control surface, or output to analog mixer

just want some views on this.

would you go straight from 8 outs on mpc, to

1) external preamps, to digi 02 rack

2) go from the 8 outs on mp, to ad converter, then into 02

or

3) combine the above, 1 or 2 or both, and mix through a control surface, keeping the tracks in the box aka, not outputing to external mixer,

or

mix frm mixer (soundcraft sx16) too small now, though.

i want the best sound quality, and since my mixer has become too, small, just wanted the best alternative, whether to buy, a new one, a control surface, or marry a smaller mixer to the present one.

I guess that depends on the quality of the mixer and the converters. And also if the boards eq is better than the one you use in your computer.
In a lot of studio's they still run their stuff trough an ssl or something, just to add some analog warmth.
But i think in a small project studio with a cheaper board it will do more harm than good. You'll have all that extra cable picking up hums and noize too.
The digi 02 converters are pretty good, so unless you're willing to spend serious money something like Apogee a/d converters i'd go straight into the digi and get a control surface.

k thanx man, at present i am running a soundcraft sx16 its a very much transparent board, but i was thinking the same thing. will work out sumting.