MachineDrum vs Xbase888

ON-OFF-ON · 2015-11-02T16:29:09.000Z

Analog RYTM

I feel like this drum machine could last a lifetime without making my ears bored. I’ve noticed mixed feelings on this machine, but I can’t disagree more. If you hear this machine on a good PA you will agree. So much bass and punch.

LyingDalai · 2015-11-02T16:33:10.000Z

I love the sound and the playability of my AR.
But (so far) one cannot control external gear with it, unfortunately.

Tarelizer · 2015-11-02T16:38:59.000Z

thanks for your input

Well AR is not in my interest. Don´t know why. I must check it later.

The Octatrack is interesting. I see it more as an alternative to a MPC.

I want a machine without loading any samples. Plug and Play. I want to create basic rhythms directly from scratch without choosing any selecting, loading and mangle samples. Thats why the MD or the XBase are the ones for me. Monomachine was also intersting but i want something for Drums.

The TR8 could also be intersting, but in that case i would buy a YOCTO 808 clone.

Barfunkel · 2015-11-02T16:47:07.000Z

How about the Acidlab Drumatix? Half the price of the Jomox and it sounds better to my ears. Not super tweakable though, but it does sound great and is fun to use.

bigfrog · 2015-11-02T20:52:25.000Z

What are the people you like to listen to using? That’s how I came across the MD ten years back and I still love it.

Check out Youtube vids of both the drum machines you’re thinking of buying.

Buy the one whose sounds you like.

Tarelizer · 2015-11-03T08:01:39.000Z

@bigfrog

well i did this a lot in the past. Thats why i have a 909 and a MPC. The Artists i like used also a SP1200, 808, Oberheim DMX, LinnDrum, Machinedrum, Electribes, DX200, Xbase888, XBase999, MPC60, MPC3000, MPC2000, Roland R8, 7x7s, 505, 606, RZ1, and RY30.

I check YT daily to find a decision.

I really really like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiVy9J-dnAg

Since i dont have a 808 anymore ( i wanted a 909 back, i really regret it), i want a versatile Drummachine. Not so much complex, not so much features, easy to use, stable and a bit of quality. Thats why a MD or a XBase are the ones for me. I checked also the vids on YT with the AR.

I want both machines, the MD and the Xbase, but i think i will buy the MD first

LyingDalai · 2015-11-03T09:00:53.000Z

Now that you’ve made your mind about this…
I don’t own a Machinedrum but I have fun with my Monomachine for crazy drums

Check this :

And LEM’s live performances as well.
Mono is not dead !

Tarelizer · 2015-11-03T19:29:11.000Z

the best MnM Performance i heard:

tasmansea · 2015-11-03T19:57:01.000Z

just throwing it out there… nord drum2 is sonically certainly the most versatile thing I can think of. if you want to sequence it from the mpc that is…

Alex · 2015-11-03T20:29:38.000Z

[quote=“” Barfunkel""]
Not the biggest Jomox fan. I used to own an Xbase 999 and I didn’t like it much.Bad, somewhat cryptic OS and it doesn’t sound as good as some of it’s competitors. It also does nothing special, just quite standard analog drum sounds. You can load your own samples in and they’re played back at a low bitrate, which in theory is nice, but it doesn’t sound as good as some vintage 12-bit samplers.

If I owned a 909 and an MPC3000, I wouldn’t bother with the Jomox. They are quite expensive too.

Is there a particular reason you don’t want an Analog Rytm? It would bring a different, modern vibe to your setup.

