My rig is somewhat complicated because I use a Line6/Pod-XT to set tonal presets for the three different guitars I use, (and I run all three through an old SHURE flat mixer and then mono-out to the input of the POD/XT. I use a GR-33 for the Strat for synth sounds into one input on the mixer; an electric-Nylon string Godin through one input; and an archtop jazz guitar through one input. On the nylon and the archtop, I use the Pod only for tone shaping (EQ, reverb); and I have 3-4 presets for the Strat for the few tunes where I want a compression, stereo chorus, echo, etc. By coming out of the POD's stereo effects outputs, I can go into the GR-33's "Guitar Return" inputs, and then stereo/R-L out to two Fender Deluxe-112's.

I DON'T try to use the MIDI on the GR-33, but hooking it up the way I do gives me complete control of all three guitars through the POD's floor-controller, and a volume-pedal for all three to keep things balanced.

I run an HP DV7-1285dx / Windows-7/64bit laptop for BiaB playback, and it has a Creative Soundblaster X-Fi/Notebook card in the side-slot which has been excellent for me. The X-Fi has the ability to load in sound-fonts, but since I mostly use RealTracks and not MIDI, that doesn't really seem to matter much. (I also use a RadioShack "Ground Loop Isolator" #270-054, inline between the laptop/X-Fi and the input to the PA...It REALLY helps cut down on buzzes and noises in the environment.)

If you're planning on gigging out with BiaB, I would suggest you invest in a good sound-card. That makes a LOT of difference.

Good luck.

"You play pretty good--for a girl."