Hi all,
 
I have been a Cakewalk user since the early 80s, from Cakewalk Apprentice through to CPA 9. I loved CPA 9 and could work it with my eyes closed and had it stuffed with some amazing sounfont files that i used regularly as well as a host of freely available effects. i was able to prouce mastered CD ready tracks of high quality which no one could identify as being anythign other than a commercial propduction. There was  a lull of a good few years when i spent time away from music and i got back into it with MC6 a couple of years ago but it was very difficult to learn over again.
 
However I have more time on my hands now and am looking to upgrade to MC7 and i have a few basic questions which i would appreciate if any of you good seasoned users could atempt at answering for me.
 
1) Are ASIO drivers still required to work this programme?
2) Is an audio interface absolutely necessary or can I use the inputs on the PC (as I used to all the time with CPA9)?
3) Is there a midi sound module included in MC7 to generate midi sounds from midid files that i have created in the past? i.e. are there midi instruments available(good ones) available for use in my recordings? I rely heavily on midi drums and bass.
4) Can soundfonts be played in MC7 and are any included?
5) I use mainly the following effects; Chorus (guitar and vocal), Reverb, delay, compression, distortion. Are these available for use in MC7.
6) If it can record more than two inputs at a time are these done via USB or does it have to be through an audio interface? 
7) Basically - am I going to need another piece of software or can I do everythinng I want to do, create a recording and master it in MC7?
 
Thanks for your time and I look forward to receiving any replies.

1. As a rule ASIO drivers offer the lowest latency.
2. An audio interface designed for DAW use has lower latency and better electronics than the chips on a PC motherboard. That said, SONAR can use the integrated PC hardware.
3. Yes, MC7 includes a GM synth, TTS-1 and the Studio Instrument series include sampled drums and bass. I am sure you are aware this is an entry level product. The bundled synths are a good value. 
4. If I needed a soundfont player, I would probably use TX16Wx. A free version of the sampler is available.
5. The bundled plug-ins are listed here
6. I would expect anyone attempting to perform multi-track recording using a DAW would use an audio interface designed for the task.
7. MC7 is an entry level DAW.

Thank you.
 
Would I be better with an audio interface that used asio drivers?

I believe most people who use a DAW ultimately buy one. When it comes to which one is right for you, that would be better asked here  http://forum.cakewalk.com/Hardware-f82.aspx