Practically, when in controller mode, is it possible to benefit from the DAW audio routing? I'd like to be able to explode the MPC tracks to several physical audio outs, using the studio analog setup to mix.

Or has the MPC the ability to temporarily serve as a host for the computer's plugins (which would be another set of technical questions). Now, how is it technically possible to have your DAW VSTs available from within the MPC? I mean, at some point the audio engine becomes the computer, then?

There is also an option to export your project from the Live to Ableton, and the Live has recently been updated to act as an Ableton controler, I'm no expert on this point, but I think it's more than an afterthought than anything else. I believe it doesn't makes sense to go the other way and it might not be compatible anymore. You can start a project in standalone mode and finish it later in controller mode with the added benefit of a true DAW. You can use any VST plugins you like, and you have now unlimited audio tracks instead of 8. It's compatible and somehow similar to the standalone mode, but actually using your computer processing power and storage. In controller mode : the Live becomes a controller for the MPC software DAW on your computer. This is the only mode I use, beacause it allows me to make electronic music without even turning on a computer. Standalone mode : self explanatory, the Live has its own OS, it behaves like legacy MPCs.

Mpc live 2 standalone