Reply to synths

hey guys

i know that strictly speaking this isnt the place but thought someone might know what im on about

basically id like to get a synthesiser to go with my current setup (Xponent, nanopad and control). id like to be able to just play the synth through my speakers, but also to record on my pc and to use it as a midi control for triggers etc

how can i accomplish these last 2 things? is it a case of 'need to buy an interface' or is there some sort of workaround (usb-midi cables maybe?)

cheers guys, great community running here

edit: should have mentioned synth in question is most likely a microkorg or something of that region, any recommendations? :P