[mayerfan76]

I have been in the market for new sound card for quite sometime. I am not a gamer, but I do use a PC for home recording/live recording. I have been searching and searching, but have had very little luck in finding what I want, which is:
rear:
-headphone jack output on the PCI interface (back of the computer)

front (5.25")
-Front interface in the 5.25" bay area
-at least two inputs, preferably 4, but I would like them to be 1/4" input sizes
-possibly some 1/4 outputs, but not a necessity
-a head phone jack output

Does anybody on OCforums do much that records on a PC know of a good card that meets these standards?

[cetoole]

It all depends on your budget, the EMU 1820m would be great, and there are several in the M-Audio line that are worthy.

[mayerfan76]

wow, that is a pretty good looking sound card. Perhaps a little pricey, but I am willing to wait till I save up the money. I'm really not sure why midi is so popular, but maybe by saying that I am admiting how green I really am.

[rseven]

There is nothing wrong with either of Cetoole's suggestions. Another option is the Gina 3G from Echo.
http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/PCI/Gina3G/index.php
I have one of the older versions of this card which I laid out $400 for back in 1998. It works from a break out box and it works quite well. The company continues to update and improve the drivers to this date! They still provide me with free tech support if I hit a snag with a new intallation. I have had this card in 5 different rigs. It is not cheap, but I believe it's the best. Good luck with your recordings.