ORIGINAL: dmknappy

Then I must go with the Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro Sound Card! Finally an excuse to get it. Thanks guys for all the support!

Why would you go out and buy another video game card ? There are sevral other choices out there. I belive EMU, and RME cards both have Vista drivers, and they are made for the type of work you will be doing. Same price range too, around a hundred bucks.

when I get Pro Tools.

The $10,000+ version ? Your starting a real deal studio huh

If you mean M-Powered or LE, I hope your not going to buy that, because you think it's "better". You will find that Pro Tools M-Powered, and/or LE, are EXTREMLY limited in comparision to Sonar PE. The only advantages I see in getting it, would be to be able to open PT projects, so you can export the files to Sonar.

But whatever makes you happy!

I am still getting crackling/popping noises when I use EWQL in SONAR.

You suggested RME or EMU cards. What would you suggest?

These are the computer specs I have:
http://www.gateway.com/retail/gm5474.php

I plan on using this keyboard:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Keystation49e-main.html

I am going to use the EWQL Gold Pro and Choir package. If I can figure out SONAR I will use that sequencing software. I am still more familiar with Finale, but I believe that SONAR may offer more effects/options for editing the sound.

What would you suggest I purchase for my needs?