soundcards vs audio interfaces

[FrankyBlanks]

Hello all, sorry for the newb question but Im looking to add some stuff to my current setup. I am looking to add some monitors and an interface. I have a mac and ableton. Can I get an ultra light and some genelecs and be done with it or do I need to get something else? Whats the difference between a sound card and an audio interface?

[x_x]

welcome

Here is a very helpful link:
http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

btw anyone who reads this, I'm looking for a $200usd external usb audio interface... any suggestions? emu 0404 or m-audio fast track mobile pro?? thanks

wuwuwa

[FrankyBlanks]

thank you for your reply it cleared up my questions. This is recommended by some people I have respect for on the ableton forum: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Line-6-TonePort-UX2-USB-Recording-Modeling-Interface-103373684-i1126367.gc

[x_x]

that looks like a nice piece of equipment, but it seems to lack midi support, it doesn't say anything about 48v phantom power for condenser mics and it says "latency free" is that even possible? but it has great reviews, maybe buy a midi interface and this, and I have a tube preamp for my condenser mic. thanks for posting it

[FrankyBlanks]

maybe I posted the wrong interface Ill search for the post.