whew... that was a long one to read three times
although i make music with the computer now (sold all my outboard gear) but i do not cut corners when it comes to software and test any hardware before putting my trust in it.
even if all my sounds are generated by the computer i do not mix them directly in there. i bounce every track to analog and back to digital for the final mix. the reason for that is that this method emulates the use of an outboard sampler and make the signal travel through a few converters, giving it a more "real" and "analog" sound (fat even). especially with soft syths like BassStation or Moog Modular. it prevents the sound from sounding too digital.
which is why you should not be affraid to use your outputs and record from them.
when one of my bands come in with their MPC, i hook up all the outputs and record individual tracks from them into Cubase for mixing. it's the only way of preserving "the Akai sound". if they have more than 8 tracks or if (i usually do) i want to isolate every part of a drum line, i do multiple takes and record 8 tracks at a time. that way i process every sound individually in the mix.
you are right to find computers to sound stale. that's only when you use free, cheap or built-in processing tools (EQ, Compressor, Effects..). i use Cubase SX2 and don't even use any of the buil-in tools. not even the EQ. i use Sonalksis EQ and now Compressor and some times i use some of the WAVES stuff if i want and old type of sound but still quality. those are just a few examples.
if you feel like the MPC4000 is your weapon of choice then i would suggest that you concentrate on a good mixer (16/8 or more) and use all of the outputs. that way you process your sound with nice analog EQ and get compressor. you'll have 8 extra channels fo your synths and can use 2 of the mixer's outputs to route into your MPC's inputs and record the sytnths in there when your mix is ready.
that way, you'd be composing with the MPC, mixing with the mixer and recording with the MPC. once your track is mixed you can then run it from the Stereo out of the MPC and use outbord gear to master it.
like in the old days after all.
when i was only a musician/composer that's the way i operated and those were the good'old days. it was pure creative bliss. now it's my bread-and-butter work that forces me to use a DAW computer.
i think that in your case, a computer would be more suited to preparing samples with, for example, Sound Forge or Akai packaging apps, and CD writing (if your MPC does not have one).
on the subject of XLR outputs.
the use of XLR outputs is the same as 1/4" balanced and will allow you to run much longer cables. that's what it's for. if i remember correctly, the 1/4" outputs of the MPC are balanced and should be the same.
