Best Sellers
Top products on Reverb over the past 90 days
Best Sellers in Drums and Percussion - Drum Machines and Samplers
- 1
Elektron Digitakt Eight-Voice Digital Drum Computer/Sampler
44 available from $639Crafted with a formidable sound engine sporting 1GB of onboard storage, eight intuitive MIDI tracks for your hardware, and eight stereo audio tracks complete with individual multi-function filters and an LFO, the Elektron Digitakt goes beyond the company's analog history into seamless, pristine performance. More than capable of acting as the command center for your live rig, the long-awaited Digitakt also comes packing USB-supported Overbridge technology to plug directly into your preferred DAW for total control. A sleek piece of powerful technology you'd expect from the minds at Elektron. - 2
Roland SP-404MkII
14 available from $499.99The fully redesigned 404 includes everything producers loved about the original sampler, but adds a ton of modern upgrades: velocity-sensitive pads, a screen for visual slicing and chopping, multiple effects per pad, 16GB storage, and much more. With an ultralight design and AA battery power, the SP-404MKII is highly portable. Whether you're making beats at home, at the studio, or performing on stage, the new 404 can be your constant production companion. - 3
Akai MPC One Standalone MIDI Sequencer
69 available from $600 - 4
Elektron Octatrack MkII Dynamic 8-Track Performance Sampler
23 available from $1,058.26The Elektron Octatrack MkII takes the company's flagship sequencer and infuses it with vanguard technology and features designed to make your performance and audio manipulation an expansive, seamless experience. 16 total tracks (eight stereo audio, eight dedicated MIDI) handles even the biggest electronic rigs, giving you an OLED screen-equipped command center stacked with three LFOs per track, onboard effects, real-time pitch shifting/time stretching, and the fan-favorite Elektron 16-step sequencer. A formidable piece of gear that adds new versatility and dimensions to any setup. - 5
Elektron Model:Cycles Groovebox
20 available from $260 - 6
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine
63 available from $109Standing in the welterweight division but poised to knock out every contender in the drum machine game, the Korg Volca Beats is an all-analog synthesizer designed for easy portability and use. The 16-step sequencer, MIDI functions, and powerful Step functions make the Korg Volca Beats an ideal choice for bedrooms producers, starter DJs, and anyone with a taste for house or rap. - 7
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine
49 available from $547Born of the most famous and influential drum machines ever made, the TR-8S combines the best of its Roland heritage with modern production techniques and professional sound design. The result? A forward-thinking, performance-tuned instrument unlike any other. Build your dream kit from the most iconic drum sounds of all time, plus the finest selection of samples from our vast library—or import your own custom samples. Tap, tune, and tweak with hands-on controls and production tools that make your patterns move and groove. And why keep this kind of percussive power confined to the studio? The TR-8S was literally made to play live. - 8
Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler
16 available from $360Bringing together expanded features like high-fidelity 16-bit linear sampling, an expanded array of 29 onboard DSP effects including filter and voice effects, and 12 assignable trigger pads, the Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler offers an armory of electronic drum sounds. Whether used as a standalone or hooked up with Roland's SPD pad series, this model's versatility is bar none. - 9
Elektron Analog Rytm MKII 8-Voice Analog Drum Computer & Sampler
26 available from $1,200Built with the same eight powerful analog drums voices that established its predecessor as a flagship machine along with a powerful new sampling engine and design features, the Elektron Analog Rytm MKII brings an even more depth to organic drum sound with fine-tuned digital mastery. The unmistakably analog tone of deep basses, full toms, and crisp hi-hats can be mixed with digital samples taken from the sequencer for unprecedented nuance along with a pristine OLED display allows easy navigation through 1GB of onboard storage and built-in effects like delay, reverb, and distortion. An absolute command center. - 10
Elektron Model:Samples Groovebox
31 available from $250- Six track sample based groovebox.
- Elektron's most affordable, compact, & lightweight instrument to date.
