Drum Machines

Korg's newest workstation heavyweight boasts 32 recording tracks, a powerful 44:12:2 mixer, a programmable drum machine, and up to 11 simultaneous effects — all for under £1000. Read our hands-on report...

Virtual band members are now a regular feature in SOS reviews, but how about a virtual drummer that actually will jam with you? Rayzoon claim Jamstix is able to do just that...

FXpansion's software drum machine takes the 'pad sampler' concept pioneered by Akai's MPC range to new levels.

Anarchy Rhythms is a novel VST plug-in/stand-alone application, whose author accurately describes it as "a hybrid between an effect and a drum machine".

Espousing the simple, easy-to-use, Apple-type philosophy seen in tools like GarageBand, Glaresoft's virtual drum machine has you piecing together beats in minutes. And it costs just £39! We check it out...

Storm, the French software studio from virtual-instrument creators Arturia, keeps on improving. We check out version 3.

These days primarily a mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath have made many different kinds of gear in their time, but none is more obscure than 1985's Inpulse One. We unearth the facts about one of music technology's most forgotten rhythm computers.

Roger Linn Design have updated their versatile instrument processor, which still produces an array of unusual effects not normally available from a single box, but is now claimed to be easier to use.

With their new VST Instrument, Linplug are aiming to combine the flexibility of a software synth and sampler with the simplicity of a hardware drum machine.

This new member of the Korg tribe offers synthesis, sequencing, drum programming, tons of real-time control plus genuine valves to light up your studio and your sound.

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?

It's a sequenceable filter, it's an amp modeller, and it's a drum machine... it's the AdrenaLinn, the new guitar processor from famed designer Roger Linn, best known for his classic drum machines and sequencing workstations.

Swedish manufacturer Elektron claim that their SPS1 rhythm synth is the most sophisticated drum machine ever built, with a stunning specification that includes no less than four different types of percussion synthesis.

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.

The Korg DDM110 was one of the first digital drum machines to reach the mass market. Paul Sellars rediscovers its distinctive, punchy sound and revels in the simplicity of its programming...

Despite its size, this diminutive drum machine packs in a decent sound set and some interesting guitar‑oriented features.

A few years ago, dedicated drum machines seemed in danger of extinction — but now they seem to be undergoing something of a renaissance. Derek Johnson gets hands-on with the latest addition to Boss's Dr. Rhythm range.

Zoom's new beatbox offers a wide range of percussion sounds and patterns at an extremely affordable price.

Dedicated rhythm machine are very much back in fashion, and the new Boss DR202 offers an impressive specification at a budget price. Chris Carter investigates its qualifications.

'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.

Even a killer rhythm pattern won't make the grade if it's played with lacklustre sounds. In the concluding part of this series, Nicholas Rowland puts on his sound designer's head and explains how you can re-tread your tired timbres...