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.
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Roland is about to release its latest hardware synth. Read more
YouTube creator Brick Technology has made a drum machine crafted entirely out of Lego Technic pieces. Read more
That’s right, you could be the owner of Daft Punk’s Roland TR-909 drum machine. All you have to do is win an online auction for it.
The Roland TR-909 in question once belonged to Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk and has been listed on Facebook as a âcollectorâs itemâ on Facebook, set to go to the “highest bidder.”
The 909, which has been put up for action by Vintage & Analogue Occasion, comes still loaded with the presets recorded and used during the French duo’s seminal Homework album which was released in 1997.
Are you a gear fanatic that salivates at the site of classic Roland hardware?
If the answer is yes, or you’re just curious to see what 28 years of Roland gear history looks like in one room, you’ve come to the right place! Instead of traveling all the way to Japan, you can now enjoy unobstructed 360Âș vies inside Roland’s private museum in Hamamatsu.
The tour is split into sections, with the guide walking the viewer through an impressive range of Roland products released between 1972 and 2000. The tour includes synthesizers, drum machines, classic pianos and anything else Roland released during that time period.
Tech-heads rejoice, press play and ensure you’re watching this on full screen:
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Justin Stedmans is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, whom you may remember for the beautiful wall art he created of classic synths, analogue drum machines and DJ mixers.
His most recent work is an intelligent infographic which details the evolution of the drum machine from the ’80s until the present day. Beginning with the Roland TR-808 and ending with 2016’s Roland TR-09, the infographic takes you on an illustrated and informative journey of the beautiful machines that have been the source of some of dance music’s most celebrated tracks.
Check it out below and head to www.analogthis.co.uk to get your hands on a print for yourself!
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The big day is finally here: 909 Day. And Roland, the company behind the iconic and genre-defying TR-808 and 909 drum machines, is set to commemorate the 33rd Anniversary of the 909 with a ground-breaking and innovative event: a globe-wide initiative lasting a full 24 hours on September 9th (today), and taking place in eight cities with more than 30 new products debuting via live streaming demos and artist performances.
The event is so unique and iconic that Roland has dubbed it a “24-hour music festival,” aiming to redefine the future of its brand by fusing liveliness and diversity.
Although this is certainly not the first in-browser drum machine to have been created, the latest iO-808 is arguably the most impressively accurate we’ve seen.
Software engineer Vincent Reimer created this sequencer to look as identical as the original Roland TR-808 hardware as possible, with tone knobs, instrument select and pads all included to precise detail. As you may have guessed, Reimer released his latest creation on August 8th, as a celebration of 808 Day.
Give it a try as there’s no doubt that the iO-808 offers a realistic and fairly authentic experience albeit from the comfort of your laptop or desktop computer. As an amateur/bedroom music producer, Reimer does recognize that some fine-tuning of the software is still needed, âA side effect of this is while I got the sounds fairly close to the original hardware,â describes Reimer to GitHub, âThere’s still a lot of room for improvement.â
You can jam out to an in-browner TB-303 for some Acid House fun here.
Behold, a free online beta program called the “acid machine.” This nifty program created by Liverpool-based web development and sound design group Errozero comes equipped with two synthesizers, a drum machine, and a sequencer. There goes hours upon hours of mindless entertainment producing acid tracks with sounds inspired by the original Roland TB-303. Read more
The Roland 909 was another revolutionary synth when it was developed in 1984. It went on to become a highly coveted piece of gear, and itâs influence has inspired some of the great house and techno legends of our time. So influential, Jeff Mills even modeled his custom made drum machine to it, and Dennis Ferrer requested to be buried with his 909 when he dies. If not for the 909 dance music would be drastically different than what we know and enjoy today.
So keeping in spirit of 909 Day, here are some 909 tracks and jams to celebrate the occasion.
Not only will you get a classic spaghetti recipe in the Revolution 909 music video, youâll get an absolute thumping track from Daft Punk. Originally released on Virgin France, this track went on to become a hit of the late 90âs, and it can still find a place on the dance floors today.
If thereâs anyone who has mastered the 909 it is Jeff Mills, to not mention him on 909 Day would be unfathomable. Heâs built an expansive list of accomplishments throughout his career, from world tours and numerous releases to having complete artistic access to Le Lourve, heâs achieved many great things.
This video is a perfect example of Jeff Mills in action delivering one hell of a performance to a lucky crowd.
Another advocate of the Roland 909 is house connoisseur, Phil Weeks. Present in many of his productions, the 909 influenced Phil Weeks in such a way that he had to dedicate an EP to it. Sunday Groove appears on his 909 Tools EP released on Robosoul back in 2013, and is a testament to the power of the iconic drum machine.
The 909 had just as great an influence on house music as it has techno. The 909 can be found throughout many house jams from Inner City to Doc Martin, but this particular cut comes from French artist, DâJulz. Lush pads and synths drifting among the punchy drums of the 909 make for one deep groove.
One of the most distinct sounds on the 909 is itâs low, mid, and high tom. With such a recognizable characteristic, it has the capability of being a prominent groove setter in many arrangements.
Playing with Drum by Sugiurumn makes perfect use of the 909 toms. Originally released on his album, 20xx, it strikes a harmonious balance between the sounds of house and techno.
With 909 Day being the subject, it wouldnât feel right to overlook one of the many rave anthems from Joey Beltram. Between Mentasm and Energy Flash, Joey Beltram made a fast impact on the early techno scene, and is considered to have ârevolutionized techno twice before the age of 21â â According to Simon Reynolds, author of Generation Ecstasy.
Another drum machine guru and expert is Mr. G. In an interview with Resident Advisor, Mr. G speaks very highly of the 909 rides. When asked where the rides in his tracks come from, he replies âThe 909. I sampled it, and it’s stayed with me. I’ve sampled and resampled itâ.
This technique paired with the already distinct drum machine leads to incredible drum textures, and one that has given Mr. G a signature sound over his life in music. It’s this exact feeling that gives It Dub so much groove and feeling.
We’re not the only ones in good spirits on 909 Day. Tom Flynn also appears to be celebrating, and has dedicated some time to upload a 909 inspired jam from the Roland TR-8 drum machine. From drum machines and synths to futuristic cars, Roland continues to be an ever-present influence in musical society today.
