young le:
Software offers flexibility and value that a lot of hardware sequencers don't offer. With relatively little money, you can use a sequencer like Logic, Sonar, or Cubase, and use 60-80+ assignable MIDI values to manipulate. For example, you can draw in every velocity value you want, or have the program randomise the velocity between x and y stipulated values.
Software offers precise manipulation of MIDI trigger notes up to 128 notes and triplet values, which is great, along with decimal point bpm notation. I am aware of the power that an AKAI MPC has, or something different, like an actual drum machine.
However, I think for cost and benefit, and properly utilised sequencer programme like Sonar, will give you the best output for money invested. Remember, you can use soundfonts, as well as manipulate other samples through an applied soundfont format to get what you want.
Reason is a tremendous programme, however, I think there are others that will aid you in more respects than Reason, unless you want to be confined necessarily to the context of the programme.
Sincerely,
God