- Comes with 300 preset samples curated by splice.com
- 11
Akai MPC Live II Standalone Sampler / Sequencer
67 available from $899 - 12
Elektron Syntakt 12 Track Drum Computer & Synthesizer
8 available from $925.80A 12-track hybrid instrument, the Syntakt gives you four powerful analog tracks and eight digital ones that you can—and should—combine at will. Get the flexibility of digital with the richness of analog, all wrapped up in a next-level performance machine. - 13
Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine
64 available from $85Originally In production since the early 1990s, and recently brought back to life, the Alesis SR-16 ranks as one of the most widely used drum machines ever. It features 233 drum samples with 50 presets and 50 user generated pattern slots along with complete MIDI integration and 16 voice polyphony. - 14
Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018
15 available from $85.68 - 15
Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer
22 available from $129.99Building on the popularity of its predecessor with a brand new, six-part DSP engine that lets you layer sounds into an armada of drum sounds both real and imagined, the Korg Volca Drum Digital Percussion Synthesizer is one of the most powerful "entry"-level drum machines on the market. Sculpt and shape new sounds by tailoring one of five oscillator waveforms to your liking, then add touches like bit reduction and overdrive to produce studio-grade sounds from a box the size of a paperback book. - 16
Akai MPC Live II Standalone Sampler / Sequencer Retro Edition
4 available from $1,100 - 17
Akai MPC1000 Music Production Center
39 available from $419Developed by Akai in tandem with the well-known electronic engineer Roger Linn, the MPC (Music Production Center) is in essence a powerful drum machine with an interactive interface of signature rubber squares. The units are also marked by the incorporation of extensive sampling abilities and MIDI sequencing, which became more powerful in newer models. The MPCs are some of the most popular production tools for old-school and modern hip-hop and rap.
The MPC1000 were built with the corrected rubber pads issued as a fix for the previous model.
Years of production: 2003-2009
Product specs: 16 touch pads, 16 MB sampling memory, onboard time stretch and pitch shift, four pad banks, two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs - 18
Singular Sound BeatBuddy Drum Machine Pedal
34 available from $225Built with ten drum set sound choices, over 200 songs in 21 styles of music, and an ultra-clear LCD display for easy reading while playing, the Singular Sound BeatBuddy Drum Machine Pedal is a solo musician's best friend. Immensely customizable, these pedals can plug directly into your amp and feature SD capabilities for editing phrases in the accompanying software for a truly unique experience. When there's no backing band to be found, the BeatBuddy comes through in spades. - 19
Arturia DrumBrute Impact Analogue Drum Machine
43 available from $215Arturia’s DrumBrute Impact is a workhorse analog drum machine. Like other iconic analog drum machines, the DrumBrute Impact comes with onboard sounds like kick, handclap, and even an FM drum patch—all of which can be automated with a 64-step sequencer. Each instrument can be sonically altered with a corresponding color shape—Drive for the kick, Harmonics for the open hi-hat, and so on. And users aren’t just limited to 64-steps on the DrumBrute Impact; this drum machine offers polyrhythmic and song mode functions, giving players a high degree of programming variability. - 20
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Composer
56 available from $290The TR-6S Rhythm Performer draws inspiration from the famous analog TR-606 Drumatix, placing those sounds (along with many other drums and synths) into a six-track sequencer. The new TR-6S follows in the footsteps of the popular TR-8S, but for a lower, more budget-friendly price. - 21
Roland AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer
13 available from $341.23Cramming exacting emulations of the classic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines into one sleek package might seem impossible to analog purists, especially when fitting that same box with even more sounds and functionality -- but everyone owes it to themselves to check out the Roland AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Producer and become a believer. Create new kits by mixing elements from the TR-series drum machines, punch your performance in with the old-school step sequencer, and tap into a world of control simply not available on the 808 or 909. - 22
