Sick of analog mixing board What to do...

I have been making beats with my 2000xl for a couple of years and want to start recording some songs with vocals, scratch hooks and what not. I have a 24 channel board but am getting sick of constantly changing settings every time I want to work on a different beat. What is the best way to integrate my MPC with a computer to record the beat with vocals and scratching? Do I need the 8 output expansion board, I currently do not have? I want to do all sampling, sequencing with the MPC and just record and mix and add effects with the computer. WHat program(s) should I get? What soundcard? Can I solo the track on the MPC and record into the computer or can the 8 outs go right in to 8 tracks on the computer? I have never used a computer for any music application and appreciate any and all information that anyone can provide.

Thanks,
J

My own computer set-up is a Mac G4 running Logic. I've got a basic USB soundcard made by eMagic (who used to produce Logic until Apple took it over.) This has 6 inputs so I can record 6 MPC outputs simultaneously. The MPC 8 outs would be useful just because it is quicker than recording one track at a time & trying to line them up, however there isn't much point in getting the 8 outs if you have a soundcard with just stereo ins.......unless you keep the mixer you are wanting to replace.

I think you will find that all the computer music programs you have probably heard of, like Logic, Cubase, ProTools, Ableton Live etc. will all do the job you want but in different ways. I'd start by getting hold of one of the monthly music technology magazines to see what all the options are.

However, from your initial description about what you are getting fed up with perhaps you should look into digital mixers as another possibility