Drum Machines

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.

This new member of the Korg tribe offers synthesis, sequencing, drum programming, tons of real-time control plus genuine valves to light up your studio and your sound.

The latest in Roland's line of MC-series workstations is their best (and most expensive) yet, incorporating synthesis, sequencing, real-time control, and sampling. But in an increasingly software-driven world, can a Groovebox still cut it?

It's a sequenceable filter, it's an amp modeller, and it's a drum machine... it's the AdrenaLinn, the new guitar processor from famed designer Roger Linn, best known for his classic drum machines and sequencing workstations.

Swedish manufacturer Elektron claim that their SPS1 rhythm synth is the most sophisticated drum machine ever built, with a stunning specification that includes no less than four different types of percussion synthesis.

Roland followed their first MC303 Groovebox with the well-specified MC505. Now there's the MC307, with a spec more like the 505, a price closer to that of the 303, and more DJ-friendly features.

The Korg DDM110 was one of the first digital drum machines to reach the mass market. Paul Sellars rediscovers its distinctive, punchy sound and revels in the simplicity of its programming...

Despite its size, this diminutive drum machine packs in a decent sound set and some interesting guitar‑oriented features.

A few years ago, dedicated drum machines seemed in danger of extinction — but now they seem to be undergoing something of a renaissance. Derek Johnson gets hands-on with the latest addition to Boss's Dr. Rhythm range.

Zoom's new beatbox offers a wide range of percussion sounds and patterns at an extremely affordable price.

Dedicated rhythm machine are very much back in fashion, and the new Boss DR202 offers an impressive specification at a budget price. Chris Carter investigates its qualifications.

'80s technology is still out there in abundance and going cheap. Derek Johnson spotlights a budget beatbox that has everything it takes to slot into the '90s studio.

New drum machines are few and far between these days, but as Nicholas Rowland discovers, this one has a lot to offer even in a world full of computer sequencers.

Chris Carter looks at a new dedicated drum machine which could be the best 909 alternative yet.

Few electronic instruments are still as desirable, 16 years after their launch, as the 808, and even fewer become famous enough to have a band named after them. Chris Carter hits the perfect beat.

The best drum machine ever? Staunch admirer Nicholas Rowland leaps to the defence of the long-neglected Cheetah MD16.

Paul White checks out the successor to his beloved D4 and ends up casting sidelong glances at his cheque book.

Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser examine the rise and rise of Roland's most sought-after beatbox, the TR909.

The RY8 isn't just the latest in Yamaha's much-respected RY series of drum machines — the diminutive casing houses everything a mobile guitarist could need as a portable backing band, even a guitar synth!

Behind the conventional facade of Yamaha's latest drum machine hides a section of sophisticated features — like 'human feel' groove quantisation, bass sounds and built-in digital effects. Paul Ward gets into the groove.

Do you have a guitar, an interest in songwriting and a modest equipment budget? Read on, and David Mellor will tell you why this backing band in a plastic box could be just what you need.