Any way to run audio THRU the MPC?

Sorry if this gets confusing - I have a Kaossilator Pro outputting into a Kaoss pad, which is outputting into my MPC500 (MPC is last because I don't want to the effects to affect the drums). My problem is that I can't hear the first two through the MPC unless I put the MPC into record mode, and when in that mode, I can't use track mute, switch sequences, etc.

Is there any way I can pass the audio through the MPC without putting it in record mode?

get a mixer... that is exactly what they do

No... but you can sort of do it with Record Mode.

I was hoping to put off getting a mixer and find a workaround (I know that's what they do), since I'm low on bread right now. Ok, thanks. Can anyone recommend a good affordable mixer/brand?

To get around this issue I've been thinking of getting my soldering iron out and wiring the inputs to the outputs. To do this properly though requires a bit more work than I'm willing to put in so that the main output doesn't bleed into the inputs. I'd even want to have a switch to turn this feature on or off since you cannot do it in software obviously.

If I ever get into the project I'll have to post some schematics for others that might want to do this. I'll have to pop the top off the 500 to see if there is even enough room to pull this off anyways.

EDIT:

Here's a link that might get somebody else started in this kind of a project.
http://www.tkk.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/linesum.html

That sounds hella risky...if you can pull it off let me know, but I don't know if I have a steady enough hand with a soldering iron. Until I can get a small mixing board, I'll just record each instrument separately and mix in Reaper or something like that. It'd be nice to have a thru connection in the MPC though.

Aye "Destinite", I would take the advice of the other user who said get a mixer, they are inexpensive compaired to other equipment and a mixer added with a audio interface will allow you to exactly what it is you want to attempt and port it to your laptop of pc.

I dont think you should try and find a way around it because mixers is very helpful in crossing equipment to add instruments n such from other devices.