As a (very) novice beatmaker I still struggle with Reason. I understand the controls but I find myself involved with too many options and occasionnally becoming frustrated when I can't achieve a particular sound. I guess I need to keep working at it.
I think I've produced maybe one decent beat on Reason. I'll never be in the league of Alias or Oints or Nyambz etcetera, but hopefully I can hold my own one day.
And my studio setup is sounding fresh at the moment, as everyone here will understand very shortly...