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 106 - 126 of 159 items

Format

link

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

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

Clavia Nord Drum
Drum Synthesizer
Clavia’s new drum box takes a typically idiosyncratic approach to percussion synthesis.

Reviews Aug 2012
link

Dave Smith Instruments Tempest
Analogue Drum Machine
The fruit of the union between synth and drum machine legends Dave Smith and Roger Linn ought to be something very special indeed. Is the Tempest set to take the world by storm?

Reviews Feb 2012
link

2Box DrumIt Five
Electronic Drum Kit
Fancy a set of electronic drums that lets you create your own kits? Swedish company 2Box's debut offering could be just the thing...

Reviews Feb 2011
link

Zoom R24
Recorder, Interface & Controller
Zoom have launched a sibling for their R16, adding a further eight tracks and some neat loop-sampling and rhythm-track features.

Reviews Jan 2011
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
link

Sonic Reality Ocean Way Drums
Virtual Drum Instrument
Ocean Way Drums offers 19 drum kits, recorded in a world-famous studio by a world-renowned engineer. Is this the best drum sample library money can buy?

Reviews Apr 2009
link

Alesis SR18
Drum Machine
Virtual instruments haven't taken over the world quite yet: the hardware drum machine concept is still alive and kicking, as demonstrated by Alesis' follow-up to their incredibly popular and long-lived SR16. Is the '18 destined to match its older brother's 20-year reign?

Reviews Jan 2009
link

Akai MPC5000
Sampling Workstation
Akai's MPC has been with us for 20 years now — an incredibly long time in music production. So is the latest addition to this venerable range, the MPC5000, a worthy bearer of its standard?

Reviews Dec 2008
link

Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.0
Virtual Drum Instrument [Mac & PC]
Toontrack's DFH Superior received excellent reviews but perhaps didn't really make the impact that it deserved. Will the drums and cymbals of their new Superior Drummer 2.0 make a greater splash?

Reviews Dec 2008
link

Akai XR20
Drum Machine
Akai have long been the predominant name in hip-hop beat creation, thanks to their MPC range. Can they continue this success with that increasingly rare thing, a drum machine?

Reviews Jul 2008
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

Steinberg Groove Agent 3
Virtual Drummer Instrument [Mac/PC]
It's been a long time coming, but has the latest version of Steinberg's Groove Agent been worth waiting for?

Reviews Jan 2008
link

Elektron Machinedrum SPS1-UW
Synthetic Percussion Sequencer & Sampler
In 2002 Elektron were considered by many to have had the last word in drum machines, but now they've taken the Machinedrum concept even further with the addition of sampling. Let's explore...

Reviews Jun 2007
link

Akai MPC500
Sampling Workstation
Akai's famed Music Production Centre goes mini...

Reviews May 2007
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

Akai MPC2500
Sampling Workstation
Akai have updated the classic sampling sequencer concept last embodied in the MPC2000XL, but have they managed to preserve the magic formula that made the series a success?

Reviews Jan 2007
link

Digidesign Strike
Pro Tools Virtual Drummer Plug-in
A new drum-based instrument from Digidesign combines instant gratification with a huge sound library and plenty of potential for editing.

Reviews Dec 2006
link

Korg Pad Kontrol
USB MIDI Drum Pad Controller
Pad controllers are aimed at releasing the frustrated drummer in all of us, allowing desktop composers access to rhythm sounds without having to use sticks — and Korg's Pad Kontrol adds a couple of nice twists to the concept...

Reviews Jul 2006