MPC/Mac/PT Free/Reason questions

Trying to work out how to get the best out of my current equipment, maybe folks in a similar position can give their opinions:

I have 2000xl + g4 mac with (old version of) reason & protools free. No other gear at this point.

1. can I just track from mpc into pt free thru the audio in jack on the mac (3.5) or will that sound like shite? Would a cheap usb midi/audio in (rca's) sound much better?. I know that Pt free wont work with more expensive audio interfaces. But in the end is it worth it sound quality wise or do I need to get better hardware/software?

2. Plan to use the soft synth in reason to add a bit of flavor to my mpc stuff (noises/bass). But would it be better to just sample stuff into the MPC from the computer (either sampling a few hits and playing them in mpc or playing a riff in reason using mpc as controller then sampling the riff into the mpc) or instead to run a midi link to reason and sequence from the mpc and then export say a bassline into PT free?

The ideal for me would be able to make 2,4,8 bar sections in mpc and then cut/paste/compose more complex whole songs in PT free. Is this setup up to it? or are there other cheap options?

Thanks again (I learn something useful with every visit to this site) Much respect to all of you: many other music prod forums have degenerated into some pretty wack #$%@
Pete

yeah you dont want to record in through that little sound in jack on yer mac.you will lose a lot of quality.midiman / m-audio make some real sweet audio interfaces that will work with any audio software.do some research and deff get a sound card

Digidesign MBox is your answer. Also there is a helper for working with Reason and Pro Tools simultaneously in OS9. Its called Refuse. A $29.00 lifesaver. Check it out.

http://www.refusesoftware.com/

Peace.

homershines

for phat drum sounds & samples
contact me at [email protected]-o-m

thanks for the knowledgeable advice!

Pete

thanks for the knowledgeable advice!

Pete