Jan,
One of the things that you need to consider is what kind of microphone. Most sound cards have a microphone input on them, but that is usually reserved for something like voice chat or voice recognition software, and not quality music.

If you're going to use a good mic, and you can get some rather nice mics for less than $100 in either Dynamic or Condenser, you're going to need a mic preamp. You might consider something like this:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pro...ndle?sku=241736

This gives you two microphones, and a USB audio interface. The interface is the important part because that's how you're going to get the high quality sound into the computer, and with a good pair of monitors, how you'll get it out, as well.

Although I'm not familiar with Phonic, this is an inexpensive way to get where you want, although it's Firewire, and you would need to correct Firewire interface on the computer.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pro...kage?sku=502741

If you can afford it, this is about $500 plus shipping, but the interface here:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pro...face?sku=583089

and the recording bundle here:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-BX5a-Monitor-and-Mic-Package?sku=582250

would give you an interface in and out of the computer, two different mics, monitors to listen to everything, and also headphones to listen to when you're tracking, stands and cables.

Gary

I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!