Audio News

An audio sound card can be described as a computer expansion card. The major feature of these sound cards is that it allows the computer program to control the input and output of audio signals to and from the computer. The sound cards help majorly in providing the audio component for a variety of multimedia applications. Many of the computers are already equipped with in-built sound capabilities, while some of them require additional cards for the audio capabilities.

Sound cards have a digital to audio convertor which helps on converting the recorded or digital data into analogue signals. Then a connector, such as an RCA connector or a TRS connector, is used to connect these output signals to the external devices like amplifier, headphones etc. For example, the Asus Xonar DR, is compatible with multiple sound signals, including Dolby headphone, Dolby Virtual Speaker and DTS Connect. Almost all sound cards are equipped with a line in connector for the signals coming from any audio source. The sound card then digitises these signals and stores them under the complete control of appropriate computer software on the hard disk and for editing or any kind of further processing.

Another important feature of a sound card is that they support polyphony, where more than one distinct sound can be played simultaneously and independently at simultaneous channels. All the connectors on the sound card are colour coded and also have certain symbols with arrows, holes and sound waves. All these symbols and colours depict certain details about the product as per the PC System Design Guide.