You are here

Drum Machines

A drum machine is a hardware device or software that generates electronic drum sounds, typically for the purpose of creating music. Drum machines are often used by music producers and DJs to create beats and rhythms, and they can be programmed to play a variety of different drum sounds and patterns.

The main functions of a drum machine include:

  • Sound generation: Drum machines generate electronic drum sounds that can be used to create music.

  • Pattern creation: Drum machines allow users to create and program drum patterns by specifying which drum sounds are played and when.

  • Sequencing: Drum machines allow users to sequence drum patterns in a specific order to create a complete song or beat.

  • Effects: Many drum machines offer effects such as reverb, delay, and compression, which can be used to shape the sound of the drum sounds.

Some of the main uses of drum machines include:

  • Music production: Drum machines are often used by music producers to create beats and rhythms for electronic music, hip hop, and other genres.

  • Live performances: Drum machines are commonly used by DJs and electronic music performers to provide a backing track for their live sets.

  • Practice: Drum machines can be used by musicians as a tool for practicing and improving their drumming skills.

Some of the benefits of using a drum machine include:

  • Ease of use: Drum machines are relatively easy to use, even for those with limited music production experience.

  • Flexibility: Drum machines allow users to create a wide range of drum sounds and patterns, and they can be easily modified and customised.

  • Portability: Many drum machines are small and portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.

  • Cost-effective: Drum machines can be an affordable alternative to hiring a drummer or purchasing a full drum set.

  • link
    Roland TR-8S TR-6S Rhythm Performers update CR-78 CompuRhythm TR-808 Chromatic Bass

    Roland update TR-8S & TR-6S Rhythm Performers

    CR-78 & TR-808 Chromatic Bass instruments added

    Roland have announced the release of system updates for their TR-8S and TR-6S Rhythm Performer instruments, along with a new version of the TR-EDITOR companion app.

    News
  • link
    Graham Massey 808 State on stage

    Graham Massey - 808 State | Podcast

    Electronic Improvisation

    Graham Massey talks about his early days with the formation of 808 State and improvising with electronic instruments, through to current collaborations and favourite creative tools.

    People Mar 2023
  • link

    Roland TR-06 & TR-6S

    Drum Machines

    Roland’s unsung TR‑606 is the inspiration for their newest drum machines.

    Reviews Feb 2021
  • link
    Roland TD-07KV

    Roland unveil TD-07KV

    Affordable new V-Drum kit offers mesh heads and more

    Affordable new V-Drum kit offers mesh heads and comes with TD-07 MIDI-compatible sound module.

    News
  • link
    Roland TR-06

    New Roland drum machines

    TR-6S, TR-06 hardware & 606 emulation unveiled

    Roland's new percussion sequencers pay tribute to classic TR-series instruments.

    News
  • link

    Roland TR-8S

    Drum Machine

    Roland’s latest Aira instrument is set to become a classic in its own right.

    Reviews Jun 2018
  • link

    Roland announce flagship TR-8S

    Improved TR-8 drum machine sports sample import, audio/MIDI interface, trigger outs and more

    Roland have this morning announced a brand new flagship drum machine: the TR-8S Rhythm Performer. Building on...

    News
  • link

    Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer

    Drum Machine

    The 808 needs no introduction, but can its diminutive descendent deliver the same punch?

    Reviews Mar 2018
  • link

    Roland announce DJ-505 and DJ-202

    Roland’s DJ controller line-up with TR sounds expands with two models

    Released in 2016, the DJ-808 DJ Controller is ideally suited to on-the-fly remixing and sports a four-channel...

    News
  • link

    Roland unveil Boutique SH-01 & TR-08 and AIRA sampler 

    Iconic instruments modelled for compact series, SP-404SX reworked for TR-8

    Roland have announced that they will be releasing two modules based on classic products for their Boutique format. The SH-01A...

    News
  • link

    Roland Boutique TR-09 & TB-03

    Rhythm Composer & Bass Line

    Are Roland’s recreations the last word on these classic instruments?

    Reviews Jun 2017
  • link

    Roland unveil TR-09, TB-03, System-8 & more

    909 Day sees a raft of product announcements

    The dust has now settled from Roland’s 909 Day celebrations and, barring a website crash from too much...

    News
  • link

    Roland HandSonic HPD20

    Hand Percussion Pad

    Roland bring their HandSonic percussion range bang up to date with the HPD20.

    Reviews Sep 2014
  • link

    Roland TR8 Rhythm Performer

    Drum Machine

    Roland's TR8 sees their classic TR808 and TR909 drum machines reincarnated in a single box. Is it what we've all been waiting for?

    Reviews Apr 2014
  • link

    Roland SPDSX

    Sampling Percussion Pad

    Roland’s popular SPDS sampling drum pad gains an ‘X’, and a whole lot more besides, in the SPDSX.

    Reviews Oct 2012
  • link

    Roland SP555

    Sampling Workstation

    The world is not short of sampling sequencers at the moment, so what does the Roland SP555 have to make it worthy of your attention?

    Reviews Feb 2008
  • link

    Roland MC808

    Sampling Groovebox

    Roland take their MC concept further with new features, flying faders and computer integration. Let's explore...

    Reviews May 2007
  • link

    Roland MC909

    Sampling Groovebox

    The latest in Roland's line of MC-series workstations is their best (and most expensive) yet, incorporating synthesis, sequencing, real-time control, and sampling. But in an increasingly software-driven world, can a Groovebox still cut it?

    Reviews Mar 2003
  • link

    Roland MC307 Groovebox

    Sequencing Workstation

    Roland followed their first MC303 Groovebox with the well-specified MC505. Now there's the MC307, with a spec more like the 505, a price closer to that of the 303, and more DJ-friendly features.

    Reviews Jun 2001
  • link

    Roland TR626

    Rhythm Composer (Retro)

    '80s technology is still out there in abundance and going cheap. Derek Johnson spotlights a budget beatbox that has everything it takes to slot into the '90s studio.

    Reviews Nov 1998
  • link

    Effective Drum Programming: Part 1

    Tips & Techniques

    If you're after a great rhythm section, these days it's very easy to whip up a great groove from a MIDI file disk. But an inside knowledge of how and why drum patterns work can help make you a better musician and get your rhythm section really working.

    Techniques Feb 1998

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Drum Machines