getting started with connections can someone help??

I'm just getting started and i had some connection questions:

This is what i'm working with:

mac comp
mpc2000xl
mbox 2
tech 1200 turntable

1. would i connect the mpc to the mbox through a line input or midi input and what is the difference?

2. can the turntable be plugged into mpc input without a preamp if mpc is hooked into mbox?

3. should all the hardware connections be done after or before installing protools on computer? or does it even matter?

please advise...

thanks

1. www.tweakheadz.com

2. Yes, but a preamp is recommended sooner than later.

3. Connect all your hardware, install your drivers before installing protools.

2. Actually you will need a phono preamp of some kind otherwise your vinyl will sound really bass light and fuzzy because it will be missing the RIAA Eq that vinyl phono preamps add. The MPC 4000 and MV 8000 have these built in and so do DJ mixers but you will need to get one. Even an old Hi-Fi amp with a "Phono" input will do...

Thanks everyone. much appreciated..

i dont amp the signal from my turntable anymore. i ran out of those inputs so i gotta use the ones without preamps. yo but i get by. I just eq that b!cch and it sounds fine. but i guess you would need a little more then a 3 band eq to get a decent sound without a preamp.