Answers:

1. ABSOLUTELY you need an external interface/sound card. There's no laptop that I know of that comes from a factory with a stock soundcard that is set up and ready to handle a serious DAW.

Look for USB interfaces that use native ASIO as drivers. No wrappers like ASIO4ALL or codecs. Focusrite, M-Audio, Presonus, and some others all fit this category. Select one that has the inputs and outputs you need and if you plan to use it to mic things..... be sure to use a nice condenser mic and be sure the interface has audio preamps and phantom power. Focusrite and some others fit this need nicely.

2. If you have existing VSTi's and FX and other software based synths, you should be able to migrate them into the new machine. You may need to reauthorize the synths. All decent synths will work well.


Remember that the interface you buy determines how well you can work in the digital world of recording, so don't be afraid to spend money to get a good one. You will never regret buying a decent interface. You will regret it if you try to go cheap and then have to do work arounds on every project. Figure a budget between $150 to $300 for the interface.

I use and absolutely love my Focusrite interface. It was $300 at the time and worth every dollar. I've migrated it from my Dell stock lappy into my custom DAW and not a single hiccup.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

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