Sound card
From Saferpedia
A sound card is a card facilitating input and output of audio signals in and from the computer.
Typical use pf sound card include supplying the audio component for multimedia applications like music composition, video and audio editing, presentation, education and entertaining (especially games). Many computers have integrated sound cards while other computers require an additional sound card.
General features
Sound cards usually offer a Digital to Analogical Converter (DAC) converting data recorded digitally into analogical format. The output signal is connected to an amplifier, headphones or an external device using standard connectors like TRS or RCA. Most sound cards have an input connector for sound (line in) that can be from a tape player, a magnetophone or other sound sources. The sound card digits the audio signal and stores on computer's hard disk for ulterior processing. Another external connector is the microphone connector used to connect a microphone.
Sound channels and polyphony
An important characteristic of sound cards is the polyphony, which is more than one distinct voice or one sound played simultaneously and independently of the simultaneous channels number. These are designed as distinct audio outputs corresponding to a speaker configuration like 2.0 (stereo), 2.1 (stereo with sub woofer), 5.1, etc. Sometimes the terms "voices" and "channels" are used alternatively to point the polyphony not the speakers configuration.
Color encoding
| Color | Function | Connector | Symbol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pink | Analogical audio input for microphone | 3.5 mm jack | Microphone | |
| Light blue | Analogical audio line in | 3.5 mm jack | An arrow entering a circle | |
| Pale green | Analogical output audio line for main stereo signal (front speakers or headphones) | 3.5 mm jack | An arrow coming out from a side of a circle and entering a wave | |
| Brown/Black | Analogical audio output line for special passing, 'Speakers right and left' | 3.5 mm jack | ||
| Black | Analogical audio output line for surround speakers (usually back stereo speakers) | 3.5 mm jack | ||
| Orange | Analogical audio output line for central speaker and sub woofer | 3.5 mm jack | ||
| Gold/Gray | The Game port or MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) | 15 pins | An arrow coming from one side and entering waves | |
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