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
    Sonicware Lofi-12 XT Kickstarter retro sampling groovebox instrument

    Sonicware Lofi-12 XT on Kickstarter

    All backers will now receive a free case

    Sonicware are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the creation of Lofi-12 XT, an advanced version of their popular Lofi-12 groovebox and sampler instrument.

    News
  • link
    Lonelady (Julie Campbell)

    LoneLady Soundworlds | Podcast

    Punch-and-crunch electro

    Created on sequencers, synths and drum machines in a basement bunker beneath Somerset House, London, LoneLady talks to Caro C about the making of her third studio album Former Things.

    People May 2023
  • link
    Akai MPC X Special Edition production sampler workstation drum machine

    Akai Pro unveil MPC X Special Edition

    Most powerful MPC instrument ever

    Akai are celebrating 35 years of their MPC platform with the release of a new version of their flagship instrument that boasts a retro look along with increased processing power and storage. 

    News
  • link

    Sync Outside The Box

    Keeping Synths & Grooveboxes In Time

    Going DAWless presents many challenges — not least keeping all your gear in sync...

    Techniques Jan 2023
  • link
    Elektron Song Mode update Digitone Keys Digitakt Syntakt

    Elektron introduce Song Mode feature

    New functionality for Digitakt, Syntakt and Digitone instruments

    Latest OS update brings a much-requested Song Mode feature to Elektron's Digitakt, Syntakt, Digitone and Digitone Keys instruments. 

    News
  • link
    Erica Synths Pērkons

    Erica Synths release Pērkons

    Drum machine meets mixer & effects processor

    Percussion powerhouse incorporates four synth voices, a four-track step sequencer, a mixer, an analogue delay and an optical bus compressor.

    News
  • link
    2cUeCHuoR1s.jpg

    Modal CRAFTrhythm - SynthFest UK 2017 (Video)

    8-track drum sampler kit with a 16 step sequencer

    Modal debuted their new CRAFTrhythm 8 track drum sampler kit with a 16 step sequencer at this year’s show. The...

    News
  • link

    Akai MPCX

    Music Production Centre

    Could the MPCX make you rethink your whole approach to studio and live music production?

    Reviews Sep 2017
  • link

    Elektron Digitakt

    Digital Drum Computer & Sampler

    Elektron’s new sampling drum machine is much more than just a cut-price Octatrack.

    Reviews Sep 2017
  • link

    Akai MPC Live

    Music Production Centre

    The return of the stand-alone MPC exceeds expectations.

    Reviews Apr 2017
  • link

    Automat Toolkit turns the world into a drum machine

    Kickstarter funds secure production of unusual instrument

    Berlin-based studio Dadamachines has launched an intriguing Kickstarter campaign to go into production on the...

    News
  • link

    Elektron return to digital with Digitakt drum machine

    Compact beat making machine announced at NAMM

    After their recent run of analogue-centric synth, drum and effects machines, Elektron have unveiled a purely...

    News
  • link

    Arturia unveil DrumBrute

    New analogue drum machine & sequencer looks like great value

    Arturia add to their enormously popular Brute line of synths with a brand new analogue drum machine and...

    News
  • link

    Akai MPC Touch

    Sampling Workstation

    The MPC has always been about its fast, hands-on interface — can a touchscreen make it even better?

    Reviews Sep 2016
  • link

    LEP LepLoop

    Analogue Groovebox

    The LEP LepLoop takes a decidedly unconventional approach to the groovebox format.

    Reviews Sep 2016
  • link
    O3z759qxwP8.jpg

    Novation Circuit becomes more capable than ever

    Sample Flip function frees up tracks for more composition

    The free version 1.3 update to Novation's Circuit groovebox adds some pretty neat new functions making it even...

    News
  • link

    Novation Circuit

    Groovebox

    Novation’s new groovebox, sequencer and performance instrument could be this year’s essential synth accessory.

    Reviews Jan 2016
  • link

    NI Maschine Studio

    Groove Workstation

    Native Instruments take their hybrid groove machine to another level with new hardware and a big software update.

    Reviews Mar 2014
  • link
    Akai MPC Renaissance.

    Akai MPC Renaissance

    Sampling Workstation.

    The legendary MPC brand is reborn in a form that aims to marry its famous hands-on ethos with the unlimited possibilities of the software world. Does the combination work?

    Reviews Feb 2013
  • link

    Native Instruments Maschine 1.5

    Groove Workstation

    NI have updated Maschine — so is it now all we thought it could be?

    Reviews Aug 2010
  • link

    Native Instruments Maschine

    Groove Workstation

    Native Instruments's hybrid hardware and software beat machine promises the best of both worlds. Does it deliver?

    Reviews Jun 2009

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Drum Machines