25 Best Drum Machines For Making Awesome Beats

Yannick

2 years ago

Updated: March 18th, 2024

Many people have asked me what I think is the best drum machine. I’ve waited a long time to answer, as this is not a simple question. Especially since some might say that drum machines stand in direct competition with a human drummer.

But I don’t think so. Drum machines are great tools for DJs, producers, and drummers alike and they aren’t there to replace a talented drummer. Rather, they invite you to create gripping beats and grooves, to be used when you can’t have a pair of magical hands on the skins.

The good news is that drum machines have come a long way since their questionable early use in the 1980s.

Today, there is a wide range of feature-packed modern drum machines available to suit every ability and budget. In this article, I’ll give you my personal top picks.

Best Drum Machines Top 5 – Quick Links

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Best of the Best Dave Smith Instruments Tempest Small size, but high performance Redesigned thick fat backlit pads	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best for Live Performance Alesis SR16 Realistic drum sounds For both composing songs and live performances	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Analog Drum Machine Korg Volca Beats Built-in speaker Compact size	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	BUDGET Teenage Engineering PO-12 Wonderful battery life Price is great for even the beginners	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best for Bass Players Arturia DrumBrute Versatile Comes with unique analog reverse cymbal	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best for Beginners Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Hardware and software integration is seamless Delivers high quality audio	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Small Drum Machine Roland Aira TR-8 Rhythm Performer Great variety of sounds and good quality audio Attractive and logical design	VIEW LATEST PRICE →

1. Korg Vocal Beats Analog Rhythm Machine

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine

If you’re looking for a wide variety of pro features, the Korg is the drum machine for you.

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PROS

Can be played anywhere with a built-in speaker
Includes optional battery power for mobility

CONS

Not a full-featured sampler
Only good for certain types of music

Size: The Korg Volca is known for its portability, weighing around 2 pounds and measuring 10.3” x 6” x 2.8”. It’s a medium-sized drum machine that provides all the features and tricks of a larger one. Although small, the Korg Volca has a large range of functionality with minimal parameters and makes use of true analog sounds, inspired by an old-school rhythm machine. It is even equipped with a built-in speaker.

Performance: Korg is a trusted name in drum machines. They make high-quality and high-performing machines that have been used by both professionals and amateurs for decades. This particular analog rhythm machine delivers unforgettable classic sounds with six analog and four PCM-based drum parts. PCM means Pulse Code Modulation, which is a form of digitalized and uncompressed sound that provides better-quality audio. It allows for instant editing via an intuitive user interface so you can easily cut, mix, and slice loops to create awesome beats. To make things even easier, each of the six analog parts has its knob for easy editing, and the four PCM parts provide speed control for changes in the pitch.

Features: If you’re looking for a wide variety of pro features, the Korg is the drum machine for you. This Korg Volca has a 16-step sequencer, which means that it can store sequences of sounds up to a maximum of 16 beats and is inspired by an Electribe, a vintage collection of synthesizers, rhythm machines, and drum machines created by Korg. This drum machine also features eight memory patches to store your settable parameters and a stutter for a glitch or delay-like effects. If you’re interested in production, it even comes with a MIDI In for note entry and external sync and control from your DAW. The best part about the Korg Volca is that you can play it anywhere thanks to its high-performance, built-in speaker, and optional battery power features.

2. Alesis SR16 Stereo Electronic Drum Machine

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Alesis SR16 Stereo Electronic Drum Machine

The Alesis features an exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature that allows a drum sound to change its tonal when you play it harder for the ultimate in realistic performances.

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PROS

Realistic drum sounds
Perfect for both composing songs and live performances

CONS

Can’t be run on a battery
No 3/4 time preset

Size: This Alesis Stereo Electronic Drum Machine is another small machine that is more powerful than its simple design lets on. It comes equipped with four audio outputs, and 12 pads, and requires AC voltage for power. In terms of dimensions, the Alesis is sized 9.25” x 1.5” x 6.5” and weighs around 2.5 pounds. It’s not great for portable use since you can’t run it on batteries.

Performance: Whether you’re looking for a machine to help you write songs or accompany you on live performances, this drum machine can do it all. The Alesis likes to call itself the best drum machine ever made and with good reason. It has often been used by songwriters, live performers, and remix engineers as their preferred drum machine. With its 233 realistic and natural beat sounds and an awesome digital reverb, this is an incredibly versatile drum machine that allows you to customize your patterns and songs.

Features: The Alesis features an exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature that allows a drum sound to change its tonal when you play it harder, for the ultimate in realistic performances. It also features 50 preset patterns that were recorded by top studio drummers, not just programmed into a computer. With its 12 velocity-sensitive pads, eight loudness levels, soundtracking, step editing, and stereo samples with reverb and ambiance, you will be making professional-sounding songs in no time.

3. Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Drum Machine

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Drum Machine

This works great with tabletop synth rigs because it is loaded with 16 sampled and synthesized drum sounds.

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PROS

Wonderful battery life that allows a long standby time
The price is great for even the beginners
Integrated folding stand

CONS

Without the headsets, it doesn’t have a good volume

Size: If you’re looking for a big performance in a small package, I would recommend the Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Drum Machine. This mini machine packs more punch than it would appear, and the size makes it easy to store, transport, and even keep with you so you have it in a pinch without ever compromising on sound quality.

Performance: Teenage is a small machine power-packed with solid sounds, killer effects, and intuitive sequencing. This machine has 16 tweakable beat sounds with a 16-step sequencer that is perfect for creating beats and melodies. 16 effects can be used to alter the sound of the audio source. It produces high-quality sound emitted from a Knowles speaker, uses real synthesized drum sounds, and has created a buzz among music enthusiasts, who can use it whenever the need for premium sound arises. AAA batteries power this device, and it is so power-efficient that a single pair can last for years. The machine also switches off automatically when not used for 5 minutes.

Features: If you are here to find the best affordable drum machine, Teenage is the perfect device. It works great with tabletop synth rigs because it’s loaded with 16 sampled and synthesized drum sounds. Each of the sounds is further equipped with two real-time parameters that match the physical attributes in naturally occurring sound, allowing Teenage to create realistic sound. The effects library features 16 different effects to alter your sounds and allows you to create more varied music. Paired with the 16-step sequencer and 16 patterns, this machine will make it simple for you to create entire songs.

4. Novation Circuit

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Novation Circuit

As a standalone autonomous drum machine, Novation Circuit features an integrated speaker, a four-part sampler, and two six-voice polyphonic synths.

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PROS

Two Nova synthesizers with six-note polyphonic per synth and a 4-part drum machine
32 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive button grid with 28 RGB backlit function buttons
Battery-powered or through a mains supply
Three-year limited warranty
The sequencer has several demo sessions available
Real-time drum record

CONS

The speaker is not loud enough

Size: This is a compact, portable, and battery-powered instrument you can use to create tracks from beginning to end without needing a computer or a speaker. It has two digital synth engines and is relatively portable measuring 24cm in width x 20cm in depth x 3.5cm in height, and weighing around two pounds.

Performance: The Novation Circuit is an easy way to learn and use drum machines. More than a drum machine, Circuit grants users a way to both create and play samples. Without a menu, you do not even need to be an expert to operate it. You get to experiment your way into becoming an expert. It has a fun-to-use interface that makes it suitable for a beginner. The four-part sampler creates up to eight patterns per part, making 32 patterns that can be played with and mixed to form unending tracks. The circuit offers a broad range of sounds and drum patterns varying from deep basslines to warm pads. After programming, the Circuit can be connected to your computer or other synths so you can transfer your inventions. But you can also save up to 32 sessions without moving them.

Features: As a standalone autonomous drum machine, Novation Circuit features an integrated speaker, a four-part sampler, and two six-voice polyphonic synths. There is a jack socket and a USB to connect to your MAC or Microsoft. Also, there is a built-in synthesizer, and a front-mounted jack socket connects to headphones. In the event of no power, the Circuit has a battery compartment, and the six AA batteries are included with the purchase. The instrument can also work as a USB-MIDI controller. It is equipped with 32 backlit drum pads, 64 synth patches, 64 drum patches, and several controls.

5. Roland Aira TR-8 Rhythm Performer

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Roland Aira TR-8 Rhythm Performer

The Roland Aira is one-of-a-kind and features 16 kits that are made up of 11 different instrument types.

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PROS

Attractive and logical design
Great variety of sounds and good quality audio

CONS

Sounds are right but they don’t have separate outputs for processing

Size: Roland Aira is a great performance drum machine that weighs 6.8 pounds with dimensions 4.3” x 13.3” x 21.7”.

Performance: The kick drum on this machine plays nicely, and it offers a sound that rivals even more costly drum machines. This machine delivers great sound quality and is a great tool for live performances. Besides the small size, the build is solid and durable, which makes it easy for you to carry this drum machine along anywhere, though it isn’t light. This drum machine is also easy to program and update, and its design is logical, with color-coded knobs and buttons, and seamless programming. Everything intuitively feels like it is in the right place.

Features: The Roland Aira is one of a kind and features 16 kits that are made up of 11 instrument types. It also includes custom dream kits that make use of vintage TR 808 and 909 sounds, which are two vintage Roland rhythm machines, for more versatility. For incredible sound, use the continuous fine and shuffle adjustment knobs that exist to produce custom audio. Dedicated knobs also control the intensity and volume of this machine. This Roland device will also help you remember your youth as it produces great sound for electronic music and techno beats.

