Sound card

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Hardware component that generates sound signals

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A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal computer hardware component that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under the control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to external audio interfaces used for professional audio applications.

History

The first sound cards were developed in the early 1980s for use in arcade games. The Creative Labs' Sound Blaster series, introduced in 1989, became the de facto standard for sound cards in IBM PC compatible computers.

Functionality

Sound cards typically feature a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital data into an analog signal that can be played through speakers or headphones. They also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert analog signals from a microphone or other input device into digital data.

Types of Sound Cards

• Integrated Sound Cards: These are built into the motherboard and are sufficient for most general users.
• Dedicated Sound Cards: These are separate cards that are installed into an expansion slot such as PCI Express or connected via USB. They are used by audiophiles and professionals for higher quality audio.

Common Uses

• Gaming: Enhanced audio effects and surround sound.
• Music production: High-fidelity audio recording and playback.
• Multimedia: Improved audio for movies and other media.

Related Technologies

• MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a standard for communicating musical performance data.
• ASIO: Audio Stream Input/Output, a protocol for low-latency audio.
• HDMI: High-Definition Multimedia Interface, which can carry audio as well as video signals.

See also

• Digital audio
• Audio interface
• Sound Blaster
• Motherboard
• PCI Express
• USB

Related Pages

• Digital-to-analog converter
• Analog-to-digital converter
• MIDI
• ASIO
• HDMI

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