I know this site is primarily about keyboards/synths but I do not know of any other forums that would be able to give an answer to this type of question.

How are fast or intricate drum beats made? I understand a drum machine would be needed for all the sample of the drums but all the intricacies that are set up are they done in software like Cubase?

I have loads of beats etc in my head but I have no idea how to get them down, is it just the pianstaking process of sitting down and clicking into rythm all the pieces?

In my head I always seem to think of some analogue input, i.e. using a keyboard somehow to input the individual beat layers? Can this be done, is it a good method?

On the otherhand, which Drum machine is best for a beginner like me. I wish it to be in a cheap price range as I am also a big fan of experimentation. There is no point just buying the best on the market outright as it isn't individual.

Cheers.