How often will you be using the machine? If it is all the time (i.e. BudgetĪs well as this, we are all quick to think about the budget! So, what is the cut off point at which you just can’t justify the spend? When considering this, weigh up the benefits. Even drum machines are distinct in tone, pitch, and all things sound. Timbreĭerived from the word ‘tympanum’, timbre is the character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity. |cta-link type=’producers’| Key Factors To Consider When Choosing A Drum Machineīefore breaking down some of the best drum machines of 2020, we must identify the key factors that combine to make a great machine. Most importantly, these machines are far easier to find and purchase, meaning there is something for everyone! Fortunately, we live in a time where we have access to a multitude of drum machines ranging in price, timbre and size. These machines are hard to find and expensive. This combined to form unique sounds that were more widely accepted by beat makers. Roland compromised by using digital recordings for the hi-hats and cymbals, whilst using analogue for the kick and toms, meaning you could alter the kick and tom tunings. Finally, they realised that listeners just weren’t ready to commit to such sounds. Maintaining an analogue approach, Roland was set on the use of drum synthesisers, rather than digital playback. Yet, that didn’t stop Roland having another go. I guess in the early eighties, people weren’t ready for synthetic sounding drum machines, and preferred to groove to a more realistic, ‘acoustic’ imitation.
Focusing on realism rather than the futuristic sounds of the 808, it was accepted on a wider level. It flipped Roland’s analogue mentality to the reign of digital samples. The TR-808Īfter Roland’s so-called flop, Roger Linn launched the LinnDrum. You probably could have guessed it… it is the TR-808 (also known as the iconic ‘808 drum machine’). This is the same methodology used to this day. This task was not for the faint-hearted, yet Tadao Kikumoto and his team produced not only one of the most quintessential drum machines in history, but produced a new approach to creating the sounds. The CR-78’s successor had a big pair of shoes to fill. It quickly featured on classic tracks such as, ‘In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins, ‘Atomic’ by Blondie, and so many more! This machine pioneered a new way of creating drum grooves. The Roland CR-78 drum machine, launched in 1978, held 14 sounds, with 64 preset rhythms. The first rhythm box created is arguably one of the most iconic. You can also access apps which emulate drum machines online, which I will also look at. Either way, a drum machine is the perfect tool for the job.
You may want some inspiration, or want to create beats quickly. When you buy a drum machine, you gain access to dozens of sounds and hundreds of beats at the push of a button. They have an abundance of sounds, which vary from acoustic mimics to electronic samples. In its simplest form, a drum machine is a piece of musical hardware built to imitate percussive sounds. You may be asking, what is a drum machine and why should I buy one?