Hello.

My friend and I want to record the jams we've been having to my computer. I want a device that isnt 3000$ and overly complicated to use. I ran into the Emu-1820M on creative's site under Professional Audio for 500$. I currently own just about every audio editing program around. My question is, would the EMU be overkill for recording our music and adding drum loops? This is just a project for fun and we are currently working with a 100$ 4-track. I want to be able to edit the audio on my computer which is a 3.4 Ghz 1mb FSB, 1.62gigRam, Audigy 2sx. Thanks for any input.

http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=237&subcategory=239&product=10496

Chris

it's definately got everything you'll need, but there are a lot of cards out there. It's only overkill if it's got features you've never heard of or don't ever plan to use. Seems like a reasonable price for all that though.
Other comparable pci cards:
M-Audio Delta 1010LT
Echo Layla3G
Echo Gina3G
SM Pro Audio SM-IN5

If you have firewire, there are a ton more options too in your price range:
Presonus Firepod
MOTU 828
Motu Traveler
M-Audio 1814
Edriol FA-66

The list goes on.
Personally, I use a Terratec Phase 88 and an M-Audio Quattro. I don't have all the fancy digital I/Os tho-- just a S/PDIF on the Phase 88