The 22 best drum machine brands
Roland, Alesis and Yamaha lead our ranking of 22 drum machine brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Drum Machine brands, ranked
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1
Roland
Roland makes the TR and TB series drum machines, including the TR-808 and TR-909, plus modern groove and sampling units.
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Alesis
Alesis makes compact drum machines and sample-based pad units, such as the SR-16 and SamplePad.
Website: alesis.com |Brands like Alesis
Popularity 5.8/10
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3
Yamaha
Yamaha makes hardware drum machines and electronic drum modules, alongside its acoustic and electronic drum kits.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 5.3/10
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4
Pintech
Pintech has been a pioneer in drum making for over 30 years and is the leading manufacturer of electronic percussion kits and accessories in the US. It provides the best experience to its fans and provides the artists with a vast collection of drum kits and drum parts, and accessories. It also has a unique series of acoustic drum convertors. Pintech has been featured in many of the television's top music shows and engrossed by many leading global artists.
Website: pintech.com |Brands like Pintech
Popularity 5.1/10
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5
Korg
Korg makes Electribe and Volca series drum machines and groove boxes with built-in sequencers and sampling.
Website: korg.com |Brands like Korg
Popularity 3.1/10
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6
Boss
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Website: bosscarpetcleaning.com |Brands like Boss
Popularity 3.0/10
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7
Simmons
Simmons makes electronic drum kits and drum sound modules, known from its early electronic drum designs.
Website: simmons.com |Brands like Simmons
Popularity 2.9/10
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8
Zoom
Zoom makes the Rhythm Trak series of portable drum machines, often bundled with its multi-effects and recorder products.
Website: ridezoomo.com |Brands like Zoom
Popularity 2.4/10
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9
ddrum
Ddrum is the manufacturer of the most innovative electronic drum set, hybrid drums, and drum triggers. Today, they produce a wide selection of devices to assist musicians of many genres in developing their unique sound. Their products have set new...
Website: ddrum.com |Brands like ddrum
Popularity 1.7/10
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10
KAT
KAT Percussion makes electronic drum pads and trigger controllers used to play sounds and drum samples.
Website: katdash.com |Brands like KAT
Popularity 1.6/10
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11
Akai
Akai makes the MPC series of pad-based drum machines and samplers, widely used in beat production.
Website: akaipro.com |Brands like Akai
Popularity 1.5/10
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12
Hart Dynamics
Hart Dynamics, Inc.: electronic drums, triggers, drum ...-Openfos Hart Dynamics, Inc. - electronic drums, cymbals, and triggers from hart dynamics, the premiere manufacturer of electracoustic® percussion products since 1989. exclusive lifetime guarantee. products include hart professional series electronic drums, acupad,...
Website: hartdynamics.openfos.com |Brands like Hart Dynamics
Popularity 1.1/10
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13
Arturia
Arturia makes the DrumBrute series of analog-style drum machines with step sequencers and synth-voice drum sounds.
Website: arturia.com |Brands like Arturia
Popularity 1.1/10
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14
Dynacord
Dynacord is known for its historical drum computers and rhythm units, and currently makes amplifiers and speakers.
Website: dynacord.com |Brands like Dynacord
Popularity 1.1/10
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15
Elektron
Elektron makes the Machinedrum and Analog Rytm drum machines, known for sequencing and sound-design features.
Website: elektron.se |Brands like Elektron
Popularity 0.8/10
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16
Jomox
Jomox makes modular and standalone analog-style drum machines, such as the Xbase and Mbase series.
Website: jomox.de |Brands like Jomox
Popularity 0.8/10
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17
Linn
Linn is known for the LinnDrum and LM-1 sample-based drum machines, a classic early drum computer line.
Website: linn.co.uk |Brands like Linn
Popularity 0.6/10
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18
Casio
Casio makes drum machines and sampling instruments, including the RZ-1 sample-based drum machine.
Website: casio.com |Brands like Casio
Popularity 0.6/10
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19
Novation
Novation makes the Circuit Rhythm drum machine and other grooveboxes with pad-based sequencing.
Website: support.novationmusic.com |Brands like Novation
Popularity 0.4/10
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20
CAMCO
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Website: camco.net |Brands like CAMCO
Popularity 0.2/10
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21
VERMONA
Vermona makes the DRM1 analog drum synthesizer and other modular drum voice instruments.
Website: vermona.com |Brands like VERMONA
Popularity 0.2/10
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22
Sound Percussion Labs
Every professional musical demand high-quality sound systems and instruments to make the music sound premium. Many musical instruments add a very significant value to sound quality, such as drums, percussions, and many more. These instruments are more prominently produced and...
Website: soundpercussionlabs.com |Brands like Sound Percussion Labs
Popularity 0.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roland | roland.com | /OfficialRolandAIRA | roland.experience.channel | @RolandExpCh | Roland Cloud |
| Alesis | alesis.com | /Alesis | alesis_gear | @Alesis | AlesisVideo |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| Pintech | pintech.com | /pintechusa | pintechusa | @pintechusa | – |
| Korg | korg.com | /korgusa | korgofficial | @korgusa | – |
| Boss | bosscarpetcleaning.com | /ForgetTheProfessionalsCallTheExperts | bosssystemscarpet | – | – |
| Simmons | simmons.com | /SleepSimmons | simmonssleep | @simmonssleep | – |
| Zoom | ridezoomo.com | – | – | – | – |
| ddrum | ddrum.com | /ddrumUSA | ddrumusa | @ddrumusa | ddrumofficial |
| KAT | katdash.com | – | – | – | – |
Drum Machines Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
Drum machines have come a long way since the Roland TR-808 revolutionized music production in the late 1980s. These days, you can find a wide range of drum machines on the market, offering a variety of features and functionality.
