When it comes to drum machines, Reverb has it all, from rare vintage models to every new option vying to be called the next classic.
Nowadays drum machines can cross a few different categories. There are drum synthesizers, where internal circuitry creates a synth voice that is optimized to produce percussive hits. Other drum machines are sample-based, where you have to sample or load in drum samples in order for them to produce any sound. And there are even more that combine it all with analog circuitry, digital control, sampling, and all of the required filters, parameters, and effects for effective drum sound design.
When choosing a drum machine, you should first consider the sound, as this may vary considerably among models. Then you also have to consider what price is in your budget. After that, you must choose whether you want mobility or do you prefer something that stays in your studio and ask yourself other questions, such as, do you need velocity-sensitive pads?
Need a guiding hand to make up your mind? Let's take a look at some of the best drum machines available in 2023.
The TR-6S is a compact 6-channel drum machine packed with all of Roland's classic drum sounds. You can also upload your own samples into this machine. While the TR-6S does contain some Roland synth sounds, you should not confuse it with a groovebox. These sounds are made to be treated like samples or used to create basic bass or lead lines. The 6S can run on batteries and be thoroughly edited in Roland's TR editor software. If the 6S is too small for your liking, you should consider Roland's TR-8S.
An underrated Volca, the Drum is an analog modeling drum synth with six channels or "parts," as Korg calls them. Each part can have two layers, and each layer has a fundamental waveform that is routed into the resonator. There is a unique set of sound design tools packed into this Volca, along with the quintessential specs that make it a Volca, like battery power and a built-in speaker. There is also a motion record to capture live knob-twisting modulation.
Elektron's newest hybrid drum machine features eight digital tracks and four analog tracks, along with analog and multimode digital filters. Features like trig modifiers and the analog FX block make this drum machine pretty unique in its sound design possibilities—and in its immediacy. For each channel, you can choose from various tone generators, known as machines, and each machine has distinctive controls that you can use to modify any sound or percussion.
The first all-sample Circuit, the Rhythm is a sampler and rhythm machine hybrid. You can sample directly to this device and chop, mangle, and easily create drum beats. It has velocity-sensitive pads and the infamous Circuit 32-step sequencer, where you can easily add probability per track and use the note mutation—which instantly remixes your groove at the push of a button. There are eight tracks as well as eight voices of polyphony. In addition, there are effects including delay, reverb, beat repeat, and side chain compression. Its internal battery can run up to four hours, making it ideal for live performance and in-studio production.
LXR-02 is an all-digital drum synth with six instrument tracks fully designed to create kicks, toms, snares, claps, and all percussion. Each instrument voice has 30 sound design parameters, including an oscillator, filter, envelope, LFO, and transient generator. In addition, some effects enhance the drums like drive, ring modulator, compressor, and delay that are all routed on the master bus. Packed in are a song mode and memory for saved drum kits. It's small, rugged, and easy to use. It's also perfect for live performances, since it has a compact design and a straightforward user interface.
Smaller than the original Drum Brute but more feature-rich, the Impact has 10 analog drum voices designed for kicks, snares, percussion, and even FM-based drums. Automation recording allows you to easily add motion to your sequences. And adjusting parameters is as simple as it is deep, putting great sound design at any player's fingertips. There's also a Color parameter, which adds more tonal impact, making this version sound better than its predecessor. And adding Color per-step in the Impact's 64-step sequencer is another powerful source for creative drum rhythms.
The Analog Rytm MKII is a cosmetic and functional upgrade to the original. The bigger cousin to the Syntakt, it features all-analog circuitry and digital controls. Bass drums, snares, claps, toms, cowbells, hi-hats, cymbal crashes, and other percussion can be produced using several Elektron machines. And you can combine these on a single pad with samples. Patterns can go up to 64 steps with a few options for chaining patterns together, including a song mode. With Overbridge and the Rytm's individual outputs, it's incredible for multitrack recording. And there's also a performance mode with fun features, like pressure-sensitive effects triggering.
The Vermona DRM1 IV is the fourth version of the German company’s analog drum synth. Unlike all the drum machines on this list, it does not have a sequencer. Drums must be triggered and sequenced with MIDI, USB, and trigger inputs. Despite that, DRM1 is a versatile eight-channel drum synth that includes voices designed for analog kicks, snares, hi-hats, and claps. The true distinction between it and other drum synths is the wide array of sound-shaping modifications available for each of its individual channels. The DRM is as analog as it gets, with no memory to save drum patches, but to some, this is part of the fun.
