Soundcard and MIDI

[tenrange]

Hello,
I am a newby to this forum and computer recording so I will try not to ask any stupid question.

I am currently in the market for a new sound card for my computer. I had been looking at some of the SB Audigy Platinum cards but have noticed that they do not have many fans on this forum.

My needs are MIDI imputs for a keyboard and imputs for Mics and guitar lines in.

Keep in mind that I am on a budget so cost is a factor. Does any one have any suggestions? I don`t really need a top of the line card. Just something that will give me acceptable quality recordings. I am not opposed to a used card as that is what I have been looking for in the SB cards. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[christiaan]

Even though there are a few options I'd say the M-Audio Audiophile is more or less the standard. ($150 or less).
Many of us (used to) have one (me included) and it's well proven technology.
Maybe stating the obvious but remember that you need to add a mic preamp if you want to use microphones.

 

[tenrange]

Soundfonts?

OK,
The m-audio sounds like what I am looking for. One reason that I was looking at the soundblaster cards is for the sound font compatability. Will the m-audio card work with sound fonts or are there programs that I can use to make it sound font compatable?
I hope that these are not too stupid of questions but I am new to this and on a somewhat tight budget so I am trying to get this stuff sorted out so I can make the most of what I do by. Thanks

 

[christiaan]

Re: Soundfonts?

Will the m-audio card work with sound fonts or are there programs that I can use to make it sound font compatable?

M-audio cards don't support sound fonts but software samplers like Vsampler do. I don't have much experience with soundfonts myself so I can't tell you much about it. Just trying to put you on the right track here.