soundcard upgrade

[SGPIANOMAN]

i'd like to upgrade my recording capabilities. However, i'm not sure what direction i should go in considering what i have. I am debating on whether to upgrade my computer's sound, or just go with a portable digital multitrack (most likely a boss 1108 or 1180 ..something)

my specs on the computer recording are: 312 mb of ram, i own magix music studio 2004 deluxe edition, and a standard sound card (allegro??). The sound card is beginning to have its problems. The other day i was trying to record. I plugged the 1/8 plug into the line jack, and i recognized its getting loose. If i barely put the tip in, i'd get the right meter going up, if i put it all the way in,i'd get just the left. I had to jiggle to get stereo, and when i accomplished that....well i got some pretty bad noise. I was wondering should i just go with a new soundcard, and what type of sound card..maybe one for more audio/recording purposes. With better than just 1/8 phone jack in the back.

Or should i go with a portable mulittrack..what are the pro's and con's. I'm sure editing would be harder!

-thanks in advance

(

[ChristopherDawn]

Depends on your budget. Eventually you'd need to upgrade your computer, would you be able to afford that?

I'd say go with an M-Audio Audiophile for about $150.

What are you going to be recording?

[ChristopherDawn]

http://www.midiman.net/products/m-audio/audiophile.php

[SGPIANOMAN]

Actually, whatever i get will be a christmas present. Thank you for the information about the card. It looks pretty good, i don't use midi too much, but it seems to have some better connections than i have on the back!