Best Drum Machine For Pc
- Best Free Drum Machine Software
- Best Drum Machine Software
- Best Drum Machine For Pc
- Drum Machine Software
- Free Computer Drum Machine
Hardware drum machines and grooveboxes have made a big comeback in recent years. The models on the market vary enormously in terms of specs and price - there are plenty of both cheap and high-end drum machines available - but the common thread running through all of the products included here is that each one of them enables you to create beats without the need for any other gear.
You won't find hybrid MIDI pad controller systems such as Native Instruments' Maschine and Arturia's SparkLE in this round-up, and we’ve excluded dedicated drum synths (ie, ones that don't have their own sequencers), too.
Use PC Drummer to quickly and easily create great sounding drum music at a fraction of the cost of a physical drum machine. The built-in sounds are sampled from actual instruments so your tracks will sound real, not synthesized. Aug 18, 2019 Top 10 Best Drum Machines For The Money 2019 Reviews 1 Arturia DrumBrute Analog Drum Machine. 2 Alesis SR18 High-Definition Multi-Sampled Electronic Drum Machine. 3 Elektron Machinedrum. 4 Dave Smith Instruments Tempest. 5 Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine. 6 Akai Professional MPC. Free beats with our round-up of six of the best freeware drum machines Freeware Drum Machines Melda MDrummer Small – Virtual Drummer. Melda Production has loads of freeware and MDrummer Small is, not surprisingly, a free version of the company’s MDrummer Large. Nevertheless, it’s quite a substantial product and download itself.
How do I choose a drum machine?
Obviously, price is going to be a significant factor when you choose a drum machine, but it's not the only consideration. You need to decide whether you want a portable model or something that's more likely to stay in your studio, and also what kind of sound generation features you want. Many drum machines use synthesis to generate their tones, but others also add sampling into the mix, giving you greater flexibility.
DON'T MISS
Also consider audio outputs. If you want to process your drum hits individually, it's useful to have multiple outputs, so each sound can be sent to its own channel and treated with its own effects.
If you're planning to take your drum machine on stage, make sure the one you choose has a performance-friendly interface. A fiddly workflow isn't just going to cut it in the live arena - you'll likely want something with decent-sized pads rather than just buttons
So, what are the best hardware drum machines that you can buy? Based on our reviews, these are our favourite products on the market right now.
1. Teenage Engineering PO-32
Launch price: $89/£85/€94 | Sounds: Synthesis | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Sync in/audio in | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm stereo | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: No | Built-in speaker: Yes | Power: Batteries
Looking more like barebones calculators than drum machines, Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operators are fun and surprisingly flexible sound makers that can be had for a low price. There are three drum/percussion products in the range: the PO-12 rhythm; the PO-24 office, which deals in noise percussion; and the PO-32 tonic. This last model is the pick of the bunch as it enables you to import sounds from Sonic Charge's MicroTonic, allowing users to completely alter and overwrite its sonic palette. You can also sync the Pocket Operators with each other and to other gear. While they can be slightly fiddly to use, these machines are great fun, and come at a very affordable price.
Best Free Drum Machine Software
Read full review: Teenage Engineering PO-32
2. Korg Volca Beats
Launch price: $182/£119/€166 | Sounds: Synthesis and samples | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: Multitouch trigger pad | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Sync in and out | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm stereo | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In | Built-in speaker: Yes | Power: Batteries or mains
Taking inspiration (we suspect) from Roland's classic TR-808, the Volca Beats has an analogue and PCM sound engine but offers digital control, meaning that knob tweaks and note info can be recorded into the built-in sequencer. Volca Beats has six analogue and four PCM sounds: the kick can be clicky or deep, the hats cut nicely, and the snare has a woody tone that can be further bolstered by layering a PCM clap or increasing the amount of 'snap'. As with the other Volcas, connectivity options are somewhat limited, but ultimately, the Volca Beats is about fun, and that's what you'll have when you use it. If you want quality analogue drum sounds on a budget, look no further.
Read full review: Korg Volca Beats
3. Roland TR-09
The look and sound of a TR-909 on a budget
Best Drum Machine Software
Launch price: $399/£369/€468 | Sounds: ACB modelling | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Trigger out, Mix in, USB (audio and MIDI) | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm stereo, 3.5mm headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In and Out | Built-in speaker: Yes | Power: Batteries or mains
Let's get this out of the way first - the TR-09 doesn’t sound exactly the same as a TR-909; however, the visual and functional similarities are clear, though the TR-09 has a much-reduced footprint and can be battery powered. Button placement is broadly similar, so anyone familiar with the 909 will be able to create Patterns and Tracks without reading the new manual. One downside on the TR-09 is the size and feel of the knobs, which make editing fiddly at times. There are some sub-functions littered throughout the interface, but these are generally indicated on the front panel. Portable and with the flavour of a real 909, The TR-09 is a drum machine that's capable of delivering great results.
