Here Is Useful Tips
First of all, before buyin anything, make your ears do some homework.
Do couple of beats with reason then compare to commercial mixes. YES IT WILL NOT BE as loud, but you can see a little where you're going. Now, what is your style : try a little from everything? An ol skool aficionados? A clubbin g ?
In every case you are well started with reason, then later you'll might try somethin more expensive with a synth or a synth module.
I don't know wut is your budget but here is a list of thing i like. A good sound card and inexpensive one is the M-Audio Audiophile 24/96 for approximately 150 $ US max. I recommand you to not make the same mistake as me : get used RIGHT NOW to a midi keyboard controller. You can buy one for 100$.
Good monitors help too. They will make you hear the mix much more clearer and flat than with audio system speaker. Don't be fooled by the manufacturers always sayin they're product are 100% flat. They all have they're particular sound. It is to you to try it to see if you like the response. After it's your job to know how they sound and how to mix. There again pass few days listenin to commercial tracks you like to know how your speakers sound.
Monitors I can recommand you that are good for hip-hop under 500 $ are : M-Audio BX-8, Beringher Truths, or Tannoy Reveal. I don't know exactly the price they all change from day to day.
A good microphone can be bought for 100 $. The beringher B-1 is not good don't buy it, but look for an AKG, a Studio Project B1 or C1, or a Rode NT-1. A good mic preamp and your in business.
If you have the time and money do yourself a vocal booth, but if not, go to Wal-Mart, buy 6 or 7 bags of yellow matress, you know like in summer camp, for 10$ each and fix in on the walls of your room.It will make it sound deadener will not boxy.That type of material let pass some air so it's perfect for low budget.
Holla Ace (Check out my website - in construction -
www.acebeatz.com)