You achieve good recording levels by mixing the seperate drums properly in relation to each other.(and then add a tad of compression to tighten it all up
...Like when im doing drums, if the snare drum is too loud in the mix... I pull that level back on that one insrument... I would not use compression to fix this scenario...
.....To actually change instrument levels you gotta use alot of compression, which will make the drums sound so squashed and thin, that it might vary well be the source of your "non-pro sound"
...Try and keep your drums seperate in the mix.. and use your meters.... I can almost mix drums silently, just by watching the meters.. I mean I still need ears to eq them, but the levels show right on the meter(s)...
....For instance (when I mix) a seperate snare and bass drum beat , I want to make both meters meter to the same level, and you do that my pulling back or adding...
I doubt you will find a commercialy released modern pop song that uses stand alone drum machines or at least very few..... Almost everyone uses DAW and Samplers...Loops etc....
..Bif Naked's new CD "Purge" uses Roland Dr. Rythm 550 mkII (or similar) and you can hear the sterilness throughout...
....The "hit" thats on the radio "I love myself Today" is the only song with live drums.. and there is a major difference when you play that track.... those drums are sweet, and they are nite and day compared to the rest of the album...... But now im getting totally off topic
Roland has a drum machine out called DR Groove.. It's got some decent sounds... maybe try that...
See if you can rent a few different ones, and give them test drives..
I hope this helps you.... Im trying
BG