Drum Machine for A4

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
1

Loving the A4. Normal workflow is to start with a blank pattern(s)/kit and build it up to the point I’m happy with it then sequence the pattern changes in logic. By far the more enjoyable part is the A4 pattern creation - never touching the computer. I would like to work more on the song structure before moving to logic but I currently do not have a usable, dedicated, drum machine. I have built up a drum track using P-Locks but I would prefer to work with a dedicated drum machine/sequencer. I have a monotribe but its lack of pattern sequencing makes it limiting.

Since I can rebuild the drums once I move to logic I not hung up on a perfect sound I just need a dedicated machine that can export MIDI, has reasonable pattern sequencing and can drive the pattern changes to the A4. If it had great sound all the better.

My thoughts are

Machinedrum (not the UW version) - seems like the obvious choice
Sonic Potion LXR - currently not available but appears to be coming back soon
Korg EA-1 MK2 - the cheap alternative (used)

Even a simple Boss/Yamaha drum machine would be fine if it had the pattern sequencing depth and song storage and could sequence the A4 pattern changes. I have external modules that can supply reasonably good drum kits so this opens it up to a Midibox sequencer as well but that appears difficult to get and the Cirkon which seems like an overkill in both cost and features for my needs. I also thought about a MPC but that again seems like more technology that I need or want.

Really like the korg volca beats but it doesn’t seem to have any pattern sequencing and very little pattern storage.

I know the machinedrum would be great but this is not how I make a living so I’m trying to keep it well under a $1000. Maybe used?

2

Take a peek at the MFB Tanzbaer. I just got mine today and it sounds delicious. It has pattern storage and offers midi and CV connections.

3

Maybe try Octatrack?

I use Analog Four and the Octatrack as set all the time. It is the perfect couple! :slight_smile:

4

That does look interesting - how would you pattern sequence it with an A4? Could I line up patterns between the two and have the A4 issue a midi pattern change to the Tanzbar?

5

I’m getting a Tanzbär next month, to compliment the A4 I’ll (hopefully) receive today or tomorrow. Sounds like a winner combo to me!

6

A yamaha RM1x. Super-powerful sequencer, which you can also use to record MIDI to & from the A4, an OK selection of ROM sounds and reasonably good effects. You can get good straightforward drum sounds out of it or drive your external gear, it’s cheap (~$250), solidly built, and easy to use.

7

Korg ER-1 mk2 is a very good, cheap option for lots of pattern storage, midi output, and happens to have good Kraftwerk-y, techonoish sounds as a bonus.

8

Just checked ebay. ER-1 mk2s going for $200 USD. Those are insanely good prices for the dedicated drum and midi functionality. I was going to sell mine, but would rather keep it at those prices. :slight_smile:

9

The yamaha and korg options look good as does the tanzbar and I am still looking at the lxr but I can not find infortmation about pattern sequencing - can you generate a program change (out to the a4) within a pattern sequence on the drum machine or the inverse can it take in a pattern change from the a4 running in song mode and if you can are there any latency issues? I know the a4 works really well if you send the pattern change before you need it since it will not change until the current pattern has completed.

Thanks