The best audio interface with Mac Mini using new & existing equipment?

Question

Hi,
I got my existing set-up back in 2003. I'm now about to update it.
I've talked to Apple Technical Support re which computer is best for me.
Some important questions remain in terms of the audio interface or sound bridge I should use.
I've detailed below my existing set-up, my existing configuration, my desired set-up (as recommended by Apple expert) and questions I have.
Existing set-up:
Hardware...
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
3. PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
4. MOTU 2408 mk3
5. Quested monitors
6. Focusrite Session Pack ff ISA220 compressor
7. MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface)
8. Keyboard (yet to choose - I'll explain later)
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Tiger 10.4.11 operating system
12. Logic Studio 8 music program
Desired set-up:
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. Mac Mini full spec = £999.00
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. Quested monitors
6. _______________________________________
7. _______________________________________
8. _______________________________________
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Top-end operating system = Comes with Mac Mini
12. Logic Pro X music program = £139.99
Existing configuration:
ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor goes into PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
MOTU 2408 mk3 used as my audio interface for sound in and sound out. This means that the sound comes out of computer via the MOTU 2408 and out of my Quested monitors (they are active so self-powered) which are attached to the MOTU's outputs.
When I record vocals I sing into my ADK microphone (this microphone sources its own power from its own box which also feeds it Phantom Power) which is connected by a mic to jack cable to the Focusrite compressor which is connected by jack to jack cable to the MOTU 2408 which then goes into my computer via a firewire cable.
When I play keyboards or use my keyboard as a midi controller it connects to my computer via the MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface).
I don't currently have a keyboard. I used to use my basic Yamaha PSR-540 keyboard as a midi controller but as it's not weighted and faulty I needed to get a new one. We got a new one via Thomann which was the M-Audio Pro Keys 88 keyboard but this quickly became faulty. We returned it and have since been considering other weighted keyboards. I am simply wanting a keyboard with Aftertouch, either 76 or 88 keys, weighted keys and very importantly, hammer action where the action is fast. I don't care for other controllers on the keyboard, on-board sounds, iPad compatibility or whatever.
My Questions:
Q1) Can you recommend any keyboards meeting my specifications?
Q2) I can't imagine any of the Blue or other USB mics competing with my ADK and I'm quite happy with it. For vocals and when I've wanted to play the keyboard in as audio (not as a midi controller) I've used the Focusrite compressor to boost the sound. I'm not using many functions/presets on the compressor as I know it's best to record the sound of vocals mostly raw, is this correct, and if so is it worth me continuing to use this compressor or sell it?
Q3) Do I need to have the MOTU micro lite (midi to usb) unit? Don't most keyboards these days connect direct usb to usb on the computer?
Q4) I'm happy and used to the sound out from my Quested monitors. I'm happy and used to the sound in using my ADK microphone. What do I need for these to work best with the Mac Mini? Is my MOTU 2408 good for this, or is another MOTU product needed, or another product altogether?
Q5) Depending on (Q4) do I need a soundcard installed in the Mac Mini as I read on a forum that these days the audio interface acts like the soundcard?
Q6) I have such a bad connection to the internet it's like I have Dial-up!!! I use Airport Wireless which is connected to a router downstairs, which is 02 Broadband. Internet's not an issue downstairs on my girlfriend's intel PC which also uses a wireless connection but not Airport. Is this a problem because of my Airport, or do I need to get a router for upstairs, or should I connect it directy to the router downstairs by ethernet cable?
Many thanks!

Answer 1

Is there a reason you don't want to use your current Tascam?