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Already in the late 1960s there were the first drum machines. These were pre-programmed rhythms – tango or mambo were particularly popular. These so-called rhythm machines were typical hallmarks of solo entertainers. They were used in home organs and later also in synthesizers. Today’s drum machines are hardly comparable to these first-generation rhythm units. The differences are roughly like those between a drum kit and a toy drum. This applies to both the sound and the method of sound generation and the variety of uses. A drum machine, for example the Korg KR-mini, produces its sound analogously using synthesizers or digitally via samples. The sound generation is triggered via interfaces, such as GV/Gate or MIDI, built-in pattern sequencers or drum pads. Here there is an overlap with the electronic drum kit.
Buying a drum machine online
Drum machines are available from around €100 – the Pocket from Teenage Engineering – up to well over €1,500. At the top end of the price range is the Analog Rythm MKII from Elektron. Elektron’s Profi Drummer impresses with eight specially designed voices and delivers first-class tones with its analogue sound generator. The unit with 12 velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads is very playable and extremely clear. This drum machine is clearly a device for professionals who want to assemble and record their own samplers and continually delight their audience with new sonic ideas.
A really good mid-range instrument is the drum synthesizer Arturia DrumBrute Impact. With 10 fully analogue drum sounds that cover just about every sound the percussion world has to offer. Each instrument is controlled individually via its own knob. Not only can the voices be addressed separately, the clear mixer also gives every other feature its own control. Individual audio outputs for kick, snare, hi-hats and FM drum as well as a headphone output round off the technical equipment of this excellent instrument.
Drum kits and e-drums
A drum machine is versatile and by no means a rival to an acoustic drum kit, but a useful and wonderful addition. You can lay grooves under a drum kit and practise new patterns with it. The drum machine has also become indispensable in sound production at the intersection of music, theatre and visual arts, and of course an e-drum is still an important tool for every solo entertainer.