Ableton Forum

Hi. I am yet to purchase Ableton live. I was going to get Logic and use a mac but decided that ableton is probably a better all round package for music production and allows me to by a laptop/pc instead and save a lot of money!! My question is...On top of a standard sony laptop, do I need an additional soundcard, and if so, what is the best route to take. Being a total novice I could really use you guys help.
Thanks!!

you can use Live with the standard sound card of your computer. however, to have more options (inputs/outpusts) and above all quality, you will need either a USB or a Firewire external audio interface. search this forum for "audio interface" and you'll get loads of discussions about it. good luck

also depends on whether the PC you end up getting takes cards. if so, that's a good route as well, though they may soon be obsolete (i prefer cards to USB/firewire, but opinions vary on the subject).

oh.. i mistakenly thought you're up for laptop. i didnt read right.
so indeed, add PCI card as a third option for a PC tower

How soon will PCI cards be obsolete? Next year? or over the next coupl of years??

Thx.