Drum machines - What's your favourites and why?

The Lounge General Discussion
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@ddiamond84 Yes on the 1.08b. I like it however I made a point not to save any sequences while in beta, just use RAM only. For some reason if I save to pattern 0 or 99 weird things happen.
I like they added a blinking tempo led light on the Master out fader, nice touch.
You can real rec over multiple bars not just 1.
I was able to real rec on the synth too, something I don’t think was possible before.
Also they changed last step to the correct numerical display (16 instead of 15, 12 instead of 11 etc.)
It’s still quirky but I feel like the programming/execution of it is improving.

(FYI I think they swapped out a few samples on the beta, something to consider if you have already loaded your own/previously used samples)

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Digitakt… not just because I own one, but because um, I own one.

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Drum machines - Whats your favourites and why?

TR-8S. Because I can go from blank state to tune in no time without a sweat.

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time to revisit this topic.

  • Syntakt. analog + FM combo is something i dreamed about for a long while.
  • TR-6s. plenty of drum machinery for the price & form factor.
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Digitone - limitless FM synthesis, and the perfect successor for my Machinedrum FM explorations.
Korg KR-55 (the old one) - my favourite analog drum sounds.
Boss DR-110 - compact, handsome analog machine that’s still great value for money, accent trig out makes it great fun to use with arp trig in on analog synths.
Machinedrum of course, but after 19 years of service I sold mine in 2020. Still has a special place in my heart though.

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The KR-55 is also on my short list, I love it’s sound and the fact it’s easy to put pedals on top of it to destroy it hahaha.

Some fun stuff with it in this video going online soon:

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Arturia DrumBrute. Because no one will listen to anything I make with it, so I never get judged.

I also like to step sequence my Akai Force with it.

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Well, this finally happened with the Modor DR-2 arriving yesterday. In my short time with the drum machine, it is definitely a keeper and provides an alternative to the AR MKII presently setup in my studio.

Only time will tell, but the DR-2 appears to be very well made. It has a very substantial feel unlike some of my other, albeit cheaper, drum machines (i.e., TR-8S). The DR-2 reminds me of how products were made in the 80’s and 90’s. Sound is subjective, but I found the DR-2’s engine models to be terrific and more diverse than anticipated. Furthermore, programming the DR-2 is highly efficient via a 1/32 note pattern grid. Less need to shift/nudge notes.

That said, the DR-2 is surely one of my favorite drum machines at this time.

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Machinedrum is the best, no contest (IMO)!

However, sometimes I find myself thinking what would be the analog equivalent of the MD… The most flexible and sound designey analog / VA drum machine or groovebox, that is. Maybe the A4? Tempest? Nord Drum 2/3?

Any others that come to mind? (Personally not a huge fan of Rytm, or Digitone for drums.)

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Tell you what I’m very quickly warming to the Analog Rytm. Bought a MKI from an Elektronaut recently and have been really enjoying the performance side of it, great form factor and you can get them for a great price. A few more synth engines would definitely be nice but I’ve been managing to get some great sounds out of it. Haven’t even dipped into the sample side of things yet but feel that both provides a lot of power and lets you fill in some gaps the synths might leave. For techno genres especially it feels like a real killer box.

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There are a couple of drum machines I love that I’ve never even tried

Jomox Alphabase
Modor DR-2

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Machinedrum sps1 MK2, Nord Micro Modular, Emu Procussion, and Monologue.

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I’ve always liked the sound of the Alphabass but I heard it’s a little buggy, maybe that’s been corrected. I love the DR-2 but damn that price tag is steep! Maybe one day I’ll get one. Not a lot of exposure on the Modor.

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Lately I’m trying to make myself dive into the AR mk2 but I’m not digging it to much, this is my second time around after having the mk1 years ago, It just doesn’t jive with me I guess.

I had the TR-8S a few years back and loved the immediacy. The recent update is very tempting for a repurchase.

I bought a digitakt again because I miss the sound and immediacy of that one too.

I also have syntakt, but I’m using that more for melodic duties as well as supplement a few tracks for drums here and there.

I’ve had 3 octatracks. I miss it every time I sell it so I’m sure I’ll be rebuying or trading for that one soon. It just works so great for drums with chains and the ability to change and modulate anything into anything was perfect. I feel my mind thinks I shouldn’t be using it for only drums but I think I should come to grips and just return to it for this purpose. I’ll follow @AdamJay and put an AH on the outs. Maybe do as he did and run 2 at once. I like how he uses them together. There was another guy I used to follow a while back on YouTube who jammed with two OT’s and eventually added a digitakt, killer setup.

I have never really used DFAM strictly as percussion only and I’m not a fan of the strange sequencer. But I love the way it sounds so I’ve kept it this far.

I sold my A4 mk2 when I sold my last OT but only bc I was hard for cash. I miss that one too. Great things comes from the deep dives into that machine. Not very immediate for me either.

As with synths, lately I’ve been back and forth with a complete gear sell-off and focus on gear that is more immediate which is why I keep eyeing up the tr8s or the tr09.

I know it’s not a favorite brand but what about the Behringer TR clones? I’d rather push the money to a RE-909, Nava, or something, but for quick og sounds and programming what are your opinions on the behringer’s?

I think, in my opinion, the instant gratification drum machine that sounds great with a good bit of customization and performance at your fingertips would be the TR-8S, digitakt, and syntakt. But don’t ask me to pick only one, I like options. :grin:

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I just picked up the rd-9 I’m honestly shocked that it was only $350. It’s frickin amazing. Now I’m actually thinking about scooping the 808 clone too.

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You can get alot out of the random parameter by making small random movement on different drums and controls.

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Picked up a Roland TR-6S during last weekend’s price drop.

In a past period of my life, not having velocity-sensitive buttons/pads would have been a non-starter, But working with the MC-707 got me acclimated to TR-REC style drum sequencing, so by last weekend, I was in the right headspace to welcome the TR-6S into my life.

Putting a beat together has been faster than expected. Tastes in sound are subjective, but I like the ACB (virtual analog) and FM drums on this thing, and tweaking them to taste is a faster and more satisfying process than mucking about with samples, velocity settings, etc. on the MC-707. So I’m now exploring replacing the drum parts I created on the 707 with TR-6S drums.

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Guess along with the cast…

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Analog Rytm