Have used various sequencing programs over the years including PRO.24.
I've been using Cubase VST for the last few years now though.
I have a Behringer desk along with several old synth ( like SH101s & D50s ), but I generally use the sound blaster on board synths these days along with some extra plug in synths.
The bass, guitars & vocals are all hooked up to the comp via the desk, which has my old Yamaha compressor/limiter patched into it.
I have 2 young kids ( the eldest is 1 & the youngest is 3wks old ), so I've had to do most of my mixing using headphones.( Dunno if anyone else has this prob, but mixing with headphones isn't the best way to stuff? )
I would prefere to have the sound wide open. That way you can hear exactly what's going on.
Anyway, hope this is the typ of answer you were looking for?
Have a listen to some of the samples on my site & let me know what you think.