ok ok, take it from me. u either wanna use fruity loops or reason, cubase isn't for beats. it's for midi sequencing and recording. Fruity loops 5 is a good start, i haven't tried reason yet cause i haven't found a need for it. But i heard a shitload of good reviews about it. and if u ever plan on gettin serious wit audio, then u may wanna get a mac. and.... mac's aren't compatible wit fruity loops. but... it is compatible wit reason. so weigh out ur options.