Hey Squeezbox,

If you put all the good information on this thread, you could make a great eBook from it! The problem is sorting everything out so that you understand how signal flow, Midi, Digital Audio, Interfaces, GM, etc work and apply to your situation. To keep this post short, try the following>

1. It does look as though you need a Digital Audio interface to handle signal flow into your computer. These range from very cheap (M-Audio Transit USB $80) to the extreme (Prizm Sound Orpheus $5000). The big differences......the QUALITY of both the Mic Preamps and AD/DA converters. If you are just starting out, you should be fine with either the M-audio Fastrack USB, or Lexicon Alpha, both under $150, the reviews of both of these units have been very good. If you plan on big projects with lots of Audio tracks and Softsynths, you should look into a pro level Firewire interface, such as the RME Fireface 400, or MOTU Ultralite/828 II, etc.

2. As far as your BIAB issue with your played part, you are using the THRU channel, not the melody track. When you record a midi track, it does become the melody track. So, to change the sound you HEAR as you are playing, make sure you highlight the THRU channel, and then change the PATCH to what you want to hear using the dropdown menu.

3. Your internal soundcard is in most cases a very cheap variety meant for basic sound functions, it does not provide ASIO drivers or Mic recording ability. Many users disable the internal soundcard after installing a Digital Audio interface.

Yes, this is a deep learning curve if you are just starting out, but with some manual reading as well as visiting Pro audio forums on the net, you will be fine, and of course we are always here to help.

Ed