Help with plugging direct from guitar to laptop using Music Creator 6

Welcome to the forum.
An audio interface is a fancy term for a sound card specifically designed for computer recording. It's a desirable device for getting the best audio recordings you can. Stock sound cards are generally not efficient enough or fast enough to do the job consistently.
Most can connect with a USB cable or a FireWire cable if you have FW. Most have guitar inputs so you can plug right into it. Most have microphone inputs, some with phantom power if you want to use condenser mics.
If you can afford one (good ones can be had for between $100-$200), I recommend it.
Not a Creative Sound Blaster, but Creative's E-Mu line of interfaces are fine.
Find any post by Beagle and click the link in his signature. He has some audio interface suggestions there.

Yeah   

Welcome DB!

Asking about interfaces before you buy one is ALWAYS a great idea. Most come here afterward sometimes with the wrong "upgrade card".....

So..... for interfaces...

Yes. I recommend using an Interface rather than the factory card.  If I was looking now....I would get a USB based interface. 

Consider the number of inputs you need. Music Creator allows 2 inputs at a time so most of the affordable interfaces have 2 audio inputs on them which is perfect.  

Also check to see that the interface has both 1/4" guitar jacks and XLR mic jacks with 48v phantom power for condensor mics.  And look to be sure the interface has  nice, quality, pre-amps built in. Some do and some don't.  Without preamps, you will need to use a mixer of some sort. With preamps built in, you simply plug in and play. My Saffire, for example, needs no mixer. Greg & I both use the Saffire.  (excellent interfaces from Focusrite)

Also consider an interface that incorporates midi. You might not use it now, but if you have a keyboard there is a 99% chance that is had midi output and being able to use ONE interface to get that midi in the DAW is really nice. 

My studio setup is as simple as it gets. On my web site.... click on MUSIC & RECORDING and scroll down to see the pics.  I need to update that site..... the laptop is now a desk top but everything else is pretty much still the same.  Guitar into my POD 2...... Pod 2 stereo out/ microphone direct: into the Saffire interface...... saffire to the computer. No mixer. 

Withy interfaces... look around to see which one meets your needs and price range. Understand that it is the heart of your studio so don't skimp on this purchase. Get the one that matches your needs. You will not regret buying a good interface. 


BTW: check Beagle's Site:   http://www.beaglesound.com/   as he has a listing of interfaces there that will help you.