Sound Cards

Sound and Audio Cards

Most folks purchase a desktop computer without ever thinking about the card that allows them to connect their computer to speakers, their headset, microphone or other audio device so that they can listen to CD's, hear the sound of a DVD or game or even do video conferencing over the web.  However, if you're a content professional working with audio, your sound card "dies", or you just aren't satisfied with the quality of the sound your "stock" sound card is providing, then maybe it's time to look into a new sound card. 

Sound cards, like every other technology component you can think of, have a wide range of prices, features and functions and can deliver "just the basics" or serve as the foundation for professional musicians to create and record their work.  So what are the "differentiators" in sound cards that can either maintain your system's current capabilities (replace a dead card) or upgrade it into a "music machine"?  Let's take a look at some of the "options" on a sound card - and what you should look, or look out for, when purchasing one.

• Bus or USB - If you are unwilling or nervous about opening up your desktop or you have a notebook or tablet computer, you can use newer USB-based external audio systems.  The standard technology for sound/audio cards is implemented as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card.  PCI in brief, is the architecture for interconnecting your system processor and attached devices (like the sound card).  It transmits 32 bits at a time over a 124 pin connection or 64 on an expanded 188 pin connection and comes in 2 form factors - a full size, 312 mm card and a short 119-167 mm implementation for "low profile" systems.
• Audio Chip - as with your system processor (Intel, AMD, Motorola, etc.), sound and audio cards use a specially designed chip that is the foundation of the capabilities the cards themselves deliver.  Many of the sound card manufacturers make this chip too, but some use chips from other manufacturers. As with your system processor, it's important to know "what's inside" before you buy.
• Audio Quality - If you want or need a higher grade audio experience, there are some specific areas to compare:  Bit Depth and Quality (in number of bits and kHz respectively), Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Dolby support and THX and DVD audio capabilities.  If you plan to record, you'll also need to look for the number of voices (channels) the processor can support and the synthesizer capabilities included (instruments, effects).
• Connectivity - the inputs and the outputs.  In the case of audio cards, USB/FireWire connections, speaker and headphone support, microphones, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) interfaces and more.

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• Compatibility - More than just a Windows/Macintosh/Linux "thing", compatibility in the audio world includes a number of standards - Sound Blaster and EAX (Creative), THX, Microsoft DirectSound, and DirectSound 3D, Open AL, AC97 (codec), Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output), DVD Audio, Windows Media....  You get the idea.
• Price - As always, what are you willing to pay?  You'll get exactly what you pay for - more quality and capabilities - more $$'s.
• System and Speakers - Finally, if your system and system processor are "low end" and you've purchased inexpensive speakers, having a high quality sound card is rather incongruous.  Make sure that when you upgrade your sound/audio card that the rest of your audio system has the capabilities that will allow you to realize the capabilities that you've paid for.

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of sound/audio cards and their manufacturers.  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Sound Cards.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite sound/audio card from every manufacturer.  Just look for the ¯ symbol!

Sound and Audio Cards Review

Sound and Audio Cards*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Creative

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Creative makes PCI cards. PCMCIA devices, and external USB devices.  Their software drivers are easy to install.

Cost - $$$$

Creative makes nine internal (PCI) sound cards/systems that range in price from $29.99 to $299.99,  a PCMCIA card at $99.99 and two external USB devices that range are priced at $29.99 and $179.99.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Creative makes sound cards and solutions that will meet the needs of all but those of audio professionals.  Their capabilities and included software make it easy for you to create and listen to digital audio - and can either replace or significantly upgrade your current sound/audio card implementation.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Creative's hardware implementations are good but what makes them great is the software they include.  Lots of capabilities and functions to make using their hardware easier - and more efficient.
Works With - YYY

Creative cards and USB devices are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Creative warrants their devices for one year only.  Their web site has a nice knowledge base and FAQ area, but they offer installation assistance only by phone (Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM Central).  If you have problems after the initial installation, you'll have to contact Creative via email.

Features - iiii1/2

Lots of capabilities, packages and options.  We're especially fond of all the software that is included to get you going and help you use their cards and external devices more effectively.  The new X-Fi lines include enhanced capabilities like the ability to rip CDs to high fidelity quality, and a "Crystalizer) that enhances MP3s and movies to sound better.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

How could you NOT like Creative's audio solutions.  After all, everyone states in their literature that they are Sound Blaster/EAX compliant - Creative innovations and implementations.  Obviously a market leader and a safe, reliable purchase for the home-based business owner.  The hardware is sound and the software is outstanding.

