Components for building a computer for recording music....

To start off with I use an MPC 2000XL, and have access to a Korg Triton and Yamaha Motif. I've created beats using these and I have this part of being my own powerhouse mastered. Now I want to step into mixing down the beats, recording vocals to the beats, and mixing that down and recording a CD. I want to be able to do this from a computer.

I'm willing to build my own computer to do this from. Basically I want to build my own studio that I can crank out professional sounding music from. So I want the best equipment with the best price possible. Can anybody help me out. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack if you don't know what you're looking for.

I was thinking about getting a Tascam US-428. Good choice or not?

Thanks in advance.

The key to good sound with a computer is the soundcard. Get something high quality. The next thing that's important is high quality FX plug-ins. The rest of the stuff doesn't really affect the sound. The RAM, CPU, graphics card, none of that affects the sound itself, unless you have a really slow processor or low amount of RAM. As far as sound cards, I have a Layla24 which I like. Other good options are the Delta 1010, and the MOTU828. Or if you want to go the ProTool route, you got the Digi002 system. For FX, I like the Waves plug-ins. They are pretty good sounding plug-ins. Probably not as good as high end outboard gear, but they sound real good.