Hardware Recommendation

Thanks.

I saw that "compatibility" table while I was searching but got overwhelmed by all the products on it and wasn't sure what functions well for the forum users.  I'll look at the M-Audio and see if any more recommendations are forthcoming... 
  
 
EDIT: Thanks CJ I'll check that link as well.

HA!  I just hope that in the end this is easier to use than the old R8 I've been avoiding!

If you stick with VISTA make sure to install Service PAck 2 as it makes a HUGE difference for any audio work.

Roland R-8 Human Rythm Composer.  It was the high end drum machine in the late 80's..
http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/r8.php

It was pretty easy to use, has a step sequencer that I'm looking for (and available in Sonar) but early on my unit had a problem with the tempo settings (it would bounce up to 220bpm when making adjustments) and Roland couldn't *ahem* duplicate the issue so it never got resolved.  I used it for 2 small video projects, and to sequence some simple rhythm tracks that I would practice along to. Unfortunately I got frustrated with the tempo issue and up on the shelf its been for better than decades!


I found the UA-25EX for a pretty reasonable price - $148 from Genesis Technologies, Inc.  Too good to be true?
http://www.genesis-technologies.com/cart/Education/Roland/Roland_UA_25EXCW_USB_Audio_and_MIDI_Interface_p4006.html


I have a notion of the role of a sound card and I have a notion of one of these audio interface devices. My understanding is these are I/O devices allowing you to run stuff into the Sonar software to record like a mic or guitar for instance.  Does a device like that function or act in place of a sound card?  I think where I'm getting confused is that I don't plan on bringing in other instruments that are not part of Sonar/software plug-ins into the picture... That is, I just plan on making some simple tracks that I can play along to, like in this demo (at the 6:00 + min mark) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AkIZvZ5aXA&feature=related   

That's why the sound card route like the M-Audio 2496 seems more appealing (or understandable from my vanatage point).  However I will likely get a laptop shortly and move the software to it and want to make sure that what ever device I get will ultimately work there as well and obviously the M-Audio 2496 won't. So I just want to be sure that something like the UA-25EX will manage the sound appropriately so that I can sequence something and slap the headphones on and go to it!

Sorry if it sounds like really rudimentary or repetitious questions... but I really appreciate the feedback

Thanks ... that's just what I needed to hear and now I feel I understand the terms better and will be able to pick an interface that will be suitable for me.

This seems like a good forum; other forums I'm a member of aren't the most "delicate" when it comes to the noob questions like the ones I posed.  Thanks to all for the help as well and suggestions. 

Thanks for the follow-up.

I did make it down to Guitar Center and had them do a price match on the UA-25 EX from the other place I linked to.  Just loaded the drivers, cabled it, and make some setting changes in Studio and BINGO! ..... works just as well as you all said it would.

Now I gotta' play around with the software and start figuring it all out.  I wish I could just sit on the manual and learn by ass-mosis but I guess this really is where the fun starts??? 

I plan on getting a laptop to physically move closer to the V-drums.  I don't plan on recording, I just wanted to make some loops to practice with. I get really tired of the metronome, and this will allow me to put some basic rhythm against a click to make practice a little more focused. 

I did check out the RME Hammerfall HDSP Cardbus which looks prett cool.... so does the Babyface. 
I'll keep those in mind when I do the hardware change if needed. 

It is always good to practice, and if that is your goal you are on the right track with the above suggestions.   Heck, even Max Weinberg had some timing issues while with the E-Street gang.   I also note that a friend of mine, Keith Killgo who's been playing for a looong time, still packs and plays his pad. 
 
Anyway, for your needs I would suggest the M-Audio Fast Track USB - either the M-Audio Fast Track Guitar or the M-Audio Fast Track Pro.   Both have very respectable specs and are as clean as my PCI 2496's  When I say "clean", I mean signal to noise, total harmonic distortion, and things like that.   When I am on the road I use the Fast Track Pro.  But my needs are most likely a little more than you need.  You can pick up the Fast Track Guitar or about $100  or the Pro for about $200.  They throw in a version of Pro Tools Essential (basically a stripped down and *barely functional* version of PT LE - what is DD thinking??).      
 
The good thing about the M-Audio USB is three-fold.   First, it is USB-powered.  No need to drag a power supply cube around.   Second, you can use in on your desktop computer and laptop.  Third, for your drumming pleasure, the headset audio is *very* good.   
 
While I am here, I'll also suggest some cans.   The Fast Track has a 1/8" headphone plug.  You can choose from many cans, but I suggest you pick up a pair of Sony 7506s (You can read about them all over the net).  The 7506 come with a 1/8" plug (and an adapter to 1/4").   Price..about $100.   And, they fold up nicely.
 
Good Luck in your choice and your playing.

Thanks for those suggestions.

When I got the TD-20 SX set I also got some Beyerdynamic DT-770M headphones. I really wanted good sound and to make sure I heard as little "stick" noise as possible. So those cans really fit the bill nicely for me.  I think the term silent practice with e-drums is a bit of an exagerration to say the least... sometimes I think I should go back to air drumming!