[/quote]

This is not very good input in my opinion…
First of all, the Jomox gets a bad wrap way too often. The OS is a bit different but it’s certainly not cryptic or bad in any way. I own a Jomox 999 (just bought it brand new a month ago) and it took me a week or two to learn and anticipate the idiosyncrasies of the OS. Once you understand its character it actually makes perfectly fine sense.
NOTHING matches the sound of a 999 unless you go for a vintage 909, 808 or whatever. Jomox is a beast and has a sound all its own. Sounds beefy as hell. The sound pressure on the sounds is incredible, really cuts through a mix. It’s very flexible too… It has the same 8-but chip inside that the tr909 had (for loading samples) and it makes the samples crunchy and amazing… Brings them to life.
Sure, get a 12-but SP1200 but pay $5k… Not worth it
Jomox sample loading is amazing .
DEFINITELY THE BEST SOUNDING MODERN DRUM MACHINE HANDS DOWN
I’ve owned MachineDrum for years, TR909 for years, Vermona DRM MK3 for years, TR8, Kong Red and blue boxes, XBase 09, Jomox 888 (sold it years ago and recently got a 999… I always regretted selling the 888). I’ve also owned RYTM and loved it but it’s honestly lacking in sound… Great interface but mediocre sound
I’ve even owned acid lab Miami and mfb tanzbar (also both great)… But nothing hits like a 999.
Nothing.
Subjective but that’s my input

Alex · 2015-11-03T20:34:22.000Z

I created this with just a jx8p and a Jomox 999 two nights ago:::

Gives you a good idea as to how Jomox sounds… I’m not even pushing it in this track

LyingDalai · 2015-11-03T20:39:17.000Z

""Tarelizer"":

the best MnM Performance i heard:
http://youtu.be/hyILNEjnw10

Pretty cool indeed, and it gets better and better !
Thx for the link

Alex · 2015-11-03T20:42:12.000Z

Voiski uses XBase 888

Just check out his Boiler Room live set…

Also, Livity Sound uses XBase 999… Check out their RA Sessions video

Just sayin

Alex · 2015-11-03T20:46:25.000Z

Also, MD is obviously worlds apart from Jomox flexibility wise. I always found that MD & Jomox 888/999 were a perfect combination. I made some ridiculous tracks combining those two years ago… Trying to get another MD again soon…

If you like pattern chaining and song mode then Jomox isn’t for you.

elenacortes · 2015-11-03T21:59:22.000Z

The sound of Jomox 999 is really punchy. You take the kick in your face right between the eyes.
Oh certainly not really flexible, compared to Elektron sequencer and OS, but a very good old fashion Drummachine.

Very beautiful gear, hot sound and as said in precedent post, nice sound for samples. Clap and hithat are really my favourite ones.

poonti · 2015-11-04T00:56:28.000Z

""Alex"":

[quote=" Barfunkel"]Not the biggest Jomox fan. I used to own an Xbase 999 and I didn’t like it much.Bad, somewhat cryptic OS and it doesn’t sound as good as some of it’s competitors. It also does nothing special, just quite standard analog drum sounds. You can load your own samples in and they’re played back at a low bitrate, which in theory is nice, but it doesn’t sound as good as some vintage 12-bit samplers.

If I owned a 909 and an MPC3000, I wouldn’t bother with the Jomox. They are quite expensive too.

Is there a particular reason you don’t want an Analog Rytm? It would bring a different, modern vibe to your setup.

This is not very good input in my opinion…
First of all, the Jomox gets a bad wrap way too often. The OS is a bit different but it’s certainly not cryptic or bad in any way. I own a Jomox 999 (just bought it brand new a month ago) and it took me a week or two to learn and anticipate the idiosyncrasies of the OS. Once you understand its character it actually makes perfectly fine sense.
NOTHING matches the sound of a 999 unless you go for a vintage 909, 808 or whatever. Jomox is a beast and has a sound all its own. Sounds beefy as hell. The sound pressure on the sounds is incredible, really cuts through a mix. It’s very flexible too… It has the same 8-but chip inside that the tr909 had (for loading samples) and it makes the samples crunchy and amazing… Brings them to life.
Sure, get a 12-but SP1200 but pay $5k… Not worth it
Jomox sample loading is amazing .
DEFINITELY THE BEST SOUNDING MODERN DRUM MACHINE HANDS DOWN
I’ve owned MachineDrum for years, TR909 for years, Vermona DRM MK3 for years, TR8, Kong Red and blue boxes, XBase 09, Jomox 888 (sold it years ago and recently got a 999… I always regretted selling the 888). I’ve also owned RYTM and loved it but it’s honestly lacking in sound… Great interface but mediocre sound
I’ve even owned acid lab Miami and mfb tanzbar (also both great)… But nothing hits like a 999.
Nothing.
Subjective but that’s my input [/quote]
Amen to that! I thought I was the only one here with those thoughts (i’m an 888 owner), but I guess there’s at least one other Jomox fan!

