drum modules question

Hi,

a basic question first...

the drum machines like the novation d-station or the rack-attack - how do I use them with cubase? is it with sending midi notes to their channels loaded with a drum sound or do they play loops and patterns and i can send midi notes to trigger/stop them?

I want to get a drum rack module that i can program with loops or patterns and record it with bpm sync in cubase... have control over effects,reverb, filter and so on... in real time...
can they do it? other things?

what will be best? a sampler? a drum machine?

what's the best drum rack offer with 500$ price range that you know i can get with trance/dance/house drums orientation?

thanks.