Drum machines are used by musicians in many types of genres to produce electronic rhythm. Instead of having to rely on a live drummer, a drum machine makes life easier.
With so many people turning to drum machine options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to find the best option available. Fortunately, a lot of quality drum machines are very affordable, so it really comes down to if a person needs certain patterns, samples and more.
This drum machine can do so much, yet it is one of the most travel-friendly options on the market today. With a focus on classic sounds in particular, there is enough editing and customization for any person to really enjoy as well.
The 16-step sequencer can be used fully, and eight memory banks is more than enough. The touch panel is very user-friendly as well for people to really get the most out of. It works very well, and is very sensitive to touch as well.
Size is the main selling point with this. It is designed to be taken anywhere. Working on battery does in fact work, but people do need to understand that depending on battery power all the time is probably not that smart. It can eat through battery somewhat quickly.
Finally, this machine has some of the best speakers out of all the other options detailed below. It makes it really easy to hear during a performance. While some are meant to be used with headphones, people can go without if they wish.
Pros
• 16-step sequencer
• 8 memory banks
• Outstanding speakers
• Battery-powered
Cons
• Eats through battery
• Snare sounds could be improved
This is a really great, user-friendly option for people who are used to the Korg brand. The faders are very nice, quiet and just look professional. In fact, from using this the very first time, this just seems like a very professional setup all around.
The MIDI in for note entry is a great additional to this model. Just having so many options in general on the device makes it a great option at home or on the road.
Battery power works well, and the battery lasts just a little bit longer on this model compared to the one above. Keep that in mind if considering one or the other.
Overall, this is still more of a beginner’s unit, but there is enough for pros to really get a lot out of it as well. The functionality and overall features make it a pretty full featured sampler for the price.
Pros
• 16-step sequencer
• 8 memory banks
• Stutter capabilities for delay-like effects
• Battery-powered
Cons
• Can’t pan individual channels
• Design puts connectors on top, not the back
This is a pretty advanced sampler, designed for varying levels of experts. Beginners will really enjoy the big pads for easy drumming, and the features are enough to really provide professionals with enough to justify the price.
What really sticks out with this sampler is that people can record and play back stereo .WAV samples just by using a SD card. There are some people who have struggled with compatibility issues at times, but for the most part everything should work as expected.
The sampling and playback on this device is great for the price range. With up to 16-bit/48 kHz, it will be hard to find anything better in the $200 price range.
Simplicity has always been a big thing for Akai, and people will see that in others reviewed below as well.
Pros
• 16 velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads for finger drumming
• High-quality sampling, up to 16-bit/48 kHz resolution
• Excellent for sound drops
Cons
• Interface could use some work
• Sound files struggle to work at times
The Alesis SR16 comes in 100 patterns or 200 patterns. The 200 patterns options jumps up to $259.00, but for most people, the 100 patterns models is going to be their best option.
This drum machine has a very simplistic design, but it packs a powerful punch. It has amazing sound all-around, which is perfect for those who are considering the use of it during a live performance.
Programming is easy to do, which is helpful since a lot of people complain that it can be hard to use without programming. The interface could use bit of work as far as finding the right type of beat, based on genre, tempo, etc.
It pairs extremely well with any solo guitarist who is working on things, or as an additional piece for a drummer to play around with in a band.
Pros
• Sound quality is amazing
• Makes guitar playing much easier
• Comes in 100 patterns or 200 patterns
• Sound stacking, reverb, stereo samples and more work as expected
Cons
• Organization of patterns is not great
• Instructions are hard to understand
At under $100, this is the cheapest option for people to consider in this review. It might be cheap in price, but it doesn’t really sacrifice much of anything. In fact, some might prefer the simplicity of the design and the focus on usability.
The machine is pretty simple out of the box. The pads are big, backlit and very responsive. There are a total of six control knobs, which might not be as many as others out there, but still some decent customization.
The machine is completely powered through the computer, which means one less AC adapter or set of batteries to carry around. Do note though that if it is used with a laptop, it can drain the battery somewhat quickly.
