If your budget is $500, I recommend you get a small mixer (Mackie 1202 ~ $300 I think?) and a Delta 44. The Delta has 4 line inputs, but the mixer will give you 4 mic preamps. You also get a free mixer with it! (Useful for monitoring and stuff). I don't recommend getting a soundcard with built in pres because then you limited to using those pres. If you get a modular setup, you can upgrade to better pres in the future and your soundcard is still useful. If you go the Mackie/Delta route, your Mackie will still be useful even when you upgrade your pres. I use a Great River MP2 for pres, but I still do all my monitoring through the Mackie.