Need sound card advice

[gwise]

Hi! I will be doing MIDI-only recording projects with a new desktop computer. I'm interested in upgrading the stock internal sound card. I could go either internal or external, though my available expansion slot is PCI-e, which limits the choice of internal cards. My budget is up to $300.

Again, I only need the sound card for MIDI-based projects (i.e., VST plugins). I do not need to get audio INTO the computer. I'm looking for the highest fidelity possible within my budget.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Ethan Winer]

MIDI has no sound quality. It either works or it doesn't. You can get this USB MIDI interface for $40.

M-AUDIO - Uno - 1-In/1-Out USB Bus-Powered MIDI Interface

If you also want high-quality audio output, the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is great and at $250 it includes MIDI.

--Ethan