External Soundcard for a laptop

PrairieGhost · July 20, 2015, 03:37:57 PM

What is a good one? I need one for my laptop but I don't know what's good and what's junk.

slippingaway · July 20, 2015, 09:19:57 PM

That's kind of a broad question: are you looking for 7.1 channel surround? looking for SP/DIF, TOSLINK (fiber optic), Coaxial 5.1? Just a pair of headphones? Are you looking for lots of bass? 3D Spatialization?
Many USB mixers are also USB sound cards
Here's a "Good One": http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102035&cm_re=usb_sound_card-_-29-102-035-_-Product

PrairieGhost · July 21, 2015, 01:08:04 PM

Quote from: slippingaway on July 20, 2015, 09:19:57 PM
That's kind of a broad question: are you looking for 7.1 channel surround? looking for SP/DIF, TOSLINK (fiber optic), Coaxial 5.1? Just a pair of headphones? Are you looking for lots of bass? 3D Spatialization?
Many USB mixers are also USB sound cards
Here's a "Good One": http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102035&cm_re=usb_sound_card-_-29-102-035-_-Product

I need one for my laptop to mixer and back.

MV/Liberace! · July 21, 2015, 01:10:27 PM

Quote from: slippingaway on July 20, 2015, 09:19:57 PM
That's kind of a broad question: are you looking for 7.1 channel surround? looking for SP/DIF, TOSLINK (fiber optic), Coaxial 5.1? Just a pair of headphones? Are you looking for lots of bass? 3D Spatialization?
Many USB mixers are also USB sound cards
Here's a "Good One": http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102035&cm_re=usb_sound_card-_-29-102-035-_-Product

only problem with creative is they have atrocious drivers that never work right and are rarely updated. i use the scarlett 2i2 from focusrite. i own two of them. they're about $150 each, but nice things cost money i suppose.

PrairieGhost · July 21, 2015, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: MV on July 21, 2015, 01:10:27 PM
only problem with creative is they have atrocious drivers that never work right and are rarely updated. i use the scarlett 2i2 from focusrite. i own two of them. they're about $150 each, but nice things cost money i suppose.

You use this to send skype to your mixer?

Juan · July 21, 2015, 04:52:42 PM

I recommend Focusrite, too. They make excellent products, and if you have trouble, they offer good customer service via email.

AudioFileZ · August 02, 2015, 10:49:56 PM

Is the DragonFly suitable for what this thread is about? AudioQuest is a serious audiophile company and this USB DAC has been given loads of glorius reviews in the audio press. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H00VLZQ?psc=1

MV/Liberace! · August 02, 2015, 10:56:37 PM

Quote from: PrairieGhost on July 21, 2015, 01:49:00 PM
You use this to send skype to your mixer?

I do.

MV/Liberace! · August 02, 2015, 11:09:30 PM

Quote from: AudioFileZ on August 02, 2015, 10:49:56 PM
Is the DragonFly suitable for what this thread is about? AudioQuest is a serious audiophile company and this USB DAC has been given loads of glorius reviews in the audio press. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H00VLZQ?psc=1

That looks like a great device, but it's audio out only.

area51drone · October 28, 2015, 09:08:25 AM

Quote from: MV on August 02, 2015, 11:09:30 PM
That looks like a great device, but it's audio out only.

I realize this is an old thread, but I thought I'd chime in.

I know this is cheap, but I have one and it works great.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-New-USB-2-0-External-Mic-Speaker-3D-5-1-Channel-Audio-PC-Sound-Card-Adapter-/400619122274?hash=item5d46c2ae62:g:A4AAAOxyTjNSnZzs

Also have an Alesis IO2, which works well and costs about a benjamin new.