Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Saw your question about getting a midi studio together and remembered 
how tough it was to wade through all the equipment and jargon.
Since I'm a penny pincher, here is what I would do.

you will need a good software program I use and recommend Sonar XL 
$399 

you will need a good soundcard that has as many ins and outs as you 
can afford. I like the Delta cards. I have the Delta 44 (4 ins and 4 
outs). I need the Delta 8/8 or 10/10. range of $299 to $499

You will need a good set of studio monitors. I have a set of the 
smaller Yamahas. Range of $300 up to several $K.

You will need a port device for your Midi instuments. I a midiman 
midisport 2x2 as I only have 2 midi instruments a Korg N1 and the 
DTXpress drums. $50

You will need enough cables to hook it all together. DO NOT skimp on 
the cables buy quality. Also dont buy any longer than you need. $200 
to $300

You will want to have a midi keyboard that is at least of medium 
grade. You don't need one with a lot of doodads because the SONAR 
sofware is packed with them. Do get one that has good quality sounds.

You may want a pair of head phones. $29 to $150.

If you don't have any amps for your guitar, just get a preamp. I have 
a midiman Audio Buddy. $150 ???

The preamp will also be nessessary if you want to use a microphone.

You will want a mic or two. I like the Shure sm57 ($69) for an all 
around. A good instrument mic is the Oktava MC 012-01. $150

Mic Stands $25 to $60.

Lastly, you will need a way to be able to get all of your instruments 
and the sound from the sound card into the speakers. I think there 
are various ways to do this. I use a Mackie 1202VLZ $350. You can get 
used mixers all over the place. Get one that has a "send" for each 
channel on the board (mine doesn't). This is important if you have 
alot of non midi instruments ie guitars and mics. This is because you 
want a way to hear the instruments when the midi is not being 
utilized. Also a powered boars will provide the amps you need to get 
sound from your mics. This will eliminate the need for the afor 
mentioned preamp.

That is it. Good Luck