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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 - 18 of 18 items
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    Olympia Noise Co Patterning 2

    Drum Machine For iOS

    How do you improve upon what is already one of the best iOS drum machine apps? Well, Olympia Noise Co are giving it a go with the release of Patterning 2.

    Reviews Oct 2018
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    Wave Alchemy Revolution

    Software Drum Instrument

    Wave Alchemy’s Revolution breathes new life into a pantheon of classic drum machines.

    Reviews Jun 2017
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    Blue Mangoo Drum Session

    Virtual Acoustic Drum Instrument For iOS

    For those wanting realistic acoustic drum parts, we don’t yet have a candidate for ‘EZ Drummer in an app’. Which is something that Blue Mangoo, the developers behind the excellent iFretless apps, are trying to achieve with Drum Session.

    Reviews Mar 2017
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    Olympia Noise Co. Patterning

    Drum Machine App For iPad

    This month: Noise Co Patterning drum machine app and the Korg iM1 synth app, both for iPad.

    Reviews Nov 2015
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    Smartistic Licence

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Take greater advantage of Drum Machine Designer in Logic Pro X by customising Smart Controls.

    Techniques Jun 2015
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    Steinberg Groove Agent 4

    Virtual Drummer Instrument

    Why take three virtual rhythm plug-ins into the studio when you can just take one? Steinberg’s Groove Agent 4 attempts to do it all.

    Reviews Jun 2015
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    EasyBeats LE

    Beat Creation App For iOS

    EasyBeats LE combines a set of 808-inspired electronic drum sounds with the ability to record a sequence of up to four measures (16 steps per measure).

    Reviews Oct 2014
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    Pulse Code Rhythm Studio

    Electronic Music Production App For iOS

    Rhythm Studio very neatly bundles a step sequencer, mixer, and a variety of sound and rhythm generators into one ridiculously low‑priced app, and also provides virtual interconnectivity and a fair amount of touch‑screen control. 

    Reviews Aug 2014
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    Sonic Reality Ocean Way Drums

    Virtual Drum Instrument

    Ocean Way Drums offers 19 drum kits, recorded in a world-famous studio by a world-renowned engineer. Is this the best drum sample library money can buy?

    Reviews Apr 2009
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    Toontrack Superior Drummer 2.0

    Virtual Drum Instrument [Mac & PC]

    Toontrack's DFH Superior received excellent reviews but perhaps didn't really make the impact that it deserved. Will the drums and cymbals of their new Superior Drummer 2.0 make a greater splash?

    Reviews Dec 2008
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    Steinberg Groove Agent 3

    Virtual Drummer Instrument [Mac/PC]

    It's been a long time coming, but has the latest version of Steinberg's Groove Agent been worth waiting for?

    Reviews Jan 2008
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    Digidesign Strike

    Pro Tools Virtual Drummer Plug-in

    A new drum-based instrument from Digidesign combines instant gratification with a huge sound library and plenty of potential for editing.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Rayzoon Jamstix

    Virtual Drummer PC VST Instrument

    Virtual band members are now a regular feature in SOS reviews, but how about a virtual drummer that actually will jam with you? Rayzoon claim Jamstix is able to do just that...

    Reviews Nov 2005
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    FXpansion Guru

    Virtual Drum Sampler [Windows/Mac OS X]

    FXpansion's software drum machine takes the 'pad sampler' concept pioneered by Akai's MPC range to new levels.

    Reviews Sep 2005
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    ASS Anarchy Rhythms

    Formats: Windows VST & Stand-alone

    Anarchy Rhythms is a novel VST plug-in/stand-alone application, whose author accurately describes it as "a hybrid between an effect and a drum machine".

    Reviews Aug 2005
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    Glaresoft iDrum

    Virtual Drum Machine [Mac OS X]

    Espousing the simple, easy-to-use, Apple-type philosophy seen in tools like GarageBand, Glaresoft's virtual drum machine has you piecing together beats in minutes. And it costs just £39! We check it out...

    Reviews Jun 2005
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    Arturia Storm v3

    Software Music Studio [Mac OS X/PC]

    Storm, the French software studio from virtual-instrument creators Arturia, keeps on improving. We check out version 3.

    Reviews Dec 2004
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    Linplug RMIV

    Software Drum Machine [PC/Mac OS X]

    With their new VST Instrument, Linplug are aiming to combine the flexibility of a software synth and sampler with the simplicity of a hardware drum machine.

    Reviews Feb 2004
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