The Sound Card Challenge (Help!)

High, being it my first non-pre-installed sound card I need help. The people at Best Buy wanted me to have a 300 dollar card and I'm like :censored: Is there a card out there that will suit my needs (and hopefully wants).

I need:

A soundcard that works with Cakewalk's Music Maker 5, A Dell Dimension 8200 with a Pentium 4 processor, and has an imput for a YPG 535, and has a microphone and/or a guitar jack.

I want:

One that will boost my MIDI quality. A free standing (not inside the computer) type.

PS. It needs to be under $150. THANK YOU !!!!!!:toothygrin:

Also, if anyone wants to include advice and tips on setting up a home recording studio, or what gear to buy, or what I need, I'm all ears.

wow, you want many things :D ....

First, your YPG 535, I'm sure it has Audio Output (two 3/4 jacks) connexion, so I think what you need is a mixer, because most sound cards only have a 3.5mm jack as "Line in" and maybe 2 RCA, ....

There are mixers with USB connexion, and you can plug all there (your keyboard, your guitar a Bass, microphones etc)....

"MIDI quality" ... there is nothing like VST instrumenst but most CREATIVE sound card comes with "kinda good" MIDI synth....

"Free Standing" ? you mean external card. ?? yeah, that's better I have a CREATIVE Sound blaster "Extigy" and is very good. (just that it won't be drivers for VISTA :( )

go the CREATIVE website and search for a model you like