Hi, I was wondering if anybody out there has ever dabbled in music recording with their PC. I'm looking at doing a bit of this (guitar, vocals, etc.) using my Win2000 system, but don't know where to begin.
 
I can't afford one of those really high end recording cards like those M-Audio cards and such, so I was wondering if anybody has any idea what would be a good "consumer level" card to get.
 
I know they aren't perfectly suited for recording, but I hear both the Hercules GameTheater XP and the new Audigy line of cards both support 24-bit sampling, so the quality should be at least half way decent.
 
But I think an Audigy card is still out of the question, since I'd need the Platinum or Platinum eX to get the drive bay panel, and here in Canada they are running in and around the $320Cdn-$400Cdn range.
 
But if anyone can tell me their experiences, or give some good advice on how I should go about this, I'd be very appreciative.
 
Thanks!
 
PS.
Since I'm sure it's important to know my specs:
Athlon 1.2Ghz 266fsb
384Mb PC-133
MSI K7T-TurboR (KT133a)
15Gb 5400rpm Maxtor hdd
40Gb 7200rpm Maxtor hdd
I doubt the rest of my specs make the slightest bit of difference
 
Again thanks!