Behringer RD-8 Rhythm Designer
17 available from $295 - 23
Korg Volca Sample Digital Sampler & Sequencer
22 available from $91.34Korg's Volca Sample gives you hands-on control over 100 built-in samples and well beyond thanks to the AudioPocket iOS app, which lets you create and load in your own sounds and noises. Dig into your sounds with pitch and reverse effects, funk it up with the swing control, or shorten up a kick sample with the decay control to give it more impact. This highly tweakable miniature sequencer can also be easily synced with other Volca and Electribe series gear to build a powerful rig without surrendering a massive amount of your studio or live setup's real estate. - 24
Akai MPC Live Standalone Sampler / Sequencer
29 available from $600Channeling the spirit of its famous predecessor into a modern unit made for portable playability, the Akai MPC Live Standalone Sampler/Sequencer is a versatile option for home production and performance alike. The 7" multi-touch screen and 16 pressure-sensitive RGB pads are your window into an enormous 16GB onboard storage preloaded with Vault 2.0 sound library loaded with classic samples and new sounds alike. Whether you're creating in Ableton or crushing a show, this is a powerful piece of gear. - 25
Novation Circuit Grid Based Groove Box
13 available from $210The Novation Circuit is a compact, powerful grid-based groove box that you'll want to take with you everywhere. Featuring two polyphonic synths, a four-part drum machine and an intuitive sequencer, the Circuit lets you quickly produce what's going on in your head and also allows you to explore what you didn't know you wanted. Perform your grooves live on the fly during a live performance, or meticulously step-sequence each note for cutting-edge beats and grooves. - 26
Korg Volca Sample 2 Digital Sample Sequencer
38 available from $155Though it makes sampling easy and fun, the Korg Volca Sample 2 is no toy. It offers 8MB (or up to 130 seconds) of memory, letting you add your own sounds easily via a micro USB port. (Don't have your own? It comes with 150 custom sounds.) From there, you can edit, morph, pitch, and sequence your samples, with a 16-step sequencer. When running on AA batteries, it can last 10 hours, so it's perfect for couch-jamming or roadtrips. - 27
1010 Music Blackbox Desktop Compact Sampling Studio
14 available from $525 - 28
Akai MPC One Standalone MIDI Sequencer Retro Edition
6 available from $670.24 - 29
Roland MC-707 Groovebox 2019
36 available from $675 - 30
Roland MC-101 Groovebox
27 available from $400 - 31
Roland SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler
14 available from $370Roland's SP-404A features 16-bit linear sampling, 29 effects with smooth switching, 12 performance pads, and a built-in mic. It's packed with over 100 stereo samples, effects, and one-shots from Loopmasters, making it an excellent performance tool that's super easy to take with you. Create your own samples on the go, load them into the machine via SD card, or import right from your computer to get started making music wherever you are. - 32
Boss SP-303 Dr. Sample
12 available from $350 - 33
Alesis SR-18 Drum Machine
35 available from $169.99Compact and portable but brimming with modern drum machine sounds, the Alesis SR-18 can produce anything from completely electronic to mimicking totally analog drum sounds. Not only does the SR-18 boast a huge sound bank, but it has tons of onboard effects as well, including EQ, reverb, compression, and more, for sonic shaping on the fly. And with the SR-18, you can go wire-free -- the entire drum machine is battery-powered. - 34
Teenage Engineering PO-12 Pocket Operator Rhythm
9 available from $55.70The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Rhythm may look and play like a handheld game, but the technology under the hood offers a real, powerful synthesis experience. Crafted with a drum synth engine and sequencer in one pocket-size unit, the PO-12 features real onboard drum samples and 16 punch-in effects like delay and bit crusher. Able to play nicely with your iPhone, Korg Volca series, and other Teenage Engineering products this is a serious instrument in the presentation of a toy. - 35
Singular Sound BeatBuddy MINI 2
21 available from $124.99 - 36
Roland Boutique Series TR-08 Analog Modeling Drum Machine
60 available from $313Capturing the enormous sound of the legendary original in a sleek package made for modern production, the Roland Boutique Series TR-08 Analog Modeling Drum Machine gets you the legendary 808 in a portable yet powerful machine.
