Which soundcard to buy for M-audio Midi Keyboard

[gussay1993]

hi all, im looking to buy a midi keyboard (probably an m-audio midi controller keyboard) but my computer does not have a soundcard or anything like that. As i am going to be using these both to compose music using Reason 4, i was wondering what soundcard will be compatible and will still be cheap.
All help appreciated Thanks

[Don]

I would recommend going with the same brand, M-Audio, to avoid compatibility issues. They offer quite a few audio interfaces, both internal and external.
Also there are many options of inputs and outputs, pick the one best suited for your setup (ie. microphone, guitar, synth, etc.)
I personally prefer to keep audio out of the computer, external USB or FireWire boxes are probably better than PCI cards, but it's only my opinion.
You may do fine with a simple and inexpenive Audiophile PCI card.
There are lots of good choices here: http://www.midi-store.com/M-Audio-mid-1-p-1.html

[montyhar2]

Hey,
I have been experimenting with the USB keystation midi only keyboard and a Linux Audio distro from Vafeo.org - and have no problems with Jack or the Bristol series softsynths while using Rosegarden...the only pain in the ass is having to setup the Jack system to run everything. When they can automate this process then linux will really be a viable alternative. They should setup an autopatch system like Reason does.

Thanks.
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