A Solid Hip Hop Setup

I'm trying desperately to figure out a SOLID set-up to get the most out of my project studio. I got a Trinity Rack for bass lines and chords and some effects, of course the mighty MPC2000xl and Cubase 5, Pro Logic, WaveLab 4 and Cool Edit Pro (my favorite!) Also, have a Numark deck running into the PC via Behringer mixer as well. I'm trying to get my beats to bang! What is Dr. Dre and Tim and Just Blaze and the rest doing to get their stuff to hit like they do?

Now, I've taken drums sounds from the Trin Rack into WaveLab and freq'd them, then placed the new drums on zip disc to transfer to the MPC--is this a cool method? The beats sound cool, but I'm not blown away--I want to be blown away.

I use Cubase, but its kinda clunky--I often opt for the Cool Edit because of its flexibility. I have to get the mix (instrumentation) tight, because I'm recording all my sequenced tracks from the MPC to two tracks, then I go back and do vocals on individual tracks because I can't seem to get Cool Edit to trigger the MPC. So, what's the best sequencer or multi tracker (software) to use with the MPC? I would like to mix the vocals and instruments at the same time.

Finally (whew!) is vinyl the best source for beats? I haven't heard a kit yet (on CD) that had over two or three sounds I like. Do I continue to go through my computer to get to the MPC or sample directly into the MPC? Also, should I get another sound module and if so, what are some good choices? Honestly, I'm not wanting to sound like everyone else, I just want my music to have that professional sound. That's the reason I got the MPC.

Someone please help me out! Please....

become an engineer...learn how to use compressors, play with eq, layer sounds that you think shouldn't go together, learn how to take the part of a sound that you like and put it where it's needed...there's no equipment to do all this stuff for you...Dre, Timbo, etc. have engineers to do this, you don't...I love computers but it's made people lazy....

i agree with offical part of it is enginering but it all comes down to samples used and kits and how you creativly use them, it's not about equipment cause you could make some bangers with just the mp and a crate of vinyl

word. the home producer is part:
Artist
MC
DJ
Engineer


you need skills from each of these to be a producer @ home. THe DJ skill is diggin for breaks and picking out breaks to sample

the artist is the ability to appreciate your music as the expression of emotion and to know how to play them up or down to manupulate the listner.

the MC in you will know if someone ca rip your track

the engineer will help you lock the parts down it their places and help you mix stuff down.

PZ

Hey, THANKS peeps for the input and suggestions!

peace be on to you....

IVE GOT A TRITON RACK, MPC2000XL AND A ROLAND VS1680 AND IVE LEARNED THAT IF YOU LEARN THE EQUIPTMENT YOU HAVE ,YOU CAN GET A GREAT SOUND AND ALSO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOUR SOUND IS MISSING SO THAT YOU ONLY BUY WHAT YOU NEED TO ACHEIVE IT. CREATIVITY IS THE KEY ALSO LEARNING ABOUT AUDIO RECORDING AND MIXING, (USE THE INTERNET TO LEARN ) AND PRACTICE, AND THE BEST MONITORS AND AUDIO CABLES YOU CAN AFFORD.