Nice rig. Those Electrix guys didn't fuck around!

What do I consider "Groove?" Here goes....

To me, groove-based composition is just that; music where the first and most important element is the groove. That usually means dance music and includes Hip-Hop, House, Breaks, Bossa, Dub, Jungle....but is by no means limited to those forms. Lots of old Funk is groove. Lots of Raggae, too. Acid Jazz. Most old Disco (though, strangely, most of that stuff bores me).

The goal of Groove-Based Composition is to get the asses of the girls moving on the dance-floor. Everything else is dressing. Like Miles Davis said "...if there's only dudes dancin', you ain't doin' your job." Even in tribal situations out in the African bush, women control the dance. If they dance, the men will dance.

And yes, I can recommend the Microkorg. Especially if you're gonna take it gigging, though if you have the hands for a full-sized keyboard, an MS 2000 isn't that much more and will be a satisfying instrument. Just as your favourite mixers and turntables have a "feel" so should your synth.

As for vox work, an SM58 with its cardioid pattern is better for gigging but for recording, go with the NT1A.

Peace