Audio Interface Questions for performing live with Ableton

[metrowilliams]

i'm fairly new to ableton. i've now done 5 gigs using a macbook running ableton. So far i've run everything out as a stereo output (either mini jack going into built in headphone jack on macbook or left and right outputs from a motu soundcard). However the sound hasn't been quite right. So i was wondering would it be better to get an audio interface with multiple outputs so i can run different stems through different outputs. For example,

Drums - outputs 1 & 2
Bass - outputs 3
Synths - outputs 4 & 5
Backing vocals - outputs 6 & 7
Misc - outputs 8

This would give the sound engineer more flexibility. But would it improve my overall sound? How many of you send to multiple outputs rather than stereo left and right when you perform live. Has anyone tried both and noticed a significany difference? Are there any really good quality audio interfaces you can recommend?

Just wanted to start a discussion about this to help me find the right road

Metro

[Cezband]

I always find myself wondering about this - the debate has been had a few times before on here. It basically comes down to if you want to mix the elements yourself (because you know your music best) or if you want the sound guy to do it (because he knows the venue and system best).

Personally, I've only got 4 out so I get the decision made for me