For beginners, the machine does come with a lot of free software that might be useful. From SONiVOX Big Bang Cinematic Percussion to Ableton Live Lite, these can help a person become more comfortable with using something like this.
Overall, those on the fence about a drum machine might be best to go with a cheaper option like this. It isn’t perfect, but it can certainly fit in a lot of different budgets out there.
Pros
• Affordably priced
• Easy to use
• Free software for beginners to mess around with
Cons
• Lacks slightly in features
• Durability isn’t the greatest
This machine is a bit different than all of the others reviewed so far in this article. For those not familiar with drum machines, this actually looks the most like an actual drum setup. For some, that might be exactly what they are looking for.
The seven pad drum kit can connect to Mac or PC, and it is truly plug and play in a lot of different scenarios. It is also very versatile if a person wants to take it on the road with them. The kit requires six C batteries though, so keep that in mind when traveling.
Volume on this drum kit is solid, although some people might go with another sound source if they are using it during some type of performance. The drum performs as expected otherwise, wish responsive controls, easy setup and configuration and enough tools to alter the sound.
Pros
• Full drums small enough to travel with
• Registers touch well
• Very durable
Cons
• Pedals don’t work particularly well
• Rim strikes are not penalized
The BeatBuddy looks different. For people not familiar with it, the device might even be a bit intimidating. However, it is unique in that it is a drum machine in a pedal format. This allows for a hands-free controlling of the drums when playing an instrument.
Some people have been clamoring for something like this for a long time. The device can be loaded up with songs and drum sets before using it for the very first time. The LCD screen is just big enough to be read while in use as well, making it easier to use without having to slow down.
Singular Sound has the word sound in their name, so of course they aren’t going to skimp on that part. This is another great sounding device. No one should ever skimp on sound when it comes to a drum machine.
Pros
• Pro level sound
• Allows for truly hands-free operation after setup
• LCD screen is perfectly sized
Cons
• Loading times can be long
• Beat variety is subpar
The Alesis SR18 is built off of the SR16 in a lot of ways. With the SR18, buyers can expect more drum and precision sounds for their money, as well as more comfortable editing and performance.
A total of 500+ drum sounds and 50 bass sounds really make this one of the more versatile drum machines on the market today. The opportunities for patterns, both preset and user created, are great as well.
This is one of the absolute best options for the solo performer who just wants things to be simplified. The connecting capabilities alone make it a simple plug-and-play drum machine setup. For those who might feel they are a bit above just the beginner level, this is an excellent starting point to consider.
Pros
• 500 drum sounds
• 200 patterns, with 100 being user
• 50 bass sounds
• Easy to learn/use
Cons
• Lacks a USB port
• A little pricey
For the absolute cheapest option, this comes in at under $60. It is a fully loaded drum machine, designed specifically for tabletop synth rigs. It’s small design is perfect for those people who are playing in different areas all the time.
There are 16 drum sounds already loaded, with 16 effects to use as well. This device won’t blow anyone away with huge features, but this is a smaller device to really experiment with quite a bit.
Customization is allowed, with entire songs capable of being created. The memory isn’t as good as the other devices in this review, but it still provides some storage.
Above all else, this is a very easy machine to learn and play around with. Usability is a major key for anything that is inexpensive. It might not be the most technologically advanced drum machine out there, but it has enough features to justify the price.
Pros
• Cheapest drum machine in the review
• Easy to use
• Compact size perfect for travel
Cons
• Fragile
• Lack of too much customization
Native Instruments makes a number of high quality, professional level drum machines. The Machine Mikro MK2 might not be their top of the line offering, but it is still an amazing machine for those just beginning.
The Mikro allows for a more compact and affordable experience. People will not be forced to give up any features though, which is great. All the software capabilities found on the full Maschine are available here.
Included with the drum machine is the company’s own software synth. This gives users even more sounds to play around with if they want. Many people get a lot of use out of these extra sounds.
Pros
• 8GB of samples, instruments, patterns and drum kits
• 24 professional level effects
• Looks great
• Has the same features as full version
Cons
• Tough to learn initially
• Can’t be a standalone sampler
Proud University of Colorado graduate. Proud former spelling bee regional finalist. Most importantly, proud son, brother and uncle.