Digigram

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Digigram makes forty sound cards for desktop and notebook PCs.  Of course you'll have to install the PCI or PCI Express cards by opening up your machine, but the laptop sound cards are Type II PC cards and just slide into their slot.  In either case these cards, though complex, are no more difficult to install than any other in this category.

Cost - $$$

If you are just trying to do a bit more with audio than the basics, these aren't cards for you.  These cards are for the serious audio professional and are priced based on the capabilities they deliver - in other words, they aren't, by any means cheap.  List pricing begins at $549.00 and for home-based business (there are many more, "high end" devices available for Digigram for "networked" audio applications), top out at $3,699.00.  See our product matrix for more information Sound Cards.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you produce or work with "professional" quality audio applications and tools, these are the cards for you.  Their pure processing power, quality and quantities of inputs will save tons of time.

Ease of Use - @@@

Power and complexity always result in a learning curve.  To use these devices effectively you should purchase Digigram's software and software development tools.  Expect to spend some time "getting acquainted", however you'll reap the rewards of your time investment with the outstanding capabilities these tools/devices offer.
Works With - YYY1/2

Almost all of these devices are Windows and Macintosh friendly although Mac OS X users need to watch out for compatibility.  Make sure you get a card that your system can use - you can check out our product matrix for help Sound Cards.

Support - ppp1/2

Digigram has an outstanding technical support area on their web site with technical notes, diagrams, downloads of tools, drivers, utilities and applications, a FAQ, install help, product manuals and a technical reference library.  If you need more help Digigram has email and phone support (no "800" number you'll pay long distance charges where they apply) as well as enlisting the aid of their reseller channel.  We did a quick search for our state and found 3 resellers in Texas.  Digigram has a total of 45 resellers in North America.

Features - iiiii

Although you pay big $$'s and you'll have to purchase some of the software to really make these cards "sing" separately from Digigram - they definitely offer some of the most robust, and powerful audio cards on the market.  We're especially impressed with the laptop sound cards which can turn a laptop into something much, much more than just a box that can power a few speakers through a USB link.  Additionally, the miXart 8 with 8 analog inputs and outputs is one impressive card for mixing multiple streams and routing those streams for processing.  Very impressive.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

In sound cards, as with any technology, you'll get what you pay for.  If you're an audio professional, and require the very comprehensive, high quality capabilities that Digigram products deliver, we believe you will be more than satisfied with these impressive additions to your audio production system(s).

E-MU

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

E-MU makes six "audio systems", four of which include a sound card and hub (1616, 1616M, 1616 PCI, 1616M PCI), four are PCI sound cards (1212m, 0404) and two are designed for notebooks with a PCMCIA CardBus Type II card and hub.  They also make two external interfaces that use USB to connect to your system as well as standalone PCI and PCMCIA cards.  You have to open up your case and install the sound card (PCI only) - but the drivers are straight forward to install.  The external USB and PCMCIA systems install easily as do software drivers.

Cost - $$$1/2

E-MU's 1212m is priced at $149.99, the 0404 at $99.99, the 1616M at $499.99, the 1616 at $399.99, the 1616M PCI at $449.99 and the 1616 PCI at $349.99, the 0404 USB is priced at $199.99, the 0202 USB at $129.99, the 02 PCMCIA card at $149.99 and the 1010 PCI card at $149.99.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

E-MU's systems deliver capabilities for both the consumer and professional.  One of these powerful sound cards or sound card combos can aid you in making your audio capture and production tasks simpler and faster.

Ease of Use - @@@

The cards and hubs connect in a straight forward manner. Software is easy to install but you'll need some time to use the plug-ins and effects capably if you are new to audio systems.
Works With - YYY

E-MU's sound systems are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2

E-MU's audio systems carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes downloads, manuals, a FAQ and knowledge base.  If you need more help, you can email E-MU support staff or call them from 9 AM to 7 PM Central time (no "800" number, you'll pay toll charges where they apply).

Features - iiii1/2

Tons of high quality inputs and outputs - analog, digital , optical, coaxial, MIDI, FireWire, headphones, microphones, etc.  E-MU audio systems also ship with twenty effects plug-ins and a number of vocal effects.  Creative's Professional Software CD or a robust combination from Cubase, IK Multimedia, Steinberg, Ableton, Minnetonka and SFX are also included.  The E-DSP chip on board the card provides hardware-base mixing and monitoring - no external mixer is needed.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Systems for the audio professional - or budding audio professional.  Sound products with lots of "add-on" software to help you use the hardware more efficiently and effectively.

