You are here

Drum Machines

A drum machine is a hardware device or software that generates electronic drum sounds, typically for the purpose of creating music. Drum machines are often used by music producers and DJs to create beats and rhythms, and they can be programmed to play a variety of different drum sounds and patterns.

The main functions of a drum machine include:

  • Sound generation: Drum machines generate electronic drum sounds that can be used to create music.

  • Pattern creation: Drum machines allow users to create and program drum patterns by specifying which drum sounds are played and when.

  • Sequencing: Drum machines allow users to sequence drum patterns in a specific order to create a complete song or beat.

  • Effects: Many drum machines offer effects such as reverb, delay, and compression, which can be used to shape the sound of the drum sounds.

Some of the main uses of drum machines include:

  • Music production: Drum machines are often used by music producers to create beats and rhythms for electronic music, hip hop, and other genres.

  • Live performances: Drum machines are commonly used by DJs and electronic music performers to provide a backing track for their live sets.

  • Practice: Drum machines can be used by musicians as a tool for practicing and improving their drumming skills.

Some of the benefits of using a drum machine include:

  • Ease of use: Drum machines are relatively easy to use, even for those with limited music production experience.

  • Flexibility: Drum machines allow users to create a wide range of drum sounds and patterns, and they can be easily modified and customised.

  • Portability: Many drum machines are small and portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.

  • Cost-effective: Drum machines can be an affordable alternative to hiring a drummer or purchasing a full drum set.

Displaying 1 - 21 of 199 items
  • link

    Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums

    Drum Machine

    Erica add to their ‘not just for education’ education range with an extremely playable drum machine...

    Reviews Sep 2026
  • link
    Roland 808 Day 2026 TR-808 Rhythm Composer analogue drum machine

    Roland celebrate 808 Day

    Honouring the drum machine that redefined modern music

    For this year's 808 Day, Roland are partnering with global radio platform NTS, bringing back their award-winning The Rhythm Creators series and continuing a worldwide celebration of the 808’s enduring legacy and cultural impact.

    News
  • link

    E-mu Systems SP-1200

    Revisited

    E‑mu Systems’ products changed popular music, perhaps none more so than the SP‑1200 sampling drum machine.

    Music Business Aug 2026
  • link
    Akai MPC Key 37 G2 standalone music production system

    Akai Pro’s MPC One & MPC Key 37 get G2 upgrade

    Four times the power of their predecessors

    The MPC One G2 and MPC Key 37 G2 both come loaded with a new eight-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, and are powered by the company’s latest MPC operating system. 

    News
  • link

    Spitfire Audio bring Originals to Akai MPC

    Two Originals offerings join MPC line-up

    Following on from their partnership announcement at NAMM 2026, Spitfire Audio and Akai Pro have announced the release of two new sample libraries that can be run entirely on MPC hardware. 

    News
  • link
    Akai Pro MPC Live III Retro sampler drum machine

    Akai Pro unveil the MPC Live III Retro

    New retro-inspired MPC announced

    The new addition to the MPC line-up draws its inspiration from the original 1980’s machines, and delivers a retro-styled version of the MPC Live III.

    News
  • link
    Sonicware Deconstruct Minimal compact drum machine sampler

    Deconstruct Minimal from Sonicware

    New compact drum machine & sampler announced

    Described as a “hypnotic groove machine”, the Deconstruct Minimal draws inspiration from an array of classics, and as with all of Sonicware's offerings, packs some serious features into its modest footprint. 

    News
  • link
    zxpQ1Ola3zc.jpg

    SUPERBOOTH 2026: Erica Synths Bullfrog Drums

    Video Show Report

    The Bullfrog Drums is the latest collaboration between Erica Synths and Richie Hawtin, and delivers an educational instrument that's easy to use, but still packs in enough pro features to satisfy serious users.

    News
  • link
    j52ePN20lzU.jpg

    SUPERBOOTH 2026: Polyend Drums

    Video Show Report

    Polyend's big announcement for Superbooth 2026 is the Drums, a new drum machine that features both analogue and digital voices and boasts some powerful sequencing capabilities.

    News
  • link
    Polyend Drums

    Polyend Drums hybrid drum machine

    Combines analogue voices with digital synthesis and sequencing

    Polyend's latest release Drums features eight tracks designed for creating percussion using analogue voices, digital synthesis methods or sample-based instruments.

    News
  • link

    Audio.Computer Beat Friend

    Drum Machine

    Much like a real drummer, the Beat Friend is a semi‑autonomous rhythm machine that could bring a life of its own to your music.

    Reviews May 2026
  • link

    Olympia Noise Co. Patterning 3

    Virtual Drum Machine For iOS & macOS

    Olympia’s annular drum sequencer is going from strength to strength.

    Reviews Apr 2026
  • link
    SOS Awards Header 2026

    2026 SOS Awards: THE RESULTS

    Chosen By The Readers Of SOUND ON SOUND

    The SOS Awards celebrate innovation and contemporary design. Congratulations to all the Winners, as well as the very worthy close contenders in each category who have been awarded our Highly Commended accolade.

    Reviews Feb 2026
  • link

    Erica Synths x Hexinverter HexDrums

    Drum Machine

    Erica Synths have resurrected the now‑legendary Hexinverter percussion modules to create a drum machine that’s as immediate and playable as it is individual.

    Reviews Jan 2026
  • link

    Roland TR-1000

    Drum Machine

    Elegantly combining analogue and digital, and balancing programming with performance, the TR‑1000 is the best drum machine Roland have ever made.

    Reviews Dec 2025
  • link
    Singular Sound BeatBuddy 2

    Singular Sound BeatBuddy 2

    Rhythm Generator Pedal

    Singular Sound’s revamped drum generator offers top‑quality sound and flexible playback options.

    Reviews Dec 2025
  • link
    Erica Synths HexDrums Hexinverter Mutant drum machine

    Erica Synths taking pre-orders for the Hexdrums

    Latest drum machine launch incoming

    Erica Synths are now taking pre-orders for the Hexinverter Mutant-inspired drum machine that was revealed earlier this year, with shipping expected to begin on 11 December 2025. 

    News
  • link
    Akai MPC Live III standalone music production centre

    Akai Pro reveal the MPC Live III

    Most powerful & advanced standalone offering yet

    The MPC Live III features Akai Pro's expressive MPCe pads, a dedicated 16-button step sequencer and a new Clip Matrix mode that focuses on real-time performance, as well as boasting a built-in mic and speakers and offering battery-powered operation.

    News
  • link
    Roland TR-1000 analogue drum machine

    Roland unveil the TR-1000 Rhythm Creator

    Builds on the TR-808 & TR-909 legacy

    Building on the legacy of the iconic TR-808 and TR-909, the TR-1000 Rhythm Creator combines a selection of true analogue drum voices with the latest advancements in digital sampling and processing, all complemented by a performance-focused interface. 

    News
  • link

    Dom Sigalas Modern 80s Kit MAX V2

    Virtual Drum Instrument

    Dom Sigalas breathes new life into some classic drum sounds.

    Reviews Aug 2025
  • link

    Polyend Step

    Drum Machine

    Polyend take it to the floor with a new pedal‑based drum machine.

    Reviews Aug 2025

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Drum Machines