As above.
Sorry didnt notice you'd chose a soundcard.
I would recommend a lot of research as some will definitely run better than others, a lot are optimized for pc use where the Apogee is Mac only. Sounds really good and integrates into OSX so you can use the keyboard controls etc which can be handy. Ive had 3 or 4 different interfaces in the last few years inc a couple of Firewire cards but for me this is the best all round Mac interface. Its not just because its expensive either, the 4 or 5 people I know that own it do nothing but praise it both on sound quality, build and the integration.

It's never too late to start learning, mate...I do think you are going to try to learn too much!

I think it's better to start producing with Ableton, with just a keyboard controller and a decent set of speakers (I even have my doubts if that is a good idea, because having a nice set of monitors is going to make you focus on the mix a lot, which is another thing that'll take your focus away from the actual music making)

Think about everything you've got to learn:
-You want to get comfortable using Ableton to produce
-You are going to learn about sound design (which Vst's are you going to use btw?)
-You are going to learn about meldoy, harmony etc.
-You are going to learn about composition
-You are going to learn about effects and mixing
-You are going to learn how to use your controllers

etc. etc.

That's a lot of learning! I think it's best to do that in small steps, learn to walk before you can run! So get comfortable with ableton, even if it's just with a laptop and a pair of headphones...Just make whatever you feel comfortable with, try to learn something about sound design, music theory...But most of all: enjoy! And when you're sure there's something that's missing in your setup, then it's time to add something. By then you'll probably know exactly what it is that's missing.

Great post Rauwdouwer

I like the Ableton suggestion as well. It's a great environment for experimenting because of all the different ways you can hook things up, but mostly for its general "hit record"-ability. You might also consider Reaper for similar reasons.

The most important thing to learn first is music theory. Whether you’re making jump up or ambient, you need fundamental theory under your belt, just basic scales etc. I’ve been making music for 7 years, only learning theory for the last 2, the improvement is through the roof. You cannot repeat cannot make good music without theory.
I just have PC and good monitors, keyboard, that is all.

that's really not true - and I'm no slouch when it comes to that stuff (studied theory & composition with a very hardcore prof)

it can be helpful but it's easy to get stuck thinking in terms of traditional western harmony

It depends. If you don't listen to a wide variety of music, you will probably make shit music forever without knowing how anything works, but lots of people can get by because they listen to so much music they can just wing it and know what sounds good. By listening to music, I mean really listening to music. Having something running in the background while you are concentrating on something else is not listening to music.

I think drum and bass(I mean proper stuff, not all this pop crap, Calibre etc) is more down to tricks/techniques rather than musical theory, and the only way you will learn the techniques is by playing with the software. I mean a lot of the best tunes were not near perfect but actually thats what made it so good.
I'm not saying that the theory isnt required, just that I dont think it needs to be the first thing you learn. Learn the DAW and how to make some beats etc before worrying too much.
I doubt much of this new pop crap was made with any musical knowledge, most has 2 or 3 notes.

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You must have a really weird deffinition of what 'good music' is.
Sabre, his music is pretty good, doesn't know the firs thing about theory.

Add to this a whole list (probably the majority) of popular producers and you've just cornered yourself into only thinking a tiny portion of music is 'good music'... But I doubt you've done that, I think you just haven't thought about this before you've said it..

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