I only make concept beats really. If rapper is interested I add more stuff to it. If no interest is shown then I leave it as it is and propably never finish it.
My basslines got better when I got my midikeyboard. I play my bass wit no quantize so it'll be a little offbeat. It won't fight wit bassdrum so much anymore...
I don't like it either. Maybe I would collaborate with someone who is good with mixing 'n' shit, but if someone is trying to control my sounds.... NAAAAH!
My friends had Pro Tools - I had no tools...
Man, all you need is multitracking program (which you already have) and your ears to get the vocals match with the beat.
WHATTA FUCK... I wasn't supposed to write in this topic!?!?
Well if you need a better soundcard too then check out the M-Audio Ozone. It sure got a lot better soundcard than my itegrated one was =)