Alex · 2015-11-04T01:50:40.000Z

""poonti"":

[quote=“Alex”][quote=" Barfunkel"]Not the biggest Jomox fan. I used to own an Xbase 999 and I didn’t like it much.Bad, somewhat cryptic OS and it doesn’t sound as good as some of it’s competitors. It also does nothing special, just quite standard analog drum sounds. You can load your own samples in and they’re played back at a low bitrate, which in theory is nice, but it doesn’t sound as good as some vintage 12-bit samplers.

If I owned a 909 and an MPC3000, I wouldn’t bother with the Jomox. They are quite expensive too.

Is there a particular reason you don’t want an Analog Rytm? It would bring a different, modern vibe to your setup.

This is not very good input in my opinion…
First of all, the Jomox gets a bad wrap way too often. The OS is a bit different but it’s certainly not cryptic or bad in any way. I own a Jomox 999 (just bought it brand new a month ago) and it took me a week or two to learn and anticipate the idiosyncrasies of the OS. Once you understand its character it actually makes perfectly fine sense.
NOTHING matches the sound of a 999 unless you go for a vintage 909, 808 or whatever. Jomox is a beast and has a sound all its own. Sounds beefy as hell. The sound pressure on the sounds is incredible, really cuts through a mix. It’s very flexible too… It has the same 8-but chip inside that the tr909 had (for loading samples) and it makes the samples crunchy and amazing… Brings them to life.
Sure, get a 12-but SP1200 but pay $5k… Not worth it
Jomox sample loading is amazing .
DEFINITELY THE BEST SOUNDING MODERN DRUM MACHINE HANDS DOWN
I’ve owned MachineDrum for years, TR909 for years, Vermona DRM MK3 for years, TR8, Kong Red and blue boxes, XBase 09, Jomox 888 (sold it years ago and recently got a 999… I always regretted selling the 888). I’ve also owned RYTM and loved it but it’s honestly lacking in sound… Great interface but mediocre sound
I’ve even owned acid lab Miami and mfb tanzbar (also both great)… But nothing hits like a 999.
Nothing.
Subjective but that’s my input [/quote]
Amen to that! I thought I was the only one here with those thoughts (i’m an 888 owner), but I guess there’s at least one other Jomox fan![/quote]
Jomox 888/999 can be acquired very cheaply too… Saw a mint producer edition 999 go for $999 the other day on eBay
Future classic… Gets no love

Barfunkel · 2015-11-04T04:52:06.000Z

""Alex"":

[quote=" Barfunkel"]Not the biggest Jomox fan. I used to own an Xbase 999 and I didn’t like it much.Bad, somewhat cryptic OS and it doesn’t sound as good as some of it’s competitors. It also does nothing special, just quite standard analog drum sounds. You can load your own samples in and they’re played back at a low bitrate, which in theory is nice, but it doesn’t sound as good as some vintage 12-bit samplers.

If I owned a 909 and an MPC3000, I wouldn’t bother with the Jomox. They are quite expensive too.

Is there a particular reason you don’t want an Analog Rytm? It would bring a different, modern vibe to your setup.