Read full review:Roland TR-09
4. Roland TR-08
If you've always wanted an 808, this is the next best thing
Launch price: $349/£349/€388 | Sounds: ACB modelling | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Trigger out, Mix in, USB (audio and MIDI) | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm stereo, 3.5mm headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In and Out | Built-in speaker: Yes | Power: Batteries or mains
It would be easy to focus on the ‘authenticity’ aspects of the TR-08, but it is much more of a 21st century machine than the original TR-808 in quite a few ways beyond its DSP-driven sound engine. Although the programming system follows broadly similar lines to the original, you now have the ability to add sub-step beats, create random patterns and dial in some swing - all useful features. Compression can be applied individually to the Kick and Snare, whilst Tuning and Decay is available for some sounds (with the ability to select a long decay version of the Kick for those Miami bass lovers out there). This is a decent-sounding digital resurrection of a classic beatbox, though we'd still like to have seen a few more editing options and multiple analogue outs.
Read full review:Roland TR-08
5. Arturia DrumBrute
Launch price: $449/£399/€449 | Sounds: Analogue synthesis | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 12 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: USB MIDI, Clock | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm individual outs, 1/4-inch Mix 3.5mm and 1/4-inch headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In and Out | Built-in speaker: No | Power: Mains
A fully analogue drum machine, the DrumBrute features 12 synth tracks offering a total of 17 drum and percussion sounds. Each of these 12 tracks is accompanied by a velocity-sensitive rubber pad for playing the associated sound, along with a range of rotary knobs for shaping the sonic character. At this price point the DrumBrute is a triumph. It packs a solid assortment of quality sounds, with a sonic character distinct from its main rivals, plus a nice, smooth-sounding dual-mode Steiner Parker filter. The DrumBrute’s deep and creative sequencing capabilities are the real highlight, though, and coupled with its fluid workflow, they make it a great source of creative inspiration.
Read full review:Arturia DrumBrute
6. Roland TR-8S
Combine Roland drum machine sounds with your own samples
Launch price: $698/£609/€699 | Sounds: ACB modelling and sampling | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: USB (MIDI and audio), trigger out | Analogue outputs: 1/4-inch Mix outputs, 1/4-inch headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In and Out | Built-in speaker: No | Power: Mains
The original TR-8 was built entirely around Roland’s Analogue Circuit Behaviour (ACB) tech, which emulates the circuitry of the original hardware units on a component-by-component basis. That same technology is still at the heart of the TR-8S, providing models of the 808, 909, 707, 727 and 606. This time around, though, these emulated instruments are joined by sample tracks. Any of the TR-8S’s 11 instrument tracks can be assigned to either an emulation or a sample, meaning that, alongside the expected pure emulation kits, the drum machine comes equipped with plenty of interesting hybrid kits, with lots of scope for mixing and matching the two sound sources. Those core ACB tracks once again offer high-quality, largely convincing recreations of the original boxes they’re based on. On the whole, the TR-8S is excellent. It builds on the potential of the original in all the right ways: it's a machine that’s far more flexible but still intuitive and, most importantly, a lot of fun to use.
Read full review:Roland TR-8S
7. Elektron Digitakt
Launch price: $649/£659/€737 | Sounds: Digital synthesis and samples | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: USB, 2 1/4-inch audio in | Analogue outputs: 2 1/4-inch main outputs, 1/4-inch headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync out | Built-in speaker: No | Power: Mains
Offering a completely digital architecture, Digitakt features 16 channels divided into eight audio - ie, sampling - channels and eight MIDI channels. Samples can either be loaded via the internal memory or sampled from Digitakt’s audio inputs. The process of sampling is fast and fluid, and can be done without the need to pause the sequencer. While ‘digital’ is often, unfairly, seen as synonymous with cheaper or less ‘full’ sounds, there’s certainly plenty of heft to Digitakt’s sound engine. The bit reduction and overdrive are particularly good at adding extra body and grit to sounds, and the sample manipulation and looping tools mean Digitakt can take things into esoteric territory. It might look like a humble sampler, but with great sequencing and a decent crop of connectivity, the Digitakt could easily become the centrepiece of your studio or live rig.
