Drum machines are electronic musical instruments that allow users to create rhythmical beats and patterns. They have become an essential part of modern music production, used by producers and performers alike. So whether you produce downtempo or techno or any bpm in between we got you covered on drum machines.
For those unfamiliar with drum machines, they are similar to regular drum sets, but they are far more versatile and can be programmed to produce a wide range of sounds. Drum machines can also be used in a live setting to provide the foundation of a song.
There are two main types of drum machines: analog and digital. Analog drum machines use physical components, like transistors and capacitors, to generate sounds. Digital drum machines use samples and synthesizers to create their rhythms. Both analog and digital drum machines have their pros and cons depending on the user’s needs.
Analog drum machines are often preferred by traditional producers, as their sounds are organic and warm. However, they can be difficult to program and may require a good ear to best use the sounds. Digital drum machines are far easier to program, as most come with pre-made patterns and sounds. They are also much more cost-effective than analog drum machines.
In addition to their sound-making capabilities, drum machines can also be used as audio effects processors. Producers can create unique sonic textures by adding effects such as distortion, delay, reverb, and chorus.
Here are a few drum machines for you to look into!
The Arturia DrumBrute Impact drum machine delivers big analog drum tone with impressive sequencing and performance capabilities. And with its versatile sync options MIDI, USB, Clock (four different formats), and internal DrumBrute Impact is the perfect way to add an analog drum machine to any performance rig. A plethora of hands-on controls offers a ton of creative possibilities for everything from old-school techno and house to psytrance, dub, hip-hop, and much more. And to top it off, the Arturia DrumBrute Impact features a built-in distortion circuit on the output to add just the right amount of harmonic bite.
The DrumBrute is a mono drum machine with the capability to run outs using 1/8″ jack cables for your kick, snare, hi-hat, FM drum.
Price: $299
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The TR-8S Rhythm Performer is a sample based drum machine so you can import you own samples via SD card as well as use the supplied 808 and 909 samples. The TR-8S is ready with support for WAV and AIFF samples. Packing every single sound from Roland’s entire range of TR drum machines the TR-8S Rhythm Performer offers massive creative potential. Thanks to Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior technology, the AIRA TR-8S drum machine not only delivers all the authentic TR series sounds you know, but it also gives you a level of control and flexibility never before possible. Every channel on the TR-8s includes Tune, Decay, and customizable Control knobs, giving you a massive range of tone and dynamics.
The Tr-8s features an easy to use sequencer that allows you to create unique pattern variations and fills. The stereo outs added with the 6 assign able outs gives you an a ray options to format your routing of drum elements. While the external in option allows you to route a stereo or two mono synths directly into the drum machine, ultimately treating it like a mixer.
Price: $749
Elektron’s premier analog drum machine that is an absolute power house. It combines the sonic depth of analog with precision digital control, plus all the powerful sequencing capabilities you expect from Elektron. This second-generation update adds sampling capabilities (with balanced audio inputs), a vivid OLED screen, ultra-rugged backlit buttons, hi-res encoders, and more dedicated buttons for a faster workflow. You’ll also find larger pads for better playability, expression/CV inputs for external control, and a burly cast aluminum enclosure. Start exploring the huge drum sounds, incredible sampling capabilities, and outstanding performance control.
Featuring an analog sound generator as well as sampling capabilities this drum machine is a total package. Analog overdrive, analog multimode filter with envelope, amplitude envelope, effects sends, and an LFO â for each individual drum voice is whats to be expected. With Elektrons Overbridge Technology the drum machine seamlessly integrates, separating everything into its own tracks right in your DAW.
Price: $1799
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With outstanding sounds, powerful sequencing and pattern management, and awesome Korg effects, the Korg Electribe is primed for modern music production. Much more than a typical drum machine, you can construct 16-part arrangements, synchronize with other Korg instruments, and even export your productions as an Ableton Live set! Over 400 sounds are on tap, assignable to the 16 velocity-sensitive pads in any combination you like. When it comes to creating drums, bass, and synthesizer grooves for your studio projects or live performance, you’ll be blown away by the Korg Electribe music production workstation.
Price: $399
Boutique synthmakers Sonic Potions and Erica Synths have teamed up to bring you the Sonic Potions x Erica Synths LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth. A revamped version of Sonic Potions’ renowned DIY kit, the LXR-02 is a highly flexible desktop drum machine, which goes far beyond the TR-style drum machines from which it draws its inspiration. Featuring six drum voices (which are optimized for specific drum sounds), a host of modulators, a robust FX section, and a performance-oriented interface, the LXR-02 is an inspiring piece of kit that has enraptured synth enthusiasts.
With its high-quality 16-bit/44kHz audio, the LXR-02 has a shockingly huge sound. And, its powerful 64-step sequencer is a blast to program. The LXR-02 facilitates sonic exploration, and you can store custom kits on the provided SD card. Whatâs more, a unique morphing feature allows you to seamlessly crossfade between presets â perfect for spicing up compositions! And while the LXR-02âs Digital Drum Synth features run deep, itâs amazingly intuitive. Youâll be cranking out killer sequences in no time.
Price: $589
Right from the start, the Roland MC-101 is loaded with over 3,000 sounds, including pounding basses, vibrant leads, spacious pads, and much more â and thatâs in addition to over 80 preset drum kits. Youâll quickly be able to start creating your own custom loops, with high-quality sample recording up to 24-bit/96kHz sound quality. And with 90 types of multi-effects processing plus mastering effects, you have endless options for re-sampling and processing your custom sounds.
Offering over five hours of operation from AA batteries, the Roland MC-101 Groovebox is ready to produce tracks and perform sets just about anywhere. It packs the sequencer, synthesizer, and effects from the flagship MC-707 Groovebox in a compact, four-track version. The ability to create your own samples and loops, and its powerful sequencing capabilities make the MC-101 a smart solution for integrating with other synth modules. Whether you need a portable production center, or a compact sequencer to go with your other synth gear, youâll be impressed with the Roland MC-101 Groovebox.
Price: $549
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With its punchy bass drum, snappy snare, and crispy cymbals, the Behringer RD-9 Rhythm Designer brings the authentic sound of one the most iconic drum machines in history to modern producers. With full MIDI connectivity, USB, Sync I/O, and trigger outputs, itâs ready to integrate seamlessly with your production system. A dedicated control allows you to trigger step repeats and note repeats on the fly for creative performance potential. Plus, given its built-in effects section featuring an analog filter and a versatile wave designer, the Behringer RD-9 Rhythm Designer packs more sound shaping options than the original groove box ever offered.
Price $369
With a powerful digital sound engine, sampling capabilities, and a performance-friendly sequencer, the Elektron Digitakt excels on its own as well as being a sweet sequencer for your hardware synths. Load up sounds in the eight audio tracks â each with its own multi-mode filter and assignable LFO â and process them with Delay and Reverb send effects. Use the eight dedicated MIDI tracks to sequence external synth modules, keyboards, and MIDI-capable effects. While factoring in over 1GB of onboard storage, USB and MIDI connectivity, and Overbridge support, Sweetwater engineers concluded: the Elektron Digitakt is an extremely powerful digital drum machine and sampler.
Price: $849
Overall, drum machines are an indispensable part of modern music production. They offer a range of sounds and effects to give producers the creative freedom to make the music they want. Whether producers are looking for organic sounds or cutting-edge, modern sounds, drum machines provide the perfect tool to get the job done. Be sure to check out more Pro Audio articles, industry news, and upcoming events with 6AM.
