I am new to this game but have started using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (two channel) USB Audio Interface that I paid about $150.00 for. Generally, one channel is connected to a Yamaha MG8/2FX mixer so I have reverb on the voice channel, and the other is connected directly to the audio interface.

The audio interface is connected to a pair of KRK Rokit 5 powered speakers.

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Dell laptop with and i3 processor, 4GB Ram, Win7.