- Instruments: Bass, Snare, Low/Mid/Hi Tom, Low/Mid/Hi Conga, Claves, Rim Shot, Maracas, Hand Clap, Cow Bell, Cymbal, Open/Closed Hi-Hat
- Controls: Step/Tap write modes, 16-step sequencer with 16 sub-steps, Tone/Level/Tuning/Decay, Compression/Gain/Tune/Pan on certain instruments
- Connections: MIDI in/out, USB port, Output, Mix In, Headphones, Trigger Out
- Other Features: Seven LED Segments, Four LED indicators, Built-In Speaker, Battery Power
- 37
Singular Sound BeatBuddy with Footswitch
One available for $325 - 38
Akai MPC2000XL MIDI Production Center
29 available from $850The Akai MPC2000XL Production Center is an expansion on one of the classic beat machines of the 1990s, sporting a throwback feel and plenty of power in one chassis. Sharing the same 32 voices of polyphony, floppy disk storage, and 64-track sampling capacity as its predecessor, the XL incorporated a slew of new features like four onboard keys for quick bank access, multi-program playback, and the intuitive Next Sequence key to quickly kick in a new section. A classic that's been used by artists from DJ Shadow to Kanye West, the MPC2000XL is a worthy addition to any home producer's rig. - 39
Novation Circuit Rhythm
67 available from $286 - 40
Alesis Strike Multipad
25 available from $599 - 41
Roland SP-404 Sampler
14 available from $300 - 42
Boss SP-202 Dr. Sample Sampler 1998 - 2001
17 available from $220The Boss SP-202 is an excellent vintage machine for budget-conscious beat-makers on the go. - 43
Akai MPC X Standalone Sampler / Sequencer
49 available from $1,336.76Crafted with the same 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads along with 16GB on onboard storage and a 10.1" multi-touch display, the Akai MPC X Standalone Sampler/Sequencer channels the interface of the iconic original in a piece of gear capable of replacing computers in your live setup. Two MIDI ins, four MIDI outs, and eight configurable CV/Gate outputs give you complete control over your analog synths and drum machines and live rig in a masterful piece of equipment. - 44
Arturia DrumBrute Analog Drum Machine and Sequencer
9 available from $259.99The Arturia DrumBrute is a fully-featured analog drum machine with sequencer built for professional DJs, musicians and electronic producers. 17 fully analog drum sounds from kicks to snares, shakers to zaps can all be further edited to create new, unique tones for your beat. The sequencer offers up 64 patterns, each with 64 steps letting you store your entire set right onboard this compact workhorse. Take the mix and shoot it through the dual-mode Steiner Parker filter, then glitch it all out with the step repeater and move the groove around with random swing or go deep into polyrhythms with different lengths for each separate drum track. When it's time to hit the studio, the DrumBrute has 12 individual outputs to spread your beat out across multiple tracks to be processed and mixed separately. - 45
Elektron Octatrack DPS-1 Sampler
9 available from $800The Elektron Octatrack is more than a new take on sampling: it's a reinvention of the classic sampling machine. Providing 8 individual sample and sequencing tracks, the the Octatrack is a comprehensive and pioneering studio device that is also aimed at performance due to the intuitive user interface. In addition to providing 16 banks of 256 patterns, the Octatrack can also heavily process samples and incoming audio with dynamic pitch shifting and time stretching abilities to common effects like delays and filters.
- 46
Behringer RD-6 Analog Drum Machine
20 available from $79 - 47
Teenage Engineering PO-133 Pocket Operator Street Fighter 2020
13 available from $70 - 48
Boss DR-880 Dr. Rhythm
6 available from $249Featuring EZ Compose technology for crafting patterns on the fly, COSM amp and effect modeling for the guitar and bass plugins and a compact design, the Boss DR-880 Dr. Rhythm is an originator of the versatile drum machine. Capable of holding up to 1000 user-created patterns with 440 percussive sounds preloaded, the DR-880 can bring an engaging electronic element to your next practice or a trusty workhorse for live shows. - 49
Roland Boutique Series TR-09 Rhythm Performer Drum Machine
17 available from $501.28The Roland TR-09 Rhythm Performer Drum Machine channels the power of a vintage beatbox legend into a modern package for today's players. Sporting the same front-end layout as the original 909 for an authentic vibe, the TR-09 affords nine total onboard drum sounds from kick to clap with nuanced controls on each to dial in exact sounds. Capable of functioning in traditional Step mode for easy construction or Tap for making new lines on the fly while keeping the old, the Rhythm Performer is a fast avenue to throwback beats. - 50
Dave Smith Instruments Tempest Analog Drum Machine