Read full review:Elektron Digitakt
8. Elektron Analog Rytm MkII
Launch price: $1,549/£1,499/€1,412 | Sounds: Analogue and samples | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 12 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: USB, 2 1/4-inch audio in, 2 1/4-inch ext in, 2 1/4-inch CV/Expression inputs | Analogue outputs: 8 1/4-inch track outputs, 2 1/4-inch mix outputs, 1/4-inch headphones | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru with DIN Sync out | Built-in speaker: No | Power: Mains
At the heart of the Rytm MkII you’ll find the same excellent eight-voice analogue/digital sound engine as found on the MKI, mated to the familiar 13-track sequencer. Each track is selected by pressing the track button and corresponding pad. The most obvious difference on the MKII’s front panel is that the old backlit pressure-sensitive rubber pads have been replaced by larger, softer versions so you can finally enjoy finger drumming on the Rytm (a huge improvement over the MKI). As before, each pad/track can contain one of nine ‘machines’, which are self-contained synth engines dedicated to making a particular type of drum sound. The MKII sounds just like the MKI, which is no bad thing. There’s plenty of low-end extension, punch in the mids and rounded, classy high end. The Rytm has been improved in all the right places: it's one of the very best drum machines and will keep you inspired for years.
Read full review:Elektron Analog Rytm MkII
9. Arturia DrumBrute Impact
Launch price: $349/£279/€299 | Sounds: Analogue | Effects: Yes | Pads/buttons: 8 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Internal/MIDI/Clock sync | Analogue outputs: Master output and individual outputs for kick, snare, hats and FM sound | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: USB MIDI | Built-in speaker: No | Power: Mains
Like its bigger DrumBrute sibling, the Impact couples its sequencer with an all-analogue drum synthesis engine and very flexible pattern saving/song mode capabilities. Visually, the Impact looks pretty similar to its predecessor, housed in a solid, navy blue chassis familiar from the rest of Arturia’s ‘Brute range. The Impact is not, however, simply a cutdown version of the larger DrumBrute - much of the sound engine has been overhauled here, and the overall range of sounds has been switched up. The sequencer Roller and Beat Repeat tools are a couple of handy options for spicing up fills and turnarounds; the ample crop of 64 pattern slots means there are plenty of space to save and recall grooves; and the Song mode means these can easily be stitched together into full arrangements. While the Impact lacks a little sonic flexibility and isn’t all-round perfect, it is an inspiring and enticing drum machine at a very good price.
Read full review: Arturia DrumBrute Impact
10. Korg Volca Drum
A genuinely unique drum machine with plenty of creative depth
Launch price: $149/£150/€169 | Sounds: Digital | Effects: No | Pads/buttons: 16 | Sequencer: Yes | Connectivity: Sync in and out | Analogue outputs: 3.5mm stereo headphones jack | Digital connectivity: None | MIDI I/O: MIDI In | Built-in speaker: Yes | Power: Battery or optional AC adapter
While the other Volca beatmakers - Volca Beats and Kick - both condensed analogue drum synths into the range’s compact hardware format, the Drum uses digital synthesis to create a percussive palette that’s broader, and weirder, than its predecessors. Rather than use PCM samples, as many digital drum machines do, the Volca Drum’s sound engine uses a system of virtual analogue oscillators, modulators and resonators to create its percussive sounds. The sound engine has six parts, each of which is identical, and each part has two identical layers. For designing sounds, this multilayer engine is considerably deeper and more interesting than anything we’ve seen on a Volca beatmaker before, but than anything, it’s just nice to play with a drum machine that goes beyond aping the same old ’80s drum boxes. For dance music producers, this is a must-try.
Read full review: Korg Volca Drum
11. Novation Circuit
Sampling and synths combine in one of the most fun grooveboxes on the market
Launch price: $449/£250/€349 | Sample channels: 4 | Memory: up to 60 seconds | Audio I/O: 1x out, headphone out | MIDI/digital I/O: MIDI in/out, USB | Effects: reverb and delay sends, master filter
Circuit is a standalone, digital instrument featuring a four-part sampler, two six-note polyphonic synths and a deceptively deep sequencer. In the words of Novation, Circuit is 'designed to inspire', with a heavy emphasis on immediacy, intuitiveness and experimentation. At launch its sample channels functioned as a pretty basic drum machine – restricted to simply playing back pre-loaded sounds – but Novation’s browser-based Components app now gives users an easy way to stock Circuit with samples from their own library. As well as its sample capabilities, Circuit boasts two excellent digital synths engines, an inspiring workflow and a sequencer that bests instruments four times its price. For those reasons it comes highly recommended, particularly if you want more than just a drum machine in a single box.
Today's best hardware drum machine deals
Wherever you are, in the lunch break, in the park, in bed, wherever the inspiration comes to, having the right drum app on your iPad or iPhone, your idea can turn into your next musical masterpiece.
We bring you a round-up of some of the best drum machines for iOS devices, especially for the iPad owners.
Starting with…
By Native Instruments
iMaschine app from Native Instruments features 16 virtual pads, which can be loaded with 25 different kits (100 MB of content, over 400 samples) also included with the app.
With iMaschine you can record and create your own drum samples through the integrated microphone from your iOS device. Discover more features of this app at Apple Store where it’s available for £3.99/$4.99.
