line 6 Protone USB recording interface is becoming an 'industry standard'
entry level low cost good semi-pro quality
portable means of turning computers into prcticable 'home recording studios'

http://www.line6.com/toneport/


if he also needs midi connectivity to run external sound modules
and synths etc from a software sequencer..
the likes of e-mu and m-audio etc.
market a plethora of lower cost high quality soundcards
and usb/midi interfaces..