Well... yes, you're pretty much right, except for the inputs - there is, in fact, a 1/4" input and a 1/4" out for headphones. There are also midi inputs, RCA in and outs and what I think is a mini in/out for DAT recorders or such. Then there are optical in/outs (whatever that is) and a firewire jack. Yes, it's a card with the connection box up front - not at drive, I don't think. The card also has the usual jacks on the back of the computer. I find it pretty nice to be able to plug in on the front and to have volume controls there for both the mic in and headphone out. Listen, I'm no expert on this stuff and I'm still trying ot figure out how to run it and to find some kind of mixing/recording software that I can understand! So - I like the set up, for what I know of it - which ain't much! Lane