Midi routing question for a bunch of outboard shizz

So I have a fairly basic routing question, but before I go buy something I want to make sure I've got this right.

I have an mpc5000, that is my sequencing and general brain of the operation. I have the following outboard modules - Akai z8, Roland XV3080, Access Virus B, Korg EMX1, Novation KS Rack (not actually here but on it's way), and a dinky little computer I use for some synth stuff, but generally as a sequencer for my mpc. I have a midi keyboard (Keystation Pro 88) and I do all of my recording on an Akai DPS24.

I figure I'm going to need a midi patch bay to run all this. My basic understanding of all of this is I need a patch bay with as many ins and outs as I have machines. I want all of these to be able to dump in to the mpc/computer. So, with 8 pieces of gear need both ins and outs (the keyboard just needs out), do I need an 8x8 patch bay? Where I really get confused is the dumps. I need to be able to have every machine plug in to the mpc, right?

Before anyone can suggest anything helpful, tell us...

1. What computer platform are you on , PC or Mac?
2. What audio interface are you using?
3. What DAW are you using to host virtual instruments/ plug-ins, if any?
4. Are you using a hardware mixer, if so which one.
5. Which is your main sequencer, the MPC or DAW? In your post you alluded to both...
6. What do you mean by 'I want all of these to...dump into mpc/ computer'?
7. What is the total number of audio outputs for all of your sound sources?

manji wrote:6. What do you mean by 'I want all of these to...dump into mpc/ computer'?

this one got me too. do you mean 'dump' as in, dump sysex / midi sample info? (sounds a little suspect to me...)
do you mean 'dump' as in, all midi from the modules goes back to the sequencer?
do you REALLY need to 'dump' back to the mpc?

since you're on mpc forums i'll explain briefly how to do it with mpc as sequencer.

master / controller keyboard midi out to mpc midi in. now you can play the mpc + anything connected to it with that keyboard.

to make your modules make sound...
midi out of mpc to one module.
now midi thru of that module to the next module.
now midi thru of that module to the next module.
now midi thru of that module to the next module.
....get the picture?

you can also use a separate 'chain' of devices by using all mpc midi outs (i would recommend this, keep the 'chains' of devices as short as possible.

now, if you want to record info BACK from the synths (knob tweaks i guess...might not necessary honestly), things get a little more complicated since you're running out of ports. your best bet is to configure the keystation to control the parameters of any synth, then you don't need to touch the individual boxes as you can tweak from keystation, and it will already be plugged into the mpc ready to record.
long story short, consider if you REALLY need midi out from the modules going back to the mpc (my guess is you really don't).

the hardest part of all of this is making sure each module is:
1) receiving on only one midi channel
2) an mpc track to control each module is assigned to the appropriate port + channel
3) transmitting on only one channel
4) your mpc is set up to record the midi coming back to it in the appropriate place.

once you get the computer involved, things also get more complicated as now you're trying to use two sequencers.

this should get you started. just play around with it.
and no i dont think you need a patchbay.

it's all possible, for sure, and your manuals for each piece of gear are your best friend in this case.