Newbie to computer recording-Help!!

[msd49]

I am brand new to computer recording...A friend installed Cakewalk Pro Studio 8 w/ a Lexicon Core 2
24 bit audio recording card and interface module on my computer. Now, please excuse my ignorance....do I still need to install a sound card such as Soundblaster or am I ready to go w/ what I have? If anyone has any info. , please advise. I am in total darkness as to how to get started........Thanks !!!

[AlChuck]

Your Core2 will let you record digital audio. You need line level inputs -- you can't plug a guitar or microphone into it without some form of preamplification. I'm not sure if it has a MIDI interface or not -- if yes, that would allow you to hook up external MIDI gear like a keyboard and sound modules and sequence them from the computer. I'm fairly certain that there is no MIDI synthesizer on the card.

[schwa]

Vocals? Guitar (aoustic or electric)? Synth?

Of the three, the synth is the only one with line outs.

Mics need a preamp, which can be bought separately (like an ART Tube MP) or as part of a mixer (like a Bheringer 602). Either can be had for $100.

Guitars need to be miced, or use a direct box (like a POD) to bring it up to line level.

Do you own any mics?

[msd49]

Thanks for answering ! No, it doesn't appear to have a midi input, but the outboard module connected to the sound card has 4 -1/4" inputs and 8-1/4" outputs, plus a RCA digital in and out. If I connect an aux/send from my mixer to one of the inputs, will I have a line level for guitar/vocals at that point? My equipment is as follows:
Epiphone 335/Fender P-bass/cheap acoustic/Roland GP-8 FX/R-8 Drum Mach./Yamaha SY-85 Keys/Digitech Vocalist Access/cheap Equinox 8-channel mixer/DOD 31-band graphic EQ/Audio Centron Power Amp and assorted other stuff. I realize I am way behind the learning curve on recording w/ a computer( I always had a helpful sound tech do everything and now it's coming back to haunt me). Please hang w/ me; I know you guys must get tired of us newbies w/ no knowledge of this stuff. Your help is greatly appreciated !!!

[AlChuck]

You should be good to go except you will probably really want to have a MIDI interface to hook that SY-85 up with. Simplest to set up and use are the USB ones, like the Midiman MIDISPORT line.