Encore

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Encore makes two internal PCI sound cards.  You have to open up your case and install the sound cards - but the drivers are straight forward to install. 

Cost - $$$$1/2

Encore's ENM232-4C is priced at $5.99, the ENM232-6C at $16.00.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹

The cards are basic replacements for an existing card.  You won't get anything "more" but they will provide the capabilities you lost when your sound card failed. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

Once the cards are installed, they are easy to use. 
Works With - YYY

Encore's sound cards are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp1/2

Encore sound cards carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes manuals, drivers and a FAQ.  If you need more help you can email tech support or contact them via telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii

Basic audio capabilities based on the C-Media chipset.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

If you need a replacement for a failed card - and you want it cheap - a good choice.

Griffin Technology

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Griffin Technology's FireWave audio interface and amplifier and iMic USB Audio Interface are easy to set up and use.

Cost - $$$1/2

FireWave is priced at $99.99, iMic at $39.99.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Nice little boxes that will allow you to use regular stereo speakers (instead of specialized computer speakers) on your Macintosh or PC.  A possible money saver.

Ease of Use - @@@@

FireWave and iMic are very easy to use.

Works With - YYY1/2

FireWave is designed for Macintosh OS X environments, iMic for both Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - ppp1/2

Griffin Technology warrants FireWave and iMic for one year.  They have a FAQ and downloads available on their web site.  If you need more help, technical support is available via email, fax and telephone (no "800" number, you will pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii1/2

If you want to use "regular" stereo speakers, nice solutions.  RCA input and output ports, speaker breakout cable and a 6 foot stereo mini-jack male to RCA male cable are all included.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Interesting little devices for those of you who want to attach your stereo speakers to your Macintosh.

Hercules

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Hercules makes three PCI-based internal sound cards and one USB external Sound Card/Audio Hub.  Once you get the card inside (or card and rack for their systems) the drivers install easily.  The USB audio hub is "plug and play".  Included channel mixing and surround sound software is easy to install and use.

Cost - $$$$

Hercules' internal PCI cards are priced at $19.99 and $29.99 (we were unable to locate U.S. pricing for the GameSurround Fortissimo 4).  The GameSurround Muse Pocket USB external USB 1.1 sound card is $64.99.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Hercules makes a variety of audio cards and systems with a wide range of capability for both the novice and the professional audio user.  You'll probably find a card that can help improve (or make more enjoyable) your business experience.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Hercules audio cards are easy to use.

Works With - YYY

Hercules sound cards are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

Hercules offers a one year warranty on their audio cards and "systems".  They have a very good technical area on their web site with a download area, searchable FAQ and technical forums where you can ask technical support or other users questions.  Phone support is available to registered users.

Features - iiii

Hercules offers good basic cards that deliver for systems at the lower end of the market.   Their cards compare very favorably with those of Creative in this space.  The external Muse Pocket is a quick and easy way to add audio to your system when you are "card slot starved" or to add audio to your notebook PC. 

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good audio solutions at a very good price.  Definitely products to check out when you're in the market for a replacement for a failed card.

I/O Magic

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

I/O Magic makes one internal sound card.  Once you've installed the card into your desktop, the device drivers are simple to install.

Cost - $$$$

I/O Magic's Typhoon Theater sound card is priced at $16.99.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹1/2

The Typhoon Theater card will boost the capabilities of your PC by adding features/functions like software synthesizers and game/MIDI ports.  If you need to do some audio editing, a boon to your productivity.

Ease of Use - @@@@

I/O Magic's card and software are easy to use.

Works With - YYY

I/Magic's card is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

I/O Magic sound card carries a one year warranty.  The tech support area on their web site is comprehensive, FAQ, forums and online chat.  If you need extra help you can also email tech support or call them (no "800" number, you're responsible for long distance charges where they apply) Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific.

Features - iii

As this market goes, not much more than the basic features and functions you'd expect.  Very light on included software as well.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Basic card at a competitive price.

M-Audio

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

M-Audio makes a wide variety of audio products for PCs and Macs - from USB and FireWire-based audio systems to sound cards to complete PC/Mac audio studios for music professionals.  Their solutions include eight USB, five FireWire and seven PCI-based audio systems.  They've done a good job making the installation process as easy as possible for all their cards and systems.

