Ambience would be close Jim ;) When I say surrounding sounds, I just mean the sampling of sounds outside the ground of the track (the kick, snares and bass itself). Its just a term that I use for myself I guess, sorry if I confused anyone hehe.

Jim & Basil: What sampling instruments do you use? You think I go with the direction of software as I am a beginner?

Never heard of Shure, any good?

With samplers, you need a mic either way dont you? To record your sounds.