Need help with trying to put together a home recording studio

[TreYates]

Im trying to put together a home studio and im wondering what all i need to buy to sound professional. I bought an Audio Technica ATR2500 and im using Audacity for software. I've tried to record a couple songs but i can't get a nice professional sound. Im not sure if i need a sound card and if i do, do i need an internal or external sound card for the best quality? Or even a new microphone?

 

[esco_sid]

External sound cards are better as inside a computer the environment is too noisy. microphone might also improve the quality. This is probably not the correct forum to ask these questions it is more computer hardware related try head-fi.org forums they will know more about your needs.

 

[americanaudiophile]

You can't expect an inexpensive USB mic to sound like real studio grade mics. You might want to check out Computer Music magazine.