My opinion:
Every recording studio I have seen uses a mixer to set up the audio.

My method;
Keyboard into Chanel 1 of the mixer � Voice � into channel 2. I used a stand-alone reverb unit and a BBE (Sound enhancer) plugged into the mixer which allowed me to add as much of each unit to the mix. Both the add-on units were of better quality than what was in the keyboard. From the mixer to a Mini Disk recorder.

A Mini Disk recorded has a better sound than a Mp3 but not as good as a wave file in a CD.

I have a friend who creates all his back tracks using the above methor; his recordings sound professional.

Hope this helps, John C.