OK, I NEED A REALISTIC OPINION..THANKS

I am looking for some real advice on which way to go with recording. Here is my set up so you know what is going on. I have a 4000 w/ 8 outs a midi Keyboard hooked to that. I have one turntable and mixer. and that is about it for now. I creat my music with that and us the mpc for mostly everything...
I want to start recording my songs... and have the option to bring the songs (wav. file cd) to a studio and dump it into pro tools or something so someone can mix and master...

should I get a stand alone recorder like the korg 1600 or a computer with software/hardware... like pro tools?? I have looked at both avenues and I think it really comes down to, I want to have an easy, quick way to lay down the songs with good quality ...then bring them to a studio if I realy wanted to.... and mix and master add effect to them for a cd. I am looking to spend about 1500 dollars. any thoughts on both

I mostly create hip hop beats. if that helps.... thanks for all the thoughts.

For what your asking I think you already have everything you need, if your going to take your tracks to a real studio then there is no need for a multitrack recorder, maybe you could spend the money on a dope ass preamp like this... http://www.mercenaryaudio.com/greatrivmp1.html

do you already have a computer to use? thats really the issue here. if you already got one, you can spend the money on a soundcard and software. my advice to you is to check out all the different software programs and decide what you like the best. many prefer pro tools, but there are numerous other options. the main thing is to make sure that you go with a program that can export OMF files. that way you can go to a major studio and take your sesion there. if they have pro tools and you dont and you have OMF interchange available, your session will pop up in pro tools fine. so i would suggest the computer route if you are looking to just get your stuffed tracked out and ready to take to a major studio. good luck.

Kill a couple of these birds with one stone. Get a PC, purchase a multitrack program and sound card. Learn how to master on your own.
That way you depend on yourself to master and record.

Thanks for the response.... I guess If I bought a stand alone machine. I will be limiting myself and will find that out after about 6 months....

I don't have a computer, but I do have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, I have a nice pair powered monitors so I am ok there. the thing I need is the tower itself.....

I am not very computer literate and I am slowly learning the mpc....

It's been said that I should just get a good used g4 tower and do all my music on mac.... but if I want a pc I should build it myself.

well, thanks. I will work something out

Yeah, MAC or PC. But a computer nonetheless can definitely play a nice part in your setup.