>just want to run 5-10 nice instruments with some sampled
>percussion with effects in realtime and with midi control.  Since I only
>have a Pentium 200 MMX and a Soundblaster which offers nothing for helping
>audio, I'm curious as to how much computor one needs 
 
One word Ken : Kyma !

Possible solution to anyone's realtime audio/synthesis needs.
 
Black box with between2 and 8 ,66MHz, Motorola 56002 DSPs .Works with 
Csound.GUI.But!->Costs between 
$4400 and @$8365.