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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 - 21 of 28 items
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    Yamaha SEQTRAK all-in-one production instrument drum machine synth sampler

    Yamaha SEQTRAK: all-in-one production system

    Compact unit combines drums, synthesis, sampling & more

    SEQTRAK is a lightweight, portable production system that packs in a range of drum programming, synthesis, sampling and sound design capabilities. 

    News
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    Sonicware Lofi-12 XT Kickstarter retro sampling groovebox instrument

    Sonicware Lofi-12 XT on Kickstarter

    All backers will now receive a free case

    Sonicware are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the creation of Lofi-12 XT, an advanced version of their popular Lofi-12 groovebox and sampler instrument.

    News
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    Sequential Novation Focusrite Take 5 Circuit Rhythm Scarlett 18i20 win synth sampler drum machine audio interface

    WIN Sequential, Focusrite & Novation recording bundle

    Synth, sampler/drum machine & interface up for grabs

    Sequential have teamed up with Novation and Focusrite to give synth enthusiasts the chance to win a Take 5 synthesizer, Circuit Rhythm sampler/drum machine and Scarlett 18i20 audio interface.

    News
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    Akai MPC X Special Edition production sampler workstation drum machine

    Akai Pro unveil MPC X Special Edition

    Most powerful MPC instrument ever

    Akai are celebrating 35 years of their MPC platform with the release of a new version of their flagship instrument that boasts a retro look along with increased processing power and storage. 

    News
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    Elektron Song Mode update Digitone Keys Digitakt Syntakt

    Elektron introduce Song Mode feature

    New functionality for Digitakt, Syntakt and Digitone instruments

    Latest OS update brings a much-requested Song Mode feature to Elektron's Digitakt, Syntakt, Digitone and Digitone Keys instruments. 

    News
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    Novation Circuit Rhythm

    Sampling Groovebox

    Novation’s Circuit Rhythm offers portable immediacy and a surprising amount of depth.

    Reviews Dec 2021
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    Elektron MkII Analog Four, Analog Rytm & Octatrack

    Analogue Synthesizer, Drum Machine & Performance Sampler

    Elektron have treated three of their flagship instruments to a major redesign. We see what’s new...

    Reviews Jul 2018
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    Modal Electronics announce 8-track drum sampler for £99

    CRAFTrhythm features 16-step sequencer, LPF, pitch controls and more

    Modal have announced the follow-up to CRAFTsynth: the £99 CRAFTrhythm 8-track sampling drum machine.

    News
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    Akai MPCX

    Music Production Centre

    Could the MPCX make you rethink your whole approach to studio and live music production?

    Reviews Sep 2017
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    Elektron Digitakt

    Digital Drum Computer & Sampler

    Elektron’s new sampling drum machine is much more than just a cut-price Octatrack.

    Reviews Sep 2017
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    Roland unveil Boutique SH-01 & TR-08 and AIRA sampler 

    Iconic instruments modelled for compact series, SP-404SX reworked for TR-8

    Roland have announced that they will be releasing two modules based on classic products for their Boutique format. The SH-01A...

    News
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    Elektron Digitakt now available

    Eight-track drum machine & sampler out today

    Elektron’s highly anticipated eight-track drum machine and sampler, Digitakt is out today and available for purchase...

    News
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    Pioneer Toraiz SP-16

    Performance Sampler

    Pioneer’s DJ-inspired performance sampler is the start of something new.

    Reviews May 2017
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    Akai MPC Live

    Music Production Centre

    The return of the stand-alone MPC exceeds expectations.

    Reviews Apr 2017
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    Elektron return to digital with Digitakt drum machine

    Compact beat making machine announced at NAMM

    After their recent run of analogue-centric synth, drum and effects machines, Elektron have unveiled a purely...

    News
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    Akai MPC Touch

    Sampling Workstation

    The MPC has always been about its fast, hands-on interface — can a touchscreen make it even better?

    Reviews Sep 2016
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    Akai MPC Renaissance.

    Akai MPC Renaissance

    Sampling Workstation.

    The legendary MPC brand is reborn in a form that aims to marry its famous hands-on ethos with the unlimited possibilities of the software world. Does the combination work?

    Reviews Feb 2013
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    Roland SPDSX

    Sampling Percussion Pad

    Roland’s popular SPDS sampling drum pad gains an ‘X’, and a whole lot more besides, in the SPDSX.

    Reviews Oct 2012
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    Zoom R24

    Recorder, Interface & Controller

    Zoom have launched a sibling for their R16, adding a further eight tracks and some neat loop-sampling and rhythm-track features.

    Reviews Jan 2011
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    Native Instruments Maschine

    Groove Workstation

    Native Instruments's hybrid hardware and software beat machine promises the best of both worlds. Does it deliver?

    Reviews Jun 2009
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    Akai MPC5000

    Sampling Workstation

    Akai's MPC has been with us for 20 years now — an incredibly long time in music production. So is the latest addition to this venerable range, the MPC5000, a worthy bearer of its standard?

    Reviews Dec 2008

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