need to upgrade soundcard for MIDI

[no-sleep]

Hey guys I haven't had the money or time to really get intrested in MIDI/software production...

But well here I am... I want to just start off something simple but well worth the money I lay down...

I was wondering how about M-Audio Audiophile2496, it is certainly the cheapest well praised cards...

Now my only concern is I notice this card was released in 2001... Is it a little too old to compete with other cards out there now a days? Can I buy something better in the 150-200$ price range?
When it comes to technical soundcard specs I'm clueless.. I just know I need a game/midi port... and of course I want something great sounding! And the 2 inputs I don't mind at all

 

[Laynestaley]

No other card can in that price range compete to the audiophile 2496. It's definitely worth bying.

...funny how we consider a 2 year old piece of equipment to be old in this digital age..

 

[lost studios]

another vote for the 2496!

 

[James Argo]

You want the best MIDI soundcard to begin? Forget the other "hi-end" cards. Get Creative's SBLive! or newer Audigy if you want 24/96 capability (make sure it's PCI version, NOT USB!!!). Believe me, it's the best card for MIDI work for the prices. It has MIDI/joystick port for external connection (require optional MIDI kit connector eventualy) and internal MIDI enginee to play soundfonts. It's a crap for serious audio work, but excelent for MIDI work. Upgrade latter when you know (and need) better spec and when you can hear the difference with "hi-end" cards by ears. Save you big bucks...


Jaymz