i want a drum machine, not sure which

[kylehasgeniusbits]

I want to be able to create beats for songs as part of my writing process. For example, I would go through a certain number of bars and create a part where the kick and snare do something, then go back and put in high hat and maybe other cymbals. Then I would write guitar parts, bass parts, etc over that.

So I would like something I could "play" with buttons. Something that quantizes, something that has midi out.

Actually I'm so new to this I don't know what it is I want or will need. Can someone give me some of the major features you might find in both unit and software based drum machines? I don't know many of the technical terms I read about and simply don't know enough to even know all the questions I should ask.

Thanks in advance.

[phaseIIskater4]

EZDrummer is pretty awesome. You can choose grooves, kits, time signatures. Anything really. Even your own samples. It may be pricy but worth it. EZDrummer is a VST plugin that is more oriented toward pop and rock mixes. It matches the tempo you select with your click track. You can go through the grooves and listen to what you want. When you find one you like, you drag and drop your mix. Pretty simple. From there you can edit it further in whichever program you use. It has a humanize feature as well. If you're looking for something more drum'n bass oriented, can't really help.

[boabstewart]

Addictive drums are about the best I have heard for the price about £160. Great editing