9 Best Drum Machines For Creating Unique Beats!

Akai Professional MPC One Standalone Sampler and Sequencer Review

Akai is one of the best-known, most iconic producers of drum machines, and their MPC Music Production Controller is proof that the brand can combine their vintage designs with modern technology. 

I love how this drum machine offers the feel and aesthetics of the original MPC with state-of-the-art features, making it a great choice for music producers of all levels. 

One feature in particular that stands out when analyzing the Akai MPC is its velocity-sensitive touch pads. Once you’ve loaded your desired drum samples into the sequencer, you can easily create rhythms and loops by tapping the pads with your fingers. 

Additionally, this drum machine comes equipped with a comprehensive FX section, which can be applied to both the pre-loaded samples and any that you choose to load onto the device. 

Physically, the MPC Studio is built to the high standard I’ve expected from Akai. It’s sturdy enough to handle being heavily used in your music production setup and is lightweight enough to be transported between locations. 

This device is worth considering if you’re a music producer looking for easy ways to create drum loops and patterns. 

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Production and Performance System with Komplete Select Review

The Maschine by Native Instruments has proven to be one of the prolific manufacturer’s most successful products to date. It includes all of the innovation and excellence of the brand’s successful VST plugins in a classic drum machine format. 

Firstly, the Maschine MK3 includes a highly intuitive control layout that is very straightforward to use. 

The way that the various parameters and controls are designed has allowed me to create drum loops quickly and with precision. 

Another thing that I enjoyed when testing this drum machine was the feel of the various buttons and pads. It’s easy to apply the correct pressure to the controls, which is particularly useful when tapping out drum beats in real-time. 

The sequencer is one of the best you’ll come across. It’s possible to sequence a whole song, either using the 8GB of pre-loaded samples onto the device or loading your own sounds onto it via a memory card. 

Included in the comprehensive pack of loops, samples, and instruments, you’ll find sounds to suit all genres and styles of music production or live performance. These include vintage MPC 560 kits and sounds taken from the Korg MS 20. 

Despite being the largest splash cymbal mount featured in our list, the 6709 Boom Stand is actually very lightweight and can easily be transported from the rehearsal space to the gig venue.

Arturia DrumBrute Impact Analog Drum Machine - Black Review

The Arturia DrumBrute Impact builds upon the success of its predecessor without losing the original qualities which made it such a popular device. Producing a substantial analog drum tone, this machine is ideal for producers and performers alike. 

While this drum machine can be used for most musical styles, I’d say it arguably excels the most when used for hip-hop and dub. 

The samples that are included with the device suit these styles perfectly. 

One of the standout features of this excellent drum machine is the onboard distortion, which can be applied to any of the samples or sounds you use. This saturation circuit is great for adding harmonic excitement to your drum loops. 

Another noteworthy aspect of the device is its comprehensive sequencer. When you create your original sequences, the DrumBrute will facilitate 64 steps per pattern, and there is also room to save 64 patterns. 

In addition to creating classic old-school hip-hop beats on this device, you can also produce some pretty complex and syncopated beats. The lengths of the drum tracks can be altered to your liking, making experimental polyrhythms a possibility. 

In terms of connectivity, Arturia has covered all bases. Four audio inputs are installed on the device, and a master mix output, so you can easily hook it up to your preferred software.

Elektron Analog Rytm MKII Black 8-voice Drum Computer Review

This high-end analog drum machine has proved to be one of Elektron’s most popular devices, which is why they’ve made some subtle improvements to the original with the Mark 2 model. 

Offering unrivaled sonic quality with its eight analog drum voices, the Elektron Analog Rytm MKII is the perfect addition to a professional or home studio. 

At first glance, the array of controls may seem a little daunting, but every single one is there for a reason, and I was able to make some fairly intricate patterns using them. 

On the left side of the interface, you’ll find 12 velocity-sensitive performance pads, which are joined by 16 trigger keypads. These allow you to input drum beats with ease and give you complete control over the dynamics as you touch them.

With 8-voice polyphony, this high-end drum machine has no problems playing several sounds simultaneously. You can load up to 128 patterns into a single project, and the sequencer facilitates a maximum of 64 steps. 

The cast aluminum housing ensures that the vital inner components are fully protected, and each of the backlit buttons is designed to withstand heavy usage.

Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine Review

Korg’s Volca Beats analog drum machine is the perfect option for hip-hop and rap producers. This compact, highly portable device provides analog percussion samples’ sonic depth and an innovative sequencer. 

The feel of the pads in the sequencer deviates from the more common touch-sensitive designs that many modern manufacturers like to go with. 

I love how this gives the machine authentic, retro playability that is refreshing. It makes it so fun to use. 

