Might consider a audio/interface that does not cost much more, but has the correct connections to plug in instruments or a microphones (or midi if you need it which raises the cost about $100 more at least). Sound cards do not have that.
 

^  that is incorrect.
 
my soundcard has a breakout cable,
that has the following:
MIDI in and out
AUDIO INPUT left and right
Monitor Output left and right
Mains output left and right
 

 
this is a common setup with pci sound cards...
 
saying that 'soundcards do not have these things' is misleading.
 
 
 

Still not the correct connections, like XLR. All my equipment has XLR connections or 1/4" line (TRS) connections.
And a regular old soundcard like most bought have only mini-stereo connections. (3.5mm connections).
 

it is typically assumed,
that the soundcard would be your interface between your sound processing equipment and the DAW
 
(mic preamps, compressors, eq's, typical hardware)
 
the xlr's only need xlr-TRS connectors, and the TRS inputs are typically balanced.

in other words, these ARE the correct connections.
 
there are many ways to connect.