Looking for a digital drum machine to join my other machines, what do you recommend?

The Lounge Other Gear
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Hey guys,

i am a drum machine nut. i LOVE drum machines and have had a lot of the big ones. Settled now with a very nice combination that fits me well; Analog Rytm Mk2, Machinedrum mk2, a modular case with Entity Ultra-kick, Two Prok Klonk modules, and intellijel Plonk (plus a few modules for power, midi to cv handling and midi cc to cv modulation, so i can program everything from my daw). Works great!

BUT, i feel i am missing something!

What i wish for is an alternative, with multiple outs. Digital is peferred, but the Gotherman Spazedrum showed me that analogs can be an option too…

I have tried lots; LXR, Tempest, razzzmatazz, digitakt, syntakt, reon cistron, Opera Rotas, Kasser DAFM Genesis and blast beats.

I would like to have a machine that brings something new to the table. OK, i can go all modular and get lots of modules, but that i don´t want, i am satisfied with what i have in that case.

The Volca Drum was interesting but it has only one out - still, it´s cheap and have exciting sound possibilities. The LXR02 - any good? It sounds ok, but like it holds back and doesn´t give me flexibility enough! Modor DR.2 is way too expensive for what you get i think. kORG dRUMLOGUE - WHAT DO YOU THINK,?
The gotherman (analog) is interesting, and i am also waiting to hear Fred´s Lab Manatee (even if it´s a synth, aswell as the new Synclavier)… Syntakt can also be an option of course, i had one but it overlapped my MD too much… But maybe i should give it one more try?

Any other machines worth checking out? I want something that has LOTS of settings per sound, i need to be able to make a sound pass the event horizon and come back… changed… :wink:

Help a guy out, pls… :slight_smile:
/m

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Digitone with Overbridge (for multiple Outs), case closed.

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Probably time to start building your own in Max/PD/SC. You’ve tried almost everything out there and you know what you want. Sometimes you need to scratch your own itch.

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Nord Drum 2 or 3P might be of interest, at least soundwise. No multiple outs, unfortunately.

Nord Drum with a built-in, Elektron-style sequencer would be an absolute dream for me.

I know you said digital-only but Analog Four is a great, sound-designey drum machine! Much more flexible than the Rytm (which does have more weight/ooomph to the sound).

Then again, you’ve already got the best digital drum machine there is in the Machinedrum!

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Aint no drum machine. And anways, i have a essenceFM with 16parts and 8 outs.
But got me thinking, about using it … :slight_smile: Thx!

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This thread might be worth taking a look at.

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check out the Gotharman Spazedrum

Digital-Analog-Samples-Fm

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Based on all the drum machine gear you already own the only thing you’re missing right now is time to learn how they work in depth.

Look for what’s right in front of you. It’s amazing. Adding another drum machine to the pile will dilute your creative output, not concentrate it.

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Gathering all the nuts is different than cracking one open and enjoying it.

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ModorDR2_witbg
ModorDR2_witbg960Ă—584 62.6 KB

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You are probably right; i know my Md very good, rytm a bit less but enough so i dont have to look up stuff in the manual very often. The modular i know the least if, but look forward to get a grip on.

The DR-2 is very tempting, bit expensive though…

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Spend more time doing FM stuff on the Machinedrum and you’ll know I’m right.

Plug in some of your other things through its inputs and go nuts!

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… and then play the Machinedrum thru the Analog Rytm II for some analog goodness and sample the result. You’ve got all the fuel you need for an endless blast beat furnace.

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Yeah, good ideas definitely!

One more problem is that i have need of a more recent machine. Md is old, and even if mine is in mint condition i feel there are things i miss that newer machines have. Proper filters, decent effects and more.
So i am thinking of selling my MD if i can find a good replacement; if its good enough i can handle a high price, but i might as well be satisfied with my current hear, after some small tweaks… :slight_smile:

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Some perspective. My main drum machine was built in 1986. It’s very digital, has multiple outs, is quite powerful, and sounds amazing.

So if you think your mint condition Machinedrum is too old and missing features or whatever, then for goodness sake sell it.

But I don’t believe your Machinedrum is too old. If anything it’s been lonely, biding its time in the hope that someone, anyone will have the courage to make it come alive and actually play it.

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This sounds like a theme for a fun game:
“Who am I? I was born in 1986, have multiple outs and am all digital”

I’m guessing RX5?

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No, it´s not the age. I have no problem with that, it´s just that the age is felt specially when i use only i´the internal fx and filers. Now, i seldom do that, i usually use external filters and effects fr everything anyways… And, it has been a nice one t build all those MCLs and a couple for myself through the last couple years, nice to get the fixes and extras with new sounds and so on…
It´s just that i´m probably always looking for something exciting, even if i am incredibly satisfied with my little studio at the moment…
I´ll probably keep it, because unless elektron release another modern machinedrum, nothing is going to beat it… But, i will also always have GAS for new things and specially drums…
And synths of course. OT: The new Sunclavier Regen looks and sounds really nice!

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I once had a Machinedrum and still feel neither shame or regret in selling it to someone else who might use it more then me.

That said, over time the thrill of the chase for new gear eventually begins to wane.

Nowadays I take the road less traveled and the gear I do have could all star on cherished episodes of “Who am I?”

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I am very happy with my Md and my mnm, and possibly they will stay until they break apart…

But, i am a nut for digital gear, and will keep buying and looking for inspiring units for a long time…

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Out of curiosity, did you ever try a Digitone (for drums or in general)? Many people love the DN for drums! Personally, I’ve had the DN twice in the past two years and still haven’t decided if I like it for drums or not. It is versatile for percussive sounds as well but it sort of depends on my mood (and musical context, obviously) if I like DN drums or not.

A couple of (IMO really nice) examples of DN drums by fellow Elektronauts @glitched and @hseiken-HSI.

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