Hey, I know this is a stupid question. But just want to enlighten myself on some knowledge about technology I am unfamiliar with. I have no idea what they are used for other than sound. Why do people use them? Why would I need one? Do they work well with gaming, movies,ect.? I just want to keep this respectful as possible.
- A soundcard can do two things: convert digital audio data from your computer's storage into an analogue signal that can be played through speakers or headphones; modify frequencies of audio signal to enhance certain characteristics of the sound.
- Soundcards consist of passive components such as resistors and capacitors to operate on voltages and active components such as op-amps, DACs and a DSP to operate on characteristics of the audio signal.
- Some people do not advise using soundcards because they can taint the original audio. People who use soundcards generally prefer a certain sound signature for all their audio (for example, more bass in gaming, music and movies) and don't care whether the original signal is modified to achieve it.
- Personally I recommend a sound card if you want dedicated hardware to process your audio, however many decent motherboards already have high quality hardware that does the job of a soundcard already.
- If you want further alteration of your audio, use a software implemented equaliser to change the frequencies to your preference. But hardware-level modification is generally more effective than using software.
A5H pretty much covered it as far as what a sound card is and does. As far as 'other than sound' uses (by which I mean sound output from a PC), a sound card is the way to go to get a high quality sound signal into your computer (say, from an instrument or mic), although for these kind of uses you'd probably find yourself using an 'external sound interface' (basically a box that sits outside your PC, connected via usb with a bunch of outputs and/or inputs on it) rather than a classic 'sound card' (which would be an expansion card inside a PC).
People tend to use an external interface for their sound to get a less noisy output (because circuits inside the case tend to be subject to a lot of electromagnetic interference which creates a hissier signal, which is why the front panel audio is often noisy). This is important for people with high quality headphones, which greatly benefit from the cleaner output. As far as internal sound cards go, I would recommend one if you don't think that your motherboard audio is loud enough (as most motherboard circuits don't have amplifiers to boost the signal as loud), or, like A5H said, you want to make use of a DSP (digital signal processor) to colour the sound in some way - say to add more bass or a 'footstep amplifier' (as some gaming sound cards offer).
Well that was pretty long... so tl;dr:
I have no idea what they are used for other than sound.
Nothing.
Why do people use them?
To get better quality DACs, more amplification, a better range of inputs, and specific features.
Why would I need one?
If you have a good pair of headphones (as in a high end audiophile pair), want to record sound from an instrument or mic, or aren't happy with the quality or volume of your motherboard audio.
Do they work well with gaming, movies, etc...?
Yes, and for the most part so does motherboard audio.
...And that just about covers it.
Thanks for the research paper lol But I do thank you for giving me informaition I had no knowledge of.
Best,
Basweegen
THank you for the information. It is nicely set up and bullets help me with breaking it down and understanding it clear.
Best,
Basweegen