If you're in the market for a new drum machine, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. In this buying guide, we'll take a look at the most important factors to consider when choosing a drum machine, and highlight some of the best drum machines currently available on the market.
What is a Drum Machine?
Put simply, a drum machine is an electronic device that is used to create beats and rhythm patterns. These machines are often used in electronic music production, but they can also be used in a wide range of other genres, from rock and metal to hip-hop and pop.
Drum machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different features and functionality. Some drum machines are standalone devices, while others are designed to be used in conjunction with other music production equipment. Some machines offer a wide range of customizability and control, while others are more limited in terms of their functionality.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drum Machine
Now, let's take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a drum machine.
Functionality
The first thing to consider when choosing a drum machine is the level of functionality that you need. Some drum machines offer basic functionality, allowing you to create simple beats and loops, while others offer a wide range of features and customization options.
If you're a beginner or you're just starting out with music production, then you may want to opt for a simpler, more straightforward drum machine. However, if you're a more experienced musician or you're looking to create more complex beats and rhythms, then you may want to opt for a more advanced machine.
Compatibility
Another important factor to consider when choosing a drum machine is compatibility. You'll want to make sure that the drum machine you choose is compatible with your existing music production setup.
For example, if you're using a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live or Logic Pro, then you'll want to make sure that the drum machine you choose is compatible with your chosen software. Likewise, if you're using hardware synthesizers or samplers, then you'll want to make sure that your drum machine can be integrated into your existing setup.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a drum machine is another important consideration. You'll want to make sure that your drum machine is capable of producing high-quality, realistic-sounding drum sounds.
Some drum machines offer a wide range of different drum sounds, while others are more limited in terms of their sound library. Additionally, some machines allow for more customization and tweaking of the individual drum sounds, while others are more straightforward and simple.
User Interface
The user interface of a drum machine is another important consideration. You'll want to choose a drum machine that offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and use.
Some drum machines have a more complex user interface, with a wide range of different buttons and knobs. Others are designed to be more straightforward and simple, with a more streamlined interface that is easier to use for beginners.
Price
Finally, price is an important consideration when choosing a drum machine. Drum machines can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of functionality and the quality of the machine.
Before you start shopping for a drum machine, it's a good idea to set a budget for yourself. This will help you to make sure that you're not overspending and that you're getting the best value for your money.
Best Drum Machines on the Market
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a drum machine, let's take a look at some of the best options currently available on the market.
1. Elektron Analog Rytm MKII
The Elektron Analog Rytm MKII is a powerful and versatile drum machine that is designed for professional-level music production. This drum machine features 8 analog drum voices, as well as 12 sample-based drum voices, allowing you to create a wide range of different sounds and rhythms.
The Analog Rytm MKII also features a built-in sequencer, as well as real-time performance controls that allow you to manipulate your drum sounds on the fly. Additionally, the machine is fully compatible with Elektron's Overbridge software, allowing you to use it as a plugin within your favorite DAW.
2. Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer
The Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer is a modern update on one of the most iconic drum machines of all time: the Roland TR-808. This machine features a range of classic Roland drum sounds, as well as a variety of new and modern sounds.
The TR-8S also features a built-in sequencer, as well as real-time controls and effects that allow you to shape and manipulate your drum sounds on the fly. Additionally, the machine can be integrated with other hardware synths and samplers, making it a versatile option for any music production setup.
3. Korg Volca Beats
For a more affordable option, the Korg Volca Beats is a great choice. This compact drum machine features a range of analog drum sounds, as well as a built-in sequencer and a variety of real-time controls.
The Volca Beats is also battery-powered, making it a great choice for portable music production setups. Additionally, the machine can be synced with other Korg Volca machines, allowing you to create a more complex and diverse setup.
4. Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3
The Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3 is a versatile drum machine and sampling workstation that is designed to work seamlessly with Native Instruments' Maschine software. This machine features 16 touch-sensitive pads, as well as a built-in sequencer and a variety of real-time controls.
The Maschine Mikro MK3 also features a wide range of built-in drum sounds and samples, as well as the ability to import your own samples and sounds. Additionally, the machine can be used as a plugin within your favorite DAW, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into your existing music production setup.
5. Arturia DrumBrute Impact
The Arturia DrumBrute Impact is a compact and affordable drum machine that is designed to offer a wide range of drum sounds and rhythms. This machine features a built-in sequencer, as well as a variety of real-time controls that allow you to shape and manipulate your drum sounds on the fly.
The DrumBrute Impact also features a variety of built-in effects, as well as a distortion circuit that allows you to add extra grit and character to your drum sounds. Additionally, the machine can be synced with your other hardware synths and samplers, making it a versatile addition to any music production setup.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drum machine for your music production setup can be a daunting task. However, by considering the factors outlined in this guide and doing some research on the different options available, you can find a drum machine that suits your needs and budget.
Remember to take the time to experiment with different drum machines and find one that feels comfortable and intuitive to use. With the right drum machine, you'll be able to create great-sounding beats and rhythms that will take your music to the next level.
