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Explore Drum Machines & Samplers at Sweetwater


Drum machines have matured immensely since the Rhythmicon — a large, gangly forerunner to today's drum machines — debuted in the early 1930s. Fast-forward to 1980, when the Linn LM-1 burst onto the scene as the first drum machine to use digitally sampled sounds, attracting diverse acts like Prince and Devo. The Linn LM-1 would ultimately be overshadowed by Roland's TR-808, also released in 1980. The analog TR-808 (and later TR-909) have continued to shape electronic, hip-hop, house, R&B, and other genres — have a listen to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" and Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak for reference. While drum machines were originally conceived to fill in when live drums and drummers weren't available, they've revealed their own avenues of creativity.


MIDI: Connecting Drum Machines and Samplers Like Never Before


With breakthroughs in MIDI, software, etc., today's drum machines are more capable and affordable than ever. The phrase, drum machine, refers to an electronic instrument that has a) built-in sequencing and b) an onboard controller used for playing beats, grooves, or rhythmic compositions. Drum machines are often played, or controlled, via touch-sensitive pads. Drum machines typically come with plenty of built-in drum sounds and the ability to modulate and shape these tones; many units also have bass and synth tones. Built-in sequencers allow users to program up to sixteen instruments simultaneously for complex beats and compositions. Several inputs and outputs, MIDI support, and onboard effects come standard.


Enter the Drum Machine and Sampler Renaissance


Sweetwater carries a host of different drum machines, each with its unique special features and advantages. The Alesis SR-16 is a powerful yet affordable place to start. It has 233 included sounds, twelve playable pads, and two footswitch jacks. Whereas the SR-16 is digital, the Korg Volca Drum is analog; it boasts a 16-step sequencer, Sync I/O, and a built-in unique stutter effect. Better yet, it weighs less than a pound, so players can carry it anywhere. The Roland AIRA Compact T-8 combines the signature sound capabilities of both the 808 and 909 drum machines, plus additional new features. On the other hand, the Elektron Syntakt has a 64-step sequencer and onboard 12-bit sampling.


Drum Machine FAQs


"What's the difference between a drum machine and a drum module?"


It might be helpful to differentiate between drum machines and drum modules. Drum modules are sound modules that specialize in percussive sounds. But since most lack a built-in sequencer, they're not technically drum machines. Many drum modules also lack built-in triggers; they can't be played in their standalone form, so they must be connected to some external playable controller or interface. Most of the time, drum modules act as the "brain" of electronic drum kits; they generate sounds triggered by external pads. For more information, swing by our Drum Modules category and to see the latest offerings.


Freshen Up Your Beat Production with Sweetwater


From drum machines and samplers, Sweetwater's got 'em, and our Sales Engineers are happy to help you find your groove. These machines have something for musicians of every genre and budget.


Interested in learning more about drum machines and samplers? Check out the following articles:

"Drum Machine vs. Sampler: What's the Difference?" | inSync
"Drum Machines: A Brief History of Automated Rhythm" | inSync
"Choosing the Best Drum Machine on Any Budget" | inSync
"Must-see Drum Machines and Sequencers" | inSync
"What Is a Sampler and How Does It Work?" [VIDEO] | inSync

Why shop Drum Machines & Samplers at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Drum Machines & Samplers, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Drum Machines & Samplers, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.

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