Beginner with gear question

Asking what you need is tough. It really depends on what you want to do with it.
Here are my ideas.

If you're recording one instrument at a time, go for an M-Audio 192 or 2946 for a soundcard. If you do need the extra inputs, go for the Delta 44 or 1010.
For the XLR inputs, get a mixing board with phantom power (for condensor mics). That will change the XLR to something compatible with the soundcard (i haven't seen a soundcard with XLR Ins).

Get more RAM. With less than 1 gig, you might still get dropouts with SHS4XL.
MOnitors... I'm not sure what to offer here. I have a pair of KRK5s. They're powered, which is handy because my Behringer1202 mixer is not.

Something for mics... what do you mean? A popscreen? Types of mics? Chocolates and flowers? I've found that bribery won't help my vocals to sound better.

If you're planning on using MIDI, you'll want to get a controller as well. You can usually find these for $100-$150, although someone else will have to refer you to something good. I just use an obsolete Yamaha keyboard with MIDI In/Outs.

For a MA2496, Behringer 1202, KRK5 monitors, 1G RAM, you can probably get the lot for about $4-500.

As far as soundcards go, the Echo Gina 3G has the breakout box with XLR inputs as well as MIDI in and out. Great specs as well. This is what I use. See www.echoaudio.com.

I have crappy external speakers currently. I realize they are terrible, I am just hesitant to make a huge financial commitment to something that I am not sure I will enjoy.

I appreciate the reccomendation on the Gina - I had looked at that, but that is also a fairly hefty price tag for a new hobby -

I'm a little torn between buying once and having great stuff, or saving a little money and buying as needed and if I decide I want to continue to pursue recording. I certainly have zero intentions of doing an album or any other grand recording, I just think it will be another fun way to enjoy music in general.

Thakns for the help,

Zach

Would I be spending money better if I installed a firewire card and purchased a sound card that was firewire - or is PCI a better route?

Thanks for the reply -

i am thinking the M audio 2496 might be the right choice for my needs. It appears to be good enough to start and continue with and not break the bank.

Anybody have a clue what the connections are for monitors - 1/4"? Is there a standard for the industry? I'm still wondering if I could get away with my crappy Dell speakers for a bit to raise the funds....

Zach

If you can get an M-Audio product for the same price as the Audigy, that would probably be best. But I've seen Audigy's go real cheap, and I thought money was an issue.