Bongo Drums

[nvisibl]

I'm using the EMU Planet Earth sound module to incorporate Bongos/ Ethnic drums into my mixes but I just cant obtain the real feel from them. i.e. sounding like a big afro dude is actually playing them for real.

The samples from the module are fine realistic quality, its more down to my own input/ programming I think.

Anyone any tips on playing and obtaining the real feel?

I notice when I listen to Tribal tracks or anything with Bongo's in them that the velocity of each hit seems to be quite varied overall. So was thinking that I could vary the velocity of each note within a Bongo part, perhaps using a randomise function if possible? You know like setting maximum and minimum threshold levels and having all notes within the range at random velocity?

Does anyone know if Cubase SX3 allows for this in some way?
I'd rather not do it manually.