5 available from $1,726.64In 2011, famed engineers Dave Smith and Roger Linn collaborated to release the Dave Smith Instruments Tempest, a hybrid analog and digital drum machine and drum synthesizer. The Tempest combines the best of DSI synth technology, the LinnDrum’s design, and the Akai MPC60’s soft pads and sample manipulation. It not only features samples from classic drum machines and acoustic drums but also has 6 analog synth voices, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, 2 pressure sensitive slide controllers, deep modulation and pattern capabilities, various analog and MIDI effects, and can have up to 32 different layered sounds playing at once. Dave Smith and Roger Linn’s Tempest stands as one of the most advanced hardware drum machines ever created. - 51
Erica Synths LXR-02 Digital Drum Synth
8 available from $520 - 52
BASTL Instruments MicroGranny 2 Monophonic Granular Sampler
8 available from $199 - 53
Elektron Analog Rytm Drum Machine
14 available from $815The Elektron Analog Rytm Drum Machine stands as a pillar of modern all-analog drum production units thanks to features like a 12-track Elektron sampler, 12 drum pads, and a whopping eight drum voices. In addition to the voices, each voice features additional customizable elements like individual LFOs, analog percussion sound generators, analog overdrives, and analog multimode filters for an almost limitless amount of true vintage drum sounds. Top it all off with analog master compression and distortion and you have a modern, vintage-voiced workhorse ready for the studio or stage. - 54
Akai MPC500 Music Production Center
11 available from $222.79Developed by Akai in tandem with the well-known electronic engineer Roger Linn, the MPC (Music Production Center) is in essence a powerful drum machine with an interactive interface of signature rubber squares. The units are also marked by the incorporation of extensive sampling abilities and MIDI sequencing, which became more powerful in newer models. The MPCs are some of the most popular production tools for old-school and modern hip-hop and rap.
The MPC500 is the smallest and most portable MPC model.
Years of production: ca. 2009-2012
Product specs: 12 touch pads, 16 MB sampling memory, onboard time stretch and pitch shift, four pad banks, one MIDI input and one MIDI outputs - 55
Behringer RD-9 Rhythm Designer
8 available from $400 - 56
Roland TR-06 Drumatix
60 available from $250The TR-06 Drumatix is a modernized digital update to Roland's original analog TR-606 Drumatix. This is a Boutique Series recreation from Roland, a la the TR-08, TR-09, and TB-03 which recreated the famed 808, 909, and 303, respectively. - 57
Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome
22 available from $49Bringing together an unprecedented bank of features and the connectivity to play with your other electronic gear, the Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome is a grand shogun of a staple drum accessory. Packing four different types of click with an additional human voice count for a more organic experience, the DB-90 also hooks up to any PCM-based drum machines for practicing along to actual beats. For those after even more, access the onboard Rhythm Coach to get a taskmaster during practice to make sure you're on every beat on stage. - 58
Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer Vintage Drum Machine
16 available from $5,500With its warm toned strip of colorful sequencing buttons and tweakable banks of knobs, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is quite possibly the most iconic drum machine of all time. Featuring a booming kick, sharp snare, tunable toms and a variety of percussion elements, the 808 is capable of creating and sequencing complete rhythm tracks. While Roland's initial hopes to create a realistic machine for emulating session drummers were dashed, generations of artists and producers have embraced and repurposed the 808's unique electronic tones, birthing entire genres based around its inimitable sounds. - 59
Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center
9 available from $746.36The Akai MPC2500 Music Production Center brought the company's flagship product into the 21st Century by incorporating USB and CD/ROM capabilities into an already powerful machine. Packing a 16MB sampling memory and 24-bit 96kHz sampling rate, this midrange model combined a more attractive price tag with the production power that originally made the MPC a rap and hip-hop production favorite. Excellent option for an all-in-one beat center. - 60
Akai MPX8 SD Sample Player
20 available from $94The Akai MPX8 SD Sample Player offers up an easy means to incorporate your favorite electronic sounds in a compact and affordable package. Able to load any SD or SDHC card, the MPX8 features eight assignable velocity-sensitive pads for triggering everything from an 808 kick to a full looping phrase with ease. Coming with your standard MIDI ins/outs along with USB MIDI, this little titan also functions seamlessly with any MIDI-enabled gear or your favorite DAW. - 61
Roland TR-505 Rhythm Composer
18 available from $190The TR-505 was an entry-level drum machine used primarily in assisting songwriters.
