i want to record my guitar and play along while listening to track one. my normal card wont do it. what do i buy cheaply to allow me to record about 4 tracks to computer. ?
You need to understand that a Digital Audio Workstation ( of which there are many to choose from ) offer many tracks of playback and as many tracks of recording as your Audio Interface will allow.
If you just want to lay down one track at a time then you have plenty of choices and a USB 1.1 interface is perfectly ok for this job. The other options are USB 2.0 and Firewire.
Google these guys. Also have a look on ebay under "Audio Interfaces"
M-Audio Delta 44 is FULL duplex (simultaneous IN and OUT) and 4 channels. But it's not one that comes with any preamps, which you'll need for microphones and such. And various other options. Look carefully because some devices that have 8 or more channels may ONLY have TWO inputs per take. Or only TWO inputs with preamps. Which could add to your overall costs.
Still using a built-in soundcard?? Unfortunately, those are made with less than $1 worth of chips for beeps, boops and light gaming (not to mention cheapness for the manufacturer) and NOT quality music production.
#1 Rule of Recording: You MUST replace the built-in soundcard.
If you want to record 4 tracks simultaniously, take a look at a m-audio fast track ultra, or a Avid Mbox Pro, bit more expensive but I love mine. or maybe look at some of the bigger units so you have room to grow.