qtm1,

Can you describe a little bit more on your computer configuration - like what processor, how much memory, what size of hard disk ... etc so that we can comment more specifically on your need. Without knowing all your PC configuration, I must say that if you have a desktop PC, you probably want to connect the Roland XP-30 using a serial port of your PC and the "to-host" port on the XP-30 with a minidin-8-to-DB9 serial cable with appropriate serial cable driver installed on your PC. This way you can save your money on the sound card/MIDI interface unless you want to digitize sounds too. If you have a laptop PC, I would recommend using USB MIDI interface - they are light weight, self-powered and does not require rebooting to take effect on installation (plug-and-play any time you want).

Paul Ip
from Texas