Notable users: Aphex Twin - 62
Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine
26 available from $25Built with a detailed Matrix display, MIDI in/out, DIN syn capability and individual drum tone outputs, the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer is an overlooked gem of a drum machine. Frequently said to capture many of the snare, bass, and hi-hat sounds of its more expensive brother, the TR-909, the TR-707 encapsulates the quintessence of '80s drum programming without crushing your wallet. Used by artists ranging from Phil Collins to Aphex Twin, this drum machine could be the next sleeper hit for your electronic setup. - 63
Boss DR-01S Rhythm Partner Drum Machine
12 available from $175 - 64
Alesis HR-16 High Sample Rate 16-Bit Drum Machine
11 available from $250 - 65
Arturia DrumBrute Impact Noir Edition
16 available from $224.99 - 66
Korg Electribe ER-1
6 available from $230Included in the introductory generation of the Electribe, the ER-1 is a drum-modeling, analog synthesizer.
Features: two memory banks, 256 rhythm patterns, 16 onboard effects, 64 steps, motion sequencer, - 67
Akai MPC Studio Music Production Controller
33 available from $185 - 68
Soma Laboratory Pulsar-23 Organismic Drum Machine
12 available from $2,005.13 - 69
Akai XR20 Beat Production Station
4 available from $180The Akai XR20 Beat Production Station is a self-contained music-making command center, ready to pick up and go wherever and whenever the idea for your next song pops in your head. Able to operate on an AC adapter or battery power, the XR20 packs over 700 sounds from drums to synths generated with 32-note polyphony for an immersive experience with plenty of depth. Not just for beats, this tiny titan also employs Pattern Play mode which allows assignment of different phrases to pads, and with the added mic output, you can get a song up and running while you're still on the bus. - 70
Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 Sampler and Sequencer
5 available from $850With the Toraiz-SP-16 Sampler and Sequencer, Pioneer aimed to bridge the gap between DJs and live electronic musicians. Similar to Elektron’s Octatrack and Akai’s MPC Live, the Toraiz SP-16 is a powerful groovebox, with great sampling, synthesis (hell, Dave Smith filters!), and sequencing capabilities. While it may be attractive to some DJs, this machine is really at its best as a potent sound design and compositional tool. - 71
Korg Electribe Sampler 2 Music Production Station
29 available from $290Summoning the same lightning-fast production and rig connectivity as the first iteration along with a demanded chain pattern function and new cache of samples, the Korg Electribe Sampler 2 Music Production Station is a high-powered brain for your electronic rig in the size of a paperback book. 24-voice polyphony and a 16-step sequencer give you options from grimy beats to thick basses as a standalone experience, and when paired with other gear, the Sampler 2's onboard effects and intuitive interface lead you to new inspiration whether on stage or in your home studio. - 72
Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW + MKII
10 available from $2,130.20 - 73
Korg Electribe ESX-1 Music Production Sampler
13 available from $400The Korg Electribe ESX-1 Music Production Sampler brings everything together you need in a streamlined package to quickly and intuitively craft tracks on the fly from beginning to end. Create and store up to 256 patterns and up to 64 songs in the onboard memory with options like motion sequencing, three effect processors, and a ribbon-controlled arpeggiator for total command. Powered with Korg's Valve Force circuitry and two real built-in vacuum tubes, this discontinued model is nevertheless a powerful piece of gear. - 74
Akai MPC Renaissance Groove Production Studio
13 available from $440.02The Akai MPC Renaissance is a reinvention of the classic MPC workflow, adapting it from a hardware based sampler and sequencer into a hybrid software and hardware approach. Paired with Akai's MPC software the Renaissance controller provides everything you need to emulate the MPCs of yesteryear or explore the future of beat production. Centered around the legendary bank of 16 velocity sensitive pads, the Renaissance adds 16 encoders sporting LED indicators for extensive parameter control that maintains tight integration with the software. With a built-in audio interface you can monitor your tracks directly from the unit, and every function from transport to sequencing can be managed from the full-featured controls. If you're looking to take your MPC experience to the next level and enjoy a computer-based workflow, the MPC Renaissance is a can't miss production tool. - 75
Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer Drum Machine
