mbl,
soundcards do not record, but they do convert the sound from analog to digital, when you are recording something into your hard disk. Without these A/D converters, a program like Cubase or Cakewalk could record just midi tracks (and not sound tracks too).
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Korg Kronos 61 and PA3X-Pro76, Roland G-70, BK7-m and Integra 7, Casio PX-5S, Fender Stratocaster with Fralin pickups, Fender Stratocaster with Kinman pickups, vintage Gibson SG standard.