Soundcard Options

Peter-Pomroy wrote on 7/21/2025, 1:03 PM

I'm about to replace my old laptop (because it will not support Windows 11) on which I use Samplitude X8. Currently I have an onboard soundcard.

My question - does the replacement (either laptop or mini PC) need to include an onboard soundcard, or will an external soundcard attached via USB work instead? I tried searching the internet for the answer, in one place it said "Sound Card: Onboard, ASIO compatible sound card recommended" and elsewhere I found "An ASIO-compatible sound card is recommended" (no reference to it being onboard).

If external is ok, any recommendations as to which one? Thanks!

 

 

Comments

SP. wrote on 7/21/2025, 1:45 PM

@Peter-Pomroy An external USB audio interface with ASIO drivers will always be the better option compared to onboard audio. And they don't need to be expensive. Beginner interface usually go from $50-200. They often have 2 inputs, 2-4 outputs + headphone output, maybe MIDI-In and -Out. There are many different brands available, for example M-Audio, Focusrite, Behringer, Steinberg, Roland etc.

Onboard sound, which is often made by Realtek, is often good enough for small projects. These chipsets can get overloaded if you have a lot of demanding effects or virtual instruments in your project, which results in skips and crackles. External USB audio interface can handle much bigger projects.

Peter-Pomroy wrote on 7/21/2025, 2:28 PM

Thank you! That's good to know, I shall go with the external option. Intuitively I felt that should be better if it was permissible (but I'm no expert).

Thanks,

Peter

(The confusion is not helped by MAGIX/Samplitude's own site, where it states among the requirements :

"Sound card: Onboard  Sound card: Onboard (ASIO compatible sound card recommended)" which makes you think it MUST be onboard as they say ONBOARD twice!).