15 available from $1,893.74The Roland TR-909 is a programmable step-sequenced drum machine featuring both sampled and analog drum sounds that have become staples of techno and house music. With DIN Sync24, MIDI In and Out, and individual outputs for each sound, the TR-909 can integrate with multiple other pieces of gear, and offers numerous controls for tweaking each sound. The TR-909 has been used by artists such as Future Sound of London, Moby, Fatboy Slim, Orbital, The Prodigy, Jean Michel Jarre, and The Chemical Brothers. - 76
Boss DR-550 Dr. Rhythm Drum Machine
9 available from $69Built with an ultra-compact design, streamlined 12-button effect interface and a total bank of 48 available sounds, the Boss DR-550 Dr. Rhythm is a powerful option in the world of entry-level drum machines. Capable of fills and shuffles with 32nd notes and triplets available in programming, the DR-550 also sports five bass and six snare sounds with the option for timbre selection to develop an arsenal of beats and patterns. More than just a practice tool for guitarists, this powerful little beatbox is an excellent companion for bedroom producers and old-school DJs alike. - 77
Korg Electribe ES-1
6 available from $190Combining the functionality of both analog synthesizer and drum machine, the Korg Electribe series was crafted as a means for all-in-one live music production. The Electribe features a streamlined interface provides the ability to control and tweak synth and drum patterns as well as bass lines.
The ES-1 iteration included expanded sampling capabilities.
Years of production: 1999-present - 78
Roland R-8 Human Rhythm Composer Drum Machine
9 available from $259.80 - 79
Akai MPC Studio Music Production Controller V1
8 available from $220The Akai MPC Studio is a powerful controller for Akai's MPC software, transforming the hardware samplers into flexible software sporting tight integration with dedicated controllers. The Studio strikes a balance between features and portability, offering the iconic 16 pads in addition to controls for sequencing, transport and sound design, depending on what mode you are in. If you're a laptop based producer looking for a controller that will let you make beats wherever your travels take you, the MPC Studio will be right up your alley. - 80
Boss DR-5 Dr. Rhythm Section Drum Machine
15 available from $95 - 81
MFB Tanzbar 2010s
4 available from $1,336.76 - 82
Vermona DRM1 MKIII Analog Drum Machine
4 available from $459.35 - 83
Pioneer Toraiz Squid Multitrack Sequencer
21 available from $399.99 - 84
Roland MC-303 Groovebox 1990 - 1998
24 available from $200The Roland MC-303 Groovebox collates some of the company's most iconic synth sounds and beat machines into one compact, easy to use model. Ranging in genres from jungle to house to acid, the MC-303 brings together 40 synth basses from the TB-303, 12 kit sounds from the 808 and 909, and 35 synth lead sounds for an all-in-one song production center. Able to operate off batteries and made to be on the move, the Groovebox is a fun creative experience with plenty of muscle behind it. - 85
Boss DR-202 Dr. Groove
9 available from $245.07The Boss DR-202 Dr. Groove is a drum machine that models 256 drum and bass sounds specifically selected for groove/dance music. - 86
Yamaha RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer Drum Machine
9 available from $249 - 87
Akai MPX16 Sampler with 16 Pads
2 available from $194.94The Akai MPX16 is an advanced sampler with recording and playback with drag-and-drop operation over USB. The MPX16 comes stock with ten internal kits, and then the sampler stores 16-bit stereo audio files on SD cards and triggered by sixteen backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads. With USB connection, the MPX16 can control software instruments and brings sounds from your computer over to the SD card with ease. - 88
Korg Electribe 2 Music Production Station
5 available from $300For two decades, the Korg Electribe has been a mainstay in the groovebox and drum machine categories. With the Electribe 2, Korg delivers a great makeover both in form factor and sound. Full of great samples, tweakable synth sounds, and a great 64-track sequencer, the Electribe 2 is a great point of entry for novices as well as a solid workhouse for professionals, too. - 89
Roland MC-505 Groovebox
4 available from $240The Roland MC-505 Groovebox is an all-in-one electronic music production tool. It features built-in synth and drum samples as well as a resonant filter, sequencer, onboard effects, and MIDI functionality. - 90
Akai MPC2000 MIDI Production Center
14 available from $395Developed by Akai in tandem with the well-known electronic engineer Roger Linn, the MPC (Music Production Center) is in essence a powerful drum machine with an interactive interface of signature rubber squares. The units are also marked by the incorporation of extensive sampling abilities and MIDI sequencing, which became more powerful in newer iterations. The MPCs are some of the most popular production tools for old-school and modern hip-hop and rap.
