The field of drum machines was neglected for many years by manufacturers because everyone was swearing only by all kinds of sample loops. Little by little, however, they have reappeared by riding the great comeback of analog, which gave some ideas to manufacturers who tried to recreate the inimitable groove of their legendary machines such as the TR-808, SP 1200, Drumtracks, and the old KR-55.
The boutique series from manufacturer Roland featuring about ten models uses ACB modeling technology to recreate the legendary machines that helped develop house music. The TR-08 is an exact copy of the early 80s TR-808 which had 16 percussion sounds and 32 programmable patterns in 32 steps for 12 songs. Weighing 1.3 kg, it can be mounted in a dock station and features three rows of potentiometers to adjust the accent of percussion elements, transport, programming, etc. The TR-08 connections are updated with a USB port and audio, headphone, and MIDI I/O. The unit also has a small speaker and a compartment for four batteries providing six hours of claimed autonomy.
The small box Volca Beats from Korg is part of the Volca series composed of six modules that are both analog with the synth Volca Keys, the bass line Volca Bass, the bass drum generator Volca Kick, frequency modulation with the Volca FM and the sampler with the Volca Sample. All have MIDI In/Out sync to chain multiple Volcas as well as a mini speaker and battery power. The module offers six editable parts, a PCM engine, a 16-step sequencer with 8 pattern memories, a Stutter effect, Active step (adds or removes steps) and Step jump (plays only the selected step) functions and can be controlled via iOS for tap tempo or swing parameters.
Compact, powerful, and uncompromising, the DrumBrute Impact from Arturia is an analog drum machine that offers a punchy sound and immediate handling. With its 10 analog sounds and built-in distortion effect, it offers an aggressive sound palette, ideal for energy-packed beats.
Its features:
- A raw and expressive sound
- 10 analog instruments (kick, snare, toms, hats, cymbal, cowbell, FM)
- Color function to add character to each sound: crackles, harmonics, distortion...
- Global distortion to further enrich your patterns
- Smooth and intuitive creation
- 64-step sequencer with polyrhythm and swing
- Looper, random, song mode, and roller for on-the-fly creation
- Accent and Color per step mode for true expressiveness
- Individual outputs for kick, snare, hi-hats, and FM
- MIDI In/Out, USB-MIDI, analog sync (1PPS, DIN24/48, etc.)
- Headphone output, line output, and clock input/output
Versatile, compact, and ultra-solid, the Elektron Digitakt II is an 8 audio track + 8 MIDI track drum machine and sampler, ideal for both production and live performance. With its ultra-precise digital engine, advanced sequencer, and exemplary build quality, it’s a creative machine designed for demanding setups.
Its strengths:
– 8 stereo audio tracks + 8 MIDI tracks
– Internal sampling with 64 MB memory + 1 GB storage
– Built-in effects: delay, reverb, multimode filter, LFO per track
– Elektron sequencer renowned for its power and precision
– Compatible with Overbridge for perfect studio integration
– Optimized interface
– High-definition OLED screen
– 10 assignable potentiometers
– 16 ultra-resistant backlit triggers
– Smooth and intuitive navigation, even live
Elektron Digitakt II
Versatile, compact, and ultra-solid, the Elektron Digitakt II is an 8 audio track + 8 MIDI track drum machine and sampler, ideal for both production and live performance. With its ultra-precise digital engine, advanced sequencer, and exemplary build quality, it’s a creative machine designed for demanding setups. Its strengths: – 8 stereo audio tracks + 8 MIDI tracks – Internal sampling with 64 MB memory + 1 GB storage – Built-in effects: delay, reverb, multimode filter, LFO per track – Elektron sequencer renowned for its power and precision – Compatible with Overbridge for perfect studio integration – Optimized interface – High-definition OLED screen – 10 assignable potentiometers – 16 ultra-resistant backlit triggers – Smooth and intuitive navigation, even live
Elektron Digitakt II
