One of the machines that built the sound of the 1980s — restored and future-proofed to keep making beats for another 40 years.

Introduced by Tom Oberheim in 1980, the DMX was only the second commercial digital drum machine ever made, arriving right on the heels of the Linn LM-1. Where the 808 boomed and the LinnDrum gleamed, the DMX simply hit harder: punchy 8-bit sampled drums with real slam, individual tuning on every voice, eight separate outputs for mixing and outboard processing, and the built-in swing that gave early hip hop its groove. It became a cornerstone of new wave, synth-pop, electro, R&B, and hip hop.

You've heard the DMX all over the era. New Order built "Blue Monday" on it, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message" runs on the DMX. Prince used it on the 1999 album, Run-D.M.C. hit with it on "Sucker M.C.'s," and it turns up on Madonna's "Holiday," Herbie Hancock, and The Police's "Every Breath You Take."

• Electrongate MIDI board — full MIDI in and out, so you can sync, sequence, and play the DMX from your DAW or any modern gear. Running the latest OS (4.01).
• Magnetic RAM (MRAM) memory upgrade — expanded memory that holds your sequences and songs with no battery, ever. The original soldered-in NiCd battery on these machines is a known failure point that leaks and corrodes the board over time; that risk is now permanently eliminated.
• Genuine Electrongate hardwood side panels — the beautiful wood cheeks that give the machine its classic, factory-correct look.
• Full professional service (June 2025) — button contacts, sliders, and mainboard cleaned and treated. Plays and sounds fantastic.

Condition: Excellent, especially for a 40+ year old instrument. The paint and panels are clean with only light wear consistent with age.

Functionality: Fully tested, all voices, pads, and sliders working.

Includes: Power cord

Fully serviced, MIDI-ready, and free of battery worries, a great chance to own a landmark drum machine that's ready to work for decades.