More Details: iMaschine
By KORG
iELECTRIBE app recreates the historic Korg’s ELECTRIBE·R drum machine, being very fun to use and very intuitive – just like his vintage analog synthesizer predecessor. It features a 16-step sequencer, 8 Effects, Audio export function and much more.
iELECTRIBE is a dedicated iPad app and cannot be used with iPhone and iPod touch. You can get iELECTRIBE from Apple Store for $19.99.
More Details: iELECTRIBE
By Akai Professional
Best Drum Machine For Pc
Who make beats and not ever heard about Akai’s MPC?
iMPC app transforms your iPad into a veritable MPC machine including everything you need to create beats fast and easy.
iMPC includes over 1200 samples, 50 editable programs, and 80 editable sequences. You can record and make your own samples, create beats and share them on Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter or just export them on your computer.
iMPC is compatible only with the iPad and requires iOS 6.1 or later. You can download this app directly from App Store for $6.99.
More Details: iMPC
by Arturia
If you’re already familiar with the desktop version of Arturia’s Spark, then you know that you’re dealing with a very powerful beat-making tool. iSpark is one of the best virtual drum machines that you can have on your iPad, featuring a large variety of drum kits and individual instruments based on the most renowned drum machines and top-notch sound design.
iSpark includes the multi-rewarded TAE® analog synthesis technology, physical modeling, and multi-layered professional samples.
Find more about iSpark and get it from App Store where is available for $19.99.
More Details: iSpark
By Fingerlab
DM1 is an advanced iPad vintage Drum Machine application capable of transforming your iPad into a creative and fun beat machine. Right from the beginning, you will get 108 superb electronic drum kits edited and mastered at Fingerlab professional studio.
DM1 bring 5 main sections: The Step Sequencer, The Drum pads, The Mixer, The FX Trackpads and The Song Composer.
Discover all its features at Apple Store where DM1 is available priced at $4.99.
More Details: DM1
by Sugar Bytes
Egoist for iPad is the mobile version of Sugar Bytes’ plugin of the same name. The iOS version comes with three main modules: Bass/Beat, Slicer and Effects. You can use Egoist in the studio or on the road to create new tracks using even your mp3 library as the sound source.
Egoist is still one of the greatest drum machines for iPad devices on the App Store. This drum app is available priced at £22.99 and requires iOS 8.0 or later.
More Details: Egoist
By Vibrant Digital Engineering
Diode-108 Drum Machine is another great free music making app for music producers that allow you to control each effect “HIT BY HIT”.
Diode-108 includes a variety of built-in drum kits, from classic, vintage to acoustic drum sounds, but you can use your own drum kits in Wav format.
Another great feature of this app is that you can simply drag-and-drop effects to your groove. It’s really fun to use the app and can be yours for FREE at Apple Store.
Update: Not Available Anymore
By ElliotGarage
EGDR909 is a drum machine app that emulates the 909 hardware drum machine from the 80’s. If you are a vintage fanatic this drum app brings a realistic interface and high-quality drum sounds.
Also, it features a 16 step sequencer, 48 programmable rhythm patterns, audiobus support and export possibility directly to iTunes or Audio Copy.
Best thing is that EGDR909 works on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. You can have this app on your device for $3.99 via App Store.
More Details: EGDR909
By Pulse Code
TR-808 is a drum machine that changed music forever since 80’s. In recent years it returned in force, and that has caused more companies to launch various products on the market such as samples libraries, plug-ins and applications that offer these wonderful drums.
Boom 808 iOS drum machine app puts at your fingers all the classic 808 drum sounds plus some extra features like step sequencer, core MIDI, audiobus, compressor, swing and overdrive. You can record an export live drum sessions to your Soundcloud or even to iTunes.
Boom 808 is available for iPad and needs iOS 7.0 or later. You can download this drum machine application from Apple Store where is priced at just $1.99.
More Details: Boom 808
By Backpullver
Drum Machine Software
Vatanator is a unique drum machine app for iPad featuring advanced MIDI functionality, 140 built-in presets emulating every classic vintage hardware plus a 16/32 steps sequencer with advanced MIDI options and more.
Priced at $5.99, Vatanator app is available for iPad and requires iOS 7.1 or later.
More Details: Vatanator
Mentions
By Olympia Noise
Patterning is a modern iPad drum machine app with a great design based around a circular interface. It is a deep and flexible drum machine that allow you to create dynamic drum patterns with the swipe of a finger.
Besides the classic vintage drum machine samples, Patterning also includes some exclusive modern drum kits.
This app is available via Apple Store priced at $9.99, compatible with iPad (Requires iOS 8.1 or later).
More Details: Patterning
I hope that this list to help you find the perfect drum machine application for your iOS mobile device. Feel free to share this article with your friends.
Free Computer Drum Machine
If you want to recommend other applications please use the comments section.