im looking for a soundcard 4 my mpc 2000 preferably external

im looking for a soundcard 4 my mpc 2000 preferably external so i can use my pc with my mpc.and dont wana spend loads of money,just need the bare essentials.also what should i be looking for in a soundcard when i buy 1.oviosly it needs midi,but what? midi in? midi out? how many midi ports should be on the soundcard? n e help very appreciated

Check out the Echo MIA midi. I think m-audio makes cards with midi aswell. If you want something real nice an RME DIGI 96/8 PAD or PST is an awesome sounding card. I use a PST and a USB Steinberg MIDEX 3 Midi interface. These days you can pick up this kinda stuff fairly cheap on eBay.

Cheers and best of luck.