You can create a wide variety of percussion sounds by using the six analog drum parts in combination with the four PCM drum parts. Classic 808 loops can be combined with glitchy, saturated drum sounds and then added to your compositions. 

The step sequencer has 16 steps, which is enough to sculpt creative beats and complex rhythms. Eight of the patterns you create can then be saved in the device’s internal memory bank. 

If you want to use this device with your DAW, you can easily sync it to the MIDI clock. Alternatively, you can connect other MIDI devices to the Volca Beats and use them to trigger different aspects of the device. 

One of the biggest strengths of this drum machine is its mobility. It can be powered either using a power supply or with six AA batteries, meaning you can take it anywhere and create beats in any environment you wish.

Behringer Rhythm Designer RD-8 Mk2 Analog Drum Machine Review

The Behringer RD-8 is an easy-to-use drum machine that looks like it could have been made in the 1980s. However, despite its vintage appearance, the device benefits from several modern features. 

With 16 analog drum sounds, the RD-8 mimics the original TR-808 drum machine very convincingly. It’s perfect for creating everything from R&B drum loops to modern trap beats. 

The sequencer has 64 steps and allows you to easily add polyrhythms and repeats into your loops. You can build the drum rhythms one part at a time thanks to the accessible mute controls. 

I find that the onboard effects are where this Behringer device really flourishes, as you’d expect from such a prolific producer of guitar pedals. 

With a high-quality dual-mode analog filter and a wave designer, you can shape the sounds of your chosen drum samples to suit your preferences. 

11-voice polyphony ensures that there are no tonal issues caused by using too many drum sounds at once, and you can connect the device to your computer or laptop using a USB cable. 

In total, 256 of your original drum patterns and 16 entire songs can be stored in the device’s memory for later recall.

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Review

With its innovative Analog Circuit Modelling, the TR-8S by Roland is a versatile drum machine that can take your music production to the next level. 

This device makes it easy to integrate your own samples and loops using an SD card. You can then build kits and patterns using a combination of your own samples and the pre-loaded ACB drum sounds. 

The TR-8S also offers some noticeable improvements on the first edition. For example, you can automate two fills in each pattern to give your drum loops more variation or add different control parameters to specific steps in the sequence. 

Another thing that impresses me about this Roland drum machine is how it blends the classic sounds of the TR-8 sampler with the TR-9. 

This makes it suitable for all styles of electronic music, from techno to rap. 

The array of knobs, faders, and buttons installed on this device’s control panel makes it easy to adjust every aspect of the drum samples and the loops you create. You can add effects such as reverb, delay, phasers, and overdrive to the sounds.

Elektron Syntakt 12-voice Drum Computer and Synthesizer Review

Syntakt describes the Elektron as a “drum computer,” which may seem like a strange term to use. However, when you analyze the various features and capabilities of this device, it really is like a mini-computer. 

With analog and digital synthesis, this hybrid device can be used to create professional-sounding percussion for almost any genre or style. The onboard sound library is fully customizable, leaving you in full control over the sounds of your drums. 

Physically, the Elektron Syntakt drum machine is built like a tank. Its robust metal enclosure shields the inner circuitry, and every button and switch is designed to withstand years of use in the studio or on the stage. 

This Elektron drum machine is the type of device that is hard to stop playing around with once you understand how it works. I just didn’t let it go once I got the hang of it. 

The controls may take some getting used to, but each one has been deliberately positioned for maximum efficiency. 

Eight digital and four analog voices are installed on this device, which can be combined to create unique-sounding drum loops and patterns. Also, you can choose from over 30 synthesis machines to further customize the sounds. 

With 3 MIDI ports and four audio outputs, the Syntakt can be integrated into your existing music production rig with no issues.

Akai Professional MPC Studio Music Production Controller and MPC Software Review

If you’re looking for a high-quality drum machine that exceeds the level of budget devices but won’t cost you an extortionate amount, this excellent offering from Akai might be the perfect option. 

With its distinguished, compact design, the Akai Professional MPC Studio is predominantly designed for home music production setups. It won’t take up too much space on your desk and is easy to move from one place to another. 

I also found it very useful to take with you on the fly. If you’re the type of person to create music while using public transport, this is one of your best picks. 

Boasting over 1000 built-in instruments and effects, this affordable drum machine comes equipped with everything you need to start producing professional-level drum beats. 

Once you’ve settled on the samples that you want to use, you can then employ the onboard effects and the adjustable controls to make them sound exactly how you need them to for your beats and compositions. 

The 16 backlit pads are very sensitive to the velocity with which you touch them, making it easier to add expressive dynamics to your drum beats rather than having all of the hits normalized to a certain level. 

You also get the MPC2 music production software with this device, which is ideal if you don’t already have a DAW to use it with.