The MPC2000 is a streamlined, pared back rendition of the MPC3000 featuring a floppy disk drive and capable of 64-track sequencing as opposed to 99-track sequencing.
Years of production: 1997-2000
Product specs: 16 touch pads, 2 MB sampling memory, 16 bit 44.1 kHz sampling rate, two MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs
Associated artists: Trent Reznor, The xx, DiViNCi - 91
Akai MPC Touch Drum Machine Controller
5 available from $350Get tons of drum machine, sampling, and MIDI power in one small product with the Akai MPC Touch. The MPC Touch, which stands for Music Production Center, was designed with electronic engineer Grammy Lifetime Technical Achievement winner Roger Linn and gives you total control over your music with its interactive display interface, which lets you zoom into the nitty-gritty of your waveforms, and 16 touch pads, as well as a step sequencer, looper, and sample editor. - 92
Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKII
3 available from $1,559.55 - 93
Roland TR-606 Drumatix Analog Drum Machine
10 available from $525When it comes to vintage electronic music gear, the Roland TR-606 Drumatix analog drum machine is one of the last hidden gems. All analog drum voices, two trigger outs for sequencing analog gear, and best of all, you can switch between pattern edit and play modes without stopping the sequencer- can't do that on an 808 or a 909! Boomy bass that doesn't dominate a mix and metallic high hats that cut like a noise knife. Grab an original 606 before the secret gets out. Or for a modern alternative, check out the Roland TR-8 drum machine with optional 7X7 expansion pack, which adds digitally synthesized 606 sounds (as well as 707 and 727 samples) to the TR-8's base 808 and 909 soundset. - 94
Akai MPC3000 MIDI Production Center
10 available from $3,250The Akai MPC3000 Production Center revolutionized rap, hip-hop, and R&B when it was introduced in 1994. An upgrade to the renowned MPC60, the MPC3000 was a known favorite of artists like Dr. Dre and Puff Daddy for its 44.1Khz sampling rate, 99 track sequencer, and 32-note polyphony synthesizer. If you want to get to the heart of '90s production, this is an all-in-one solution. - 95
Behringer RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer
One available for $377.83 - 96
Elektron Octatrack MkII Anniversary Edition Dynamic 8-Track Performance Sampler
4 available from $1,726.64 - 97
Roland MV-8000
5 available from $290The Roland MV-8000 production studio allows for sampling and beat production in the box. It features a built-in virtual analog bass synth, linear and pattern-style composing, audio and MIDI integration, 40 GB of memory, and up to 136 recording tracks. The 16 touch pads are velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive. - 98
Linn LinnDrum LM2
7 available from $4,500Roger Linn’s LinnDrum is the drum machine that brought on a revolution in drum sounds. While not the first, it was the most popular machine to use sampled drum sounds as opposed to the synthesized sounds of the Roland TR-808 and other alternatives. The LinnDrum is often unofficially called the LM2 (or LM-2) because it followed Linn's first machine, the LM-1. A precursor to the Akai MPC series (also first developed by Linn), the LinnDrum lets users sequence up to 12 tracks simultaneously across 56 user and 42 preset patterns, which can be arranged into songs on 49 memory locations. It's still a powerful rhythm-making machine, but they command high prices on the vintage market. - 99
Akai MPC4000 Music Production Center
One available for $1,336.76 - 100
Sequential Circuits Drumtraks
3 available from $1,349The Sequential Circuits Drumtraks was a classic 1980's programmable drum machine that featured 13 drum sounds with extremely easy to use programability and editing capabilities. Unlike many drum machines of this era, the Drumtraks has an excellent mixing system and featured six individual programmable outs in addition to its common outputs. The Drumtraks also featured analog clock and MIDI in/out making it convenient to use and integrate various machines