Soundcard...for what? ...a good USB input from the Focusrite/MOTU audio interface? Or a direct stereo in.

What soundcard you talking? Got a link to one?

...LOL! Got it! No USB mics!
 

BeachBum
Soundcard...for what? ...a good USB input from the Focusrite/MOTU audio interface? Or a direct stereo in.

What soundcard you talking? Got a link to one?

Soundcard is another name for interface. Focusrite and MOTU both make them. I would probably rank Focusrite a tier below MOTU (except perhaps for preamps) but they make some really popular and well performing low cost interfaces. Depends a little on your needs. The amount of in/outputs, the low latency performance, driver stability and comprehensive mixing features or fx all impact the price. Decent options with low input count start around the 150/200 dollar mark so it's a question of budget versus needs.

If you'll be recording bass and guitar, have a look at the Shure SM7b, Sennheiser MD421 mkII, and EV RE20.
Some of the other "guitar" oriented mics won't capture a lot of bottom end (ie: SM57)

As has been mentioned, avoid USB mics like the plague...  
If you were just recording voice pod-casts, then it would be ok.
For multi-track recording, far from ideal.