Jeff i say this with the hopes that it is not discouraging at all, but rather as a thought process builder. The PC mike, the PC speakers, and Microsoft synth GS are not the building blocks of success, but they will allow you to get a feel for how stuff works.

Using the built in devices is much like me playing one on one with LeBron James. To really build a studio that will lead to long term satisfaction and success in recording music one needs some basic equipment. The computer is one, the software two, next is a solid recording interface or sound card. These items start at around $100 and go up. For the hobbyist like myself around $150 - $200 you can get a very nice interface. next one needs a way to hear the mix. I started with computer speakers, and a cheapo headphone set. I later bought studio monitors, and a nicer set of wireless 'phones. The interface is so vital since it allow one to attach speakers, and headphones and monitor the mix from the source of playback. It also comes with a software mixer setup that controls latency and such other features and actually helps the recording software function properly.

Lastly for real solid Midi playback, you need either a very good software synth or a good sounding hardware synth. Something to give at least passible midi sounds. I use two software synths now TTS from Roland, and Sampletank from well who ever the heck makes that thing. Either way between the two of them, I can get decent sounds to tweak.Microsoft synth GS is very low end midi sounds, kind of just for computer game and such playback.

one thing to remember you do not have to do all this at once. You have the first two ingredients now it is just a mater of adding to it as time and resources allow. My first addition would be the interface. It will be the heart and soul of the studio.

HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.