PCIe Audio Cards

PCIe Audio Cards

Since the advent of the PC, one of the most common upgrades is PCIe audio cards. This amazing piece of hardware plugs into a computer's motherboard through a PCI Express slot; its job is to handle audio processing jobs like playing sound through speakers and headphones or recording sound from microphones. PCIe cards provide lower background noise and interference, include additional audio connections such as optical (Toslink or S/PDIF) outputs, and support surround-sound speakers.

Pro A/V
Adapted for professional use, companies like RME create PCIe Audio Cards that send and receive hundreds of audio channels, then organize, route, and monitor all those signals accurately. If audio were data, RME builds the highways that move it accurately and reliably. Digigram builds professional audio networking and broadcasting tools that share high-quality audio between people, places, and systems, transporting and distributing audio for broadcasters, radio stations, PA, and networked audio applications.

Only The Best Brands
The absolute industry standard for pro-audio is Pro Tools! Avid has engineered dedicated audio processing engines in PCIe card form that let Pro Tools handle huge professional recording and mixing sessions without overloading your computer. It takes the hard work of recording and mixing audio away from your computer, so professional audio runs faster, more reliably, and with almost no delay. Auvitran creates high-end analog input/output AxC cards featuring Euroblock connectors ready to interface with the AuviTran Audio ToolBox platform, combining high-performance AD and DA converter chips with an advanced circuit design serving high-end fixed installation applications.

Ready?
Markertek has decades of real-world industry expertise in PCIe Audio Card technology and in how best to apply it to your workflow. Our in-house experts are industry vets here to help by e-mail, chat, or phone! Make sure to include us in your decision-making; unbiased advice is always free when you shop here!

FAQ

When do I need a new PCIe Audio Card?
If your current setup is exhibiting poor audio quality, or you need more audio inputs and outputs or better recording capabilities. If you are experiencing driver or hardware problems like dropouts, crackling, or compatibility issues, chances are your current card has failed or is no longer supported by newer operating systems; it's time to upgrade!

What are the best uses for a PCIe Audio Card?
Recording and Gaming primarily. A quality sound card can provide cleaner audio with less electrical interference, better digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), and support for high-impedance headphones (250Ω to 600Ω), which is imperative during tracking, where low-latency audio monitoring is critical. In Competitive Gaming, specialized PCIe sound cards offer better positional audio, virtual surround sound, and headphone amplification.