video enjoyment with a dedicated headphone amplifier, the ASUS-exclusive GX 2.5 gaming engine for realistic 3D surround effects, and an exclusive version of THX TruStudio PRO provides high-fidelity, multi-channel audio processing tailored to your personal preferences. It’s everything you need for immersive entertainment on your PC!
- Full Product Specifications: Click to view
- Audio Processor Manufacturer: C-Media
- Audio Processor Model: 6632AE
Last update on 2022-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
We hope you found the cheapest sound card for recording in our guide! Our recommendation is to stay under $75 for a mix of quality and value for an internal sound card for your computer; whether it be an audio recording, general use, or gaming, these models have excellent reviews.
Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )
Michael loves audio production. He especially enjoys the technical aspect of making music sound good! Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and enjoying parties.
