Right, before you go spanking loads of money on stuff, why not pick up a copy of rebirth and see how you get on with that. That way if you've got any stuff you need to learn you don't have kit idling.

When you do finally want to take the plunge, you'll need a decent sequencer, any of the analog 303 clone machines, a decent sampler (for drums and one-shots) and an all round synth for any track bulking pads, etc.

Effects is a different matter, you'd be best like I said working out what you want to do virtually and then moving up to the proper gear.

- qUE