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.

Displaying 148 - 159 of 159 items

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Zoom RhythmTrak 234
Drum Machine
New drum machines are few and far between these days, but as Nicholas Rowland discovers, this one has a lot to offer even in a world full of computer sequencers.

Reviews May 1998
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Effective Drum Programming: Part 3
Tips & Techniques
Nicholas Rowland explains how you can take advantage of your computerised drummer to generate effects that sound anything but human...

Techniques Apr 1998
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Effective Drum Programming: Part 2
Tips & Techniques
The debate's been going on for as long as drum machines have been around: can they really sound human? Nicholas Rowland takes jazz drumming as his test case and tries to find out.

Techniques Mar 1998
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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
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Jomox Xbase 09
Drum Machine
Chris Carter looks at a new dedicated drum machine which could be the best 909 alternative yet.

Reviews Jun 1997
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Roland TR808
Rhythm Composer (Retro)
Few electronic instruments are still as desirable, 16 years after their launch, as the 808, and even fewer become famous enough to have a band named after them. Chris Carter hits the perfect beat.

Reviews May 1997
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Cheetah MD16
Drum Machine (Retro)
The best drum machine ever? Staunch admirer Nicholas Rowland leaps to the defence of the long-neglected Cheetah MD16.

Reviews Apr 1997
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Alesis DM5
Drum Module
Paul White checks out the successor to his beloved D4 and ends up casting sidelong glances at his cheque book.

Reviews Feb 1996
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Roland TR909
Rhythm Composer (Retro)
Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser examine the rise and rise of Roland's most sought-after beatbox, the TR909.

Reviews Nov 1995
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Yamaha RY8
Portable Rhythm Programmer
The RY8 isn't just the latest in Yamaha's much-respected RY series of drum machines — the diminutive casing houses everything a mobile guitarist could need as a portable backing band, even a guitar synth!

Reviews Sep 1995
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Yamaha RY20
Rhythm Programmer
Behind the conventional facade of Yamaha's latest drum machine hides a section of sophisticated features — like 'human feel' groove quantisation, bass sounds and built-in digital effects. Paul Ward gets into the groove.

Reviews Oct 1994
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BOSS DR5
Rhythm Section
Do you have a guitar, an interest in songwriting and a modest equipment budget? Read on, and David Mellor will tell you why this backing band in a plastic box could be just what you need.

Reviews May 1994