Cost - $$$$

M-Audio makes USB and FireWire "sound cards/systems" (allow you to connect directly to your stereo system as well as record audio) from $99.95 to $599.95 and audio cards and systems that range in price from $99.95 to $599.95.  They also offer packaged products with their Transit USB external sound card and Ableton Live Delta groove remixing software and M-Audio Grooves music loops for $129.99, a package that includes Fast Track USB,  a package for producing Podcasts that includes a USB audio interface microphone, music loops, audio editing software and web posting with RSS feed for $179.95, two packages that include M-Audio's Black Box device with a variety of audio software, effects and plug-ins at $695.95 and $495.95 and  a package that includes MobilePre USB interface, Ableton Live Lite 4 software and two Nova condenser microphones for $349.00.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you are an audio/music professional you probably already know about M-Audio.  However, if you don't you'll find that their equipment is very well designed to aid users in the capture and playback of high quality audio streams.  If you work with sounds and music or are planning to, these cards, USB devices and audio systems could prove a good investment and big big boost to your productivity. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

The consumer products (Revolution sound card, Sonica and Sonica Theater USB device) are all very easy to use, the professional sound cards and systems will take some effort to enable you to realize their full potential.

Works With - YYYY1/2

M-Audio's cards and systems all work in both the Windows and Macintosh environments.  Many of them also support Linux as well.

Support - ppp1/2

M-Audio warrants their gear for one year.  The tech support area on their web site is full of good information - FAQ, tutorials, books and other information.  If you need more help, you can contact them via email or telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iiii1/2

M-Audio make high end gear with lots of capability - tons of inputs and outputs, analog to digital conversions, high sampling rates and powerful software "control panels" that allow you to monitor and adjust audio streams in real time.  Specialized solutions are available for input from guitars.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

M-Audio makes high quality, flexible and powerful audio gear for users of almost any time of personal computing system (Macintosh, Windows, Linux).  Very good gear for anyone who is serious about audio quality in recording or production.

Motu

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Motu makes 8 audio interfaces for audio professionals - lots of "inputs and outputs" - that connect to your system using USB 2.0, FireWire or AudioWire.  In most cases easy to install.

Cost - $$$1/2

Motu's interfaces range in price from $549.00 to $1,895.00.  Three systems are expandable, and their expansion interfaces are priced at $695.00, $1,195.00 and $1,595.00,  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you are an audio/music professional you probably already know about Motu.  However, if you don't you'll find that their equipment is very well designed to aid users in the capture and playback of high quality audio streams.  The pure numbers of inputs and outputs - and ability for them to operate in "stand alone" mode are real time savers. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

Not for the "beginner", but stand-alone operation is nice and the included AudioDesk software is a big help in getting the most from these devices.

Works With - YYYY

Motu's devices are designed for both Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - ppp1/2

Motu devices carry a one year warranty.  The web site includes downloads and a searchable knowledge base.  If you need more help, you can email, fax, or call tech support (no "800" number, you'll pay toll charges where they apply) Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern.

Features - iiii1/2

Devices with lots of inputs and outputs for mixing all types for audio.  AudioDesk software is a plus as well.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

High quality gear with lots of capability for the audio professional.

Sabrent

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Sabrent makes one PCI 5.1 card and one 7.1 PCI card.  The internal cards require you to open up you system and place them in an open PCI slot - in most cases the cards won't require installation of specialized software drivers.

Cost - $$$$1/2

Sabrent's 5.1 PCI card is priced at $9.99, the 7.1 card at $20.49.   See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

The sound cards support all of the "normal" standards.  They deliver the basic features/functions for audio on a home-business system.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The PCI cards are straight forward to use.

Works With - YYY

Sabrent's PCI cards are designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp

Sabrent's sound cards carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area of the web site includes downloads only.  If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - iii+

Standard 5.1/7.1 internal sound cards. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Competitively priced offerings that are good replacements for failed cards.

SIIG

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

SIIG makes both PCI-based internal cards (five) and two USB external audio devices (USB 1.1/2.0).  The PCI boards require internal installation, the external devices simply plug into a spare USB port on your system or external adapter.  Software drivers and supplied sound applications (where provided) install easily.

Cost - $$$$

SIIG's five PCI-based internal sound cards range in price from $17.99 to $37.17.  The  external USB devices are priced at $29.62 and $35.02.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

SIIG makes sound cards from the very basic to 7.1 surround sound capable, and USB devices that enable you to add sound to most any system - nice additions if you need sound for your business applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The cards and included software are easy to use.

Works With - YYY+

SIIG's internal cards are designed for the Windows environment.  One of the USB devices - the USB to Audio Adapter is also Macintosh compatible.

