Newbie wants it all in one box: audio and MIDI

[ckronengold]

I want to get started using my PC to record my guitar and control my Korg synth. I'm not looking for anything pro level, just want to keep the budget down and keep the connections as simple as possible. If I get more serious, then I'd be more willing to make a more serious investment.

Im looking for that All-In-One box that has 2-3 inputs for an elec/acoustic guitar, vocals, As Well As MIDI. Want to be able to record a guitar and vocals, and control the midi stuff with one box, and it seems like there's finally some products that can do it.

It seems that most "music" people are really anti-Soundblaster
products, and can understand that. But if I want to just mess around with some friends and some different instruments, do I need anything more than an Audigy 2 Platinum EX? Seems that it has everything I'd need --analog ins, digital ins, midi control.
http://www.soundblaster.com/products/audigy2_platinum_ex/

and, here's an interesting article, which seems to say that it will dowhat i'm looking for.
http://www.soundblaster.com/resources/read.asparticleid=55&cat=2

And, at worse, my computer gets a helluva sound card for watching DVDs and playing games.

But last week at Sam Ash, I was shown the M-Audio Firewire 410, which also had the midi and analog ins and outs I was looking for.
http://namm.harmonycentral.com/WNAMM03/Content/MAudio/PR/FireWire-410.html


I'm just looking for advice, other products, or a reason to go one way
or the other.

Thanks

 

[ckronengold]

...or this box

Aardvark
Direct Pro LX6
http://www.aardvarkaudio.com/aasd-v1/products/lx6-main.html

 

[Gidge]

do you need an onboard synth on the card, or just midi i/o ?.....

 

[zone_ahead]

If you are willing to shell out the cash for the SB Audigy Platinum EX, you can get better cards for that price or even less. Maybe check out the Terratec DMX6 Fire or something similar.