Drum Machines

by Gabby Bloch ·Posted
Drum machines come in a ton of different shapes, sizes, and have varying feature sets. In fact, the term “drum machine” is a bit of a misnomer, as it’s hard to narrow down the technology to just one thing. If you’re wondering how to incorporate drum machines into your music, kick back as we get you up to speed and even suggest a few viable alternatives. Size and Application Portable Sketch Pad Whether you want to just play with a beat machine around the house, brainstorm
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There are hundreds of synths to choose from, so which do you buy? Gabe Richards discusses three synths from Novation: the Bass Station II, Circuit Tracks, and
by Phillip Nichol… ·Posted
Expanding Novation's line of popular and portable Circuit Series music-making machines is Circuit Rhythm, a potent stand-alone sampler and drum machine purpose-built for beatmakers and electronic music artists in the studio, on stage, or anywhere creativity flows. With its eight sample tracks, 32 RGB pads, screen-free workflow, and powering via USB or the internal rechargeable four-hour battery, Circuit Rhythm is a highly capable
by Phillip Nichol… ·Posted
Joining Novation's popular and portable Circuit Series music-making machines is Circuit Tracks, a potent groovebox (and so much more) purpose-built for EDM and dance music production in the studio or anywhere creativity flows. With its dual poly-synth engines, sample-based drum tracks, screen-free workflow, and internal rechargeable four-hour battery, Circuit Tracks is an all-in-one music studio solution that can go
by Phillip Nichol… ·Posted
The world we live in keeps music makers on the move. Some days are spent in the studio, some on the road, and others dashing from gig to gig. If you program drums, make beats, or slice samples, it'd sure be nice to have a capable piece of gear that was travel friendly and studio ready. Enter the Model:Samples from Elektron! It's a sampler, six-track sequencer, controller, sound module, and more! Weighing just 1.8 pounds
by Eric Calvi ·Posted
Analog pioneer Arturia is announcing the newest member of its Brute analog hardware family, DrumBrute Impact, a cost-effective, compact analog drum machine. Aimed at musicians and producers who crave raw power and monstrous tone, it features new sounds designed from the ground up, an all-new Color layer for sound manipulation, drum-optimized distortion, performable controls, and the company’s highly regarded sequencer.
by Nicholas Messitte ·Posted
For those of us who work with drum sounds, Roland is a trusted name. After all, can you imagine hip hop without the 808 kick drum? We here at B&H certainly can't, nor can we ignore so many of Roland's excellent offerings over the years, which is why we're pleased to announce the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer, a unit that combines the drum sounds of our era with new and exciting sound-designing possibilities. First, know this: The TR-8S doesn
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted
For more than 20 years, Roland has been supplying powerful keyboard amplifiers and personal percussion monitors for the professional musician. The KC amps are widely known for their power, high-fidelity sound, onboard mixing features, versatile connectivity, and lasting durability. Roland’s latest offering includes the KC-400, the KC-600, and
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted
Teenage Engineering has revealed its latest round of Pocket Operators, called the "Metal Series," which includes two new offerings—the PO-35 Speak and the PO-33 K.O!, as well as the previously released
by Jason T ·Posted
There have been dramatic shifts in music production over the last 10-15 years. If the phrase “big guitars” could be used to sum up the production style of the late 20th Century in general, the 21st Century could be described as “big drums.” The continued explosion of Hip Hop and EDM, combined with the proliferation of affordable, computer-based production setups, have both been contributing factors to the trend of drum-beat-driven production across the entire spectrum of musical genres. Hence, here are five secrets to programming banging,
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted
Elektron began making high-quality analog/digital hybrid instruments in 1998 and has become one of the most respected manufacturers of professional analog/digital hybrid instruments, including the Analog Rytm, Analog Four,
by Jason T ·Posted
I have been in love with drum machines ever since I got my BOSS DR-770 Dr. Rhythm, almost 20 years ago.  Though it started as just a simple time keeper for my guitar-driven 4-track cassette song demos, the drum machine eventually became one of my main tools of musical expression. I was never a great drummer, but making beats on the DR-770 made me a better drummer, because it gave me a new appreciation for the mechanics of composing drum patterns. While this fun little machine opened the door of what was possible for me, when I got my
1,529 Views ·Posted
Join Enrique Martinez as he composes a dance track—on the spot—using the Novation Launchpad Pro with Ableton Live. Though it’s been designed specifically for Ableton Live, the Launchpad will work equally as well with any DAW or hardware MIDI device. The enhanced RGB LED back-lit pads are velocity and pressure sensitive, allowing for fluid expression and creativity when composing and