Support - ppp

SIIG's sound cards carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area of the web site includes only the most simple of FAQ's.  If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - iii1/2

The internal sound cards deliver basic capabilities - one has 7.1 surround sound, two others support 5.1 surround.  The external USB devices (5.1 and 7.1 sound) provide a means of adding speakers/sound to a desktop to notebook system simply and effectively.  WinDVD is included on the 5.1 USB device.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Competitively priced audio cards and external audio adapters.  Not a lot of frills, but usable, capable devices for adding audio to a desktop or laptop.

Turtle Beach

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Turtle Beach makes two internal PCI-based sound cards and three USB audio adapters for laptops/notebooks (desktops too).  They also offer a combo "Home Theatre" package that includes the Roadie USB adapter with either multi-channel or folding multi-channel headphones.  Once the cards are in your PC, the Turtle Beach software and drivers are easy to install.  The USB adapters are simple to install as is the software that Turtle Beach includes with them.

Cost - $$$$

Turtle Beach's Montego is $79.95 and the Riviera is $29.95.  The Audio Advantage Micro USB adapter is priced at $29.95, the Audio Advantage Roadie at $79.95.  The Audio Advantage Amigo is priced at $49.95 and the Roadie Home Theatre is priced at $109.95 with folding multi-channel headphones and $119.95 with multi-channel headphones.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Turtle Beach packs a lot of punch into their  sound cards - their connectivity, converters and software can make you and your business more productive if you're developing a web site or CD with audio themes.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Turtle Beach sound cards, adapters and included software are easy to use.

Works With - YYY1/2

Turtle Beach sound cards are designed for the Windows environment only.  The Audio Advantage Micro USB adapter is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh OS X systems.

Support - ppp

Turtle Beach's technical support area on their web site is very comprehensive and include a knowledge base, downloads, mail list and interactive bulletin boards.  If you still cannot find an answer to your problem, you can contact them via email (3 business days for response) or fax (no "800" number, 3 business days for response).

Features - iiii

Turtle Beach sound cards include a lot of capability and software for the price.  You can do a lot with the software especially - like position effects for each sound source to any speaker.  Additionally, you can pan analog signals into four speakers and use a wide variety of synthesizer voices to spice up your audio.  The Audio Advantage Micro, Roadie and Amigo USB adapters include a ton of software and 5.1 or 7.1 Surround Sound support (virtual).

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good cards at competitive prices. A strong competitor to Creative and Hercules in this segment.  We only wish Turtle Beach would provide a bit more in the customer support arena.

Yamaha

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The Yamaha USB-based external sound boards are easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Yamaha external sound boards and systems (sound board/receivers and speaker combos) range in price from $129.00 to $449.00.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

These devices are much more about entertainment and "feeling good" while you work than anything that REALLY makes you productive.  However you can do analog to digital and digital to digital recording through them.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Yamaha devices are made for consumers - they're very easy to use.

Works With - YYYY

Yamaha sound boards and speakers are compatible with both Windows and Macintosh environments.  However, if you go to their support site, you will find that there is NO Macintosh support available.

Support - ppp1/2

Yamaha warrants these devices for one year.  The tech support area on the web site is "light", however you can contact them via email and telephone ("800" number available) Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific.

Features - iii1/2

Good features and functions for connecting PCs to analog sound devices (speakers, mics, etc.).  Lots of capability, remote control included with every package.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

As we stated earlier - more of an entertainment and enjoyment series of products.  However, nice to have to make your day a little brighter and more musical if you have the $$'s.

Zalman

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Zalman makes an external USB-based sound card and an external audio interface for home theatre, 5.1 capable PCs and gaming systems.  Both devices are easy to integrate with your speakers and/or home PC/gaming systems.

Cost - $$$1/2

Zalman's ZM-RSA audio interface is priced at $69.99, the ZM-RSSC USB sound card is $56.95.  See our product matrix Sound Cards for product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Devices that can make you more productive by integrating a number of systems/devices.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Zalman devices are easy to use - multiple volume controls and user interfaces.

Works With - YYY

Zalman devices are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp+

Zalman's devices carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area of the web site includes a searchable knowledge base, downloads, user forums where you can "chat" with other Zalman device owners and a "News and Notices" section that addresses known or recently discovered problems.  If you need more help - email is your only option.

Features - iii+

Standard 5.1 external audio devices - no software included with the exception of drivers.

Overall Rating - %%%+

Standard external audio interface offerings.