This is not very good input in my opinion…
First of all, the Jomox gets a bad wrap way too often. The OS is a bit different but it’s certainly not cryptic or bad in any way. I own a Jomox 999 (just bought it brand new a month ago) and it took me a week or two to learn and anticipate the idiosyncrasies of the OS. Once you understand its character it actually makes perfectly fine sense.
NOTHING matches the sound of a 999 unless you go for a vintage 909, 808 or whatever. Jomox is a beast and has a sound all its own. Sounds beefy as hell. The sound pressure on the sounds is incredible, really cuts through a mix. It’s very flexible too… It has the same 8-but chip inside that the tr909 had (for loading samples) and it makes the samples crunchy and amazing… Brings them to life.
Sure, get a 12-but SP1200 but pay $5k… Not worth it
Jomox sample loading is amazing .
DEFINITELY THE BEST SOUNDING MODERN DRUM MACHINE HANDS DOWN
I’ve owned MachineDrum for years, TR909 for years, Vermona DRM MK3 for years, TR8, Kong Red and blue boxes, XBase 09, Jomox 888 (sold it years ago and recently got a 999… I always regretted selling the 888). I’ve also owned RYTM and loved it but it’s honestly lacking in sound… Great interface but mediocre sound
I’ve even owned acid lab Miami and mfb tanzbar (also both great)… But nothing hits like a 999.
Nothing.
Subjective but that’s my input [/quote]

Well. I did own the 999 for about 2 years. I didn’t like the sound much myself and people were always commenting how I had bad sounding drums, too.

I honestly prefer my current (digital) Aira TR-8. Better OS, better sound, costs 1/3 of the Jomox.

This is of course just one man’s opinion. We can’t all like the same things.

Tarelizer · 2015-11-04T11:28:44.000Z

Alex thank you for your input.

I wrote before that i will get both machines. My problem is that i cant decide which one first (i know its a stupid problem). I want to get used to a machine before i get a new one. Im picky to that

The TR909 is just a collectors item, i love the sound, the design, the look and the sequencer. Same with the MPC3000. Everytime when i´m sitting in front of the MPC and the 909 i have tons of ideas in my head. Very inspiring to me.

When it comes to an idea i start with a sound, a bassline, synth melodie, etc.

Digging the Sounds out of my library on the Mac, creating a program with MPCPgmMaker or Translator, put this in the MPC or the EMU and Fire!

After that i start to program the Drums and Percussions.

All my music is written after work and when the rest of the family sleeps.

The 909 is very limited. I don`t use its whole single instruments. Kick, Clap, Hats, Ride (of course!!!). Sometimes the Toms, hardly the Snare and other remaining sounds. With the 909 its very easy to program a 64 or 128 Step Pattern: just set the range of patterns which should be played by pushing the first and the last pattern in pattern mode.

For 808 or other Percussion Sounds i use the MPC. I want to separate the drums. 808, 909, 7x7 for their own. Each machine will be recorded on its audio channel in logic. The MPC is only for cuttet breaks or non Drummachine related Sounds. I also have Projects where the MPC is not involved. i just want to start Jam Sessions with Drum Sequencers only. Routing the Midi Out from a Drummachine to a Synth is amazing (check Rob Hood Stuff).

Last night i read the manual of the Xbase and the MD again. Pattern Chaining is not a problem at all, as long it is easy to switch the pattern on the fly. I will edit the Patterns and Audio Tracks in Logic later.

I regret that i sold my 808. That was the perfect Machine. I understood what i had, when i sold it. Thats why i want a XBase888. Not for 909ish stuff, just for the 808 Sounds and the other Gimmicks. The MD is also a nice addition to my workflow. Thats why i want to have both in the end.

The TR8 is nice but maybe to limited. I don`t spend to much time on that machine, because i have a real 909. I dont want a replica. I want something different. The Xbase and the MD are perfect to me.

analogback · 2015-11-04T12:13:56.000Z

to keep up sonically with the 909, mpc3000 you may want to go with an analog drum machine… the MD is awesome for sound design but they don’t have the same character and raw fat (apart from the kicks) so its hard to mix them convincingly without some processing. jomox is good but sounds similar to the 909 in some ways… tempest? rytm? vintage? A4? Wikid cutting snares and chain mode!