Best Of The Best

Our top recommendation for the best drum machine in terms of price and performance is the Korg Volca. It has six analog and four PCM-based drum parts with digitalized and uncompressed for better quality audio. Editing is done via a highly intuitive interface, and it has both online and offline working features. The built-in speaker is good enough to let you use this machine for performance.

However, we also highly recommend the Alesis Stereo Electronic Drum Machine. It has a collection of more than 200 realistic and natural drum sounds that can be used in your creations. It also has great speaker functionality and seems to sound good in any venue, no matter the size or acoustics.

Best Bang For Your Buck

In my opinion, the Teenage Engineering PO-12 is the best drum machine for beginners. It is a small machine that is user-friendly for someone who is just learning to navigate a drum machine but still produces high-quality sound. A beginner can easily try their hand on this machine because of the budget-friendly price. It also doesn’t sacrifice performance and can fulfill a music lover’s needs with premium-quality sound. In addition, the battery standby time is long-lasting, allowing a beginner to practice for hours.

Analog Filter/Wave Designer produces a great sound
11 audio outputs
64-step drum sequencer
It stores about 16 songs with 256 patterns

Buying A Drum Machine Online

While navigating the path to becoming an excellent DJ, music producer, electronic music enthusiast, or drummer, you may consider buying a drum machine online to give you access to a variety of features for creating drum beats, sequences, and loops. You only need a good computer and a reliable internet connection to get started. Some provide access to MIDI files that can be downloaded and used offline for convenience.

They are usually accessible from a web browser and provide snares, kicks, and hi-hats, as well as volume and FX controls, among other vital tools. With these intuitive features and effects available, you can start creating online beats in no time. Drum machines are widely used by people who want to learn how to mix drum loops as well as other intricacies.

Things To Consider When Buying A Drum Machine

There are a few things to consider when selecting a drum machine. Generally, I recommend the following to be the minimum required features:

It must be loaded with an effects library for a variety of sounds
It must have custom kits to allow the user to expand or install additional kits as needed
Must be enabled with pressure-sensitive pads to create a diversity of complex combinations of sound, as the pads produce different intensities of sound depending on how hard they are pressed
Must be equipped with a dual power supply (For example, your machine may be able to run on battery or be plugged into an electrical socket depending on your needs)
A good drum machine always comes with a protective case and a headphone set

A machine that encompasses all these features is probably a safe buy. To further help you narrow down your choices, consider the following factors as well:

Consider your budget
Focus on features rather than big brand names
As a beginner, don’t invest in an incredibly expensive drum machine right off the bat. Rather, look for a user-friendly model with multiple sounds and a variety of effects.

You can read all of our guides on electronic drumming here.

FAQs

How do drum machines work?

Drum machines allow you to reproduce the individual beats created by drum kits, using either electronically produced sounds or playback recordings of samples. You can then use the drum machine to tap out and record drum patterns for playback. There are also a variety of features that allow you to alter your rhythms, changing pace, adding effects, and much more.

Is a drum machine an instrument?

Drum machines are considered electronic musical instruments capable of creating percussion sounds. However, they are considered more the domain of DJs and mixers than drummers, though drummers are sometimes known to use drum machines to experiment.

Which drum machine is best?

The best drum machine depends on what you want to do with it, as each comes with different features. But our recommendations for the best all-around drum machines are the Korg Volca and the Alesis Stereo Electronic Drum Machine. Both provide a range of authentic sounds for sampling and have easy-to-use interfaces for mixing. Both also have features that make them ideal for both mixing and performing.

Interested in recording using your drum machine? Find our guides to recording here.

What is the most realistic-sounding drum machine?

In our opinion, the Alesis Stereo Electronic Drum Machine produces the most realistic sounding beats. It comes with over 200 samples of drums and percussion from some of the world’s best instruments. You can make patterns that sound like a live drummer, but you also have lots of features if you want to synthesize your beats for electronic music.

What is the simplest drum machine?

Our top recommendation for beginners looking for a simple-to-use machine is the Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Drum Machine. The interface is intuitive, so you can get working right away without the need to read any instructions. That doesn’t mean it skimps on features, but if you don’t know how to use a certain feature (yet), this is not a roadblock to creating.

Can drum machines swing?

Swing is the addition of tiny delays to every other beat. This can be applied to rhythms using drum machines to make the sounds produced sound more “human.”

Why are drum machines so expensive?

Drum machines can seem expensive as there is actually a lot of advanced technology under the hood to reproduce the precise sounds that you need. When you invest in cheaper drum machines, it is usually the playback for performance that suffers the most.

The Verdict

If you are interested in a drum machine for mixing drum patterns, there are a lot of choices out there. Knowing which is right for you is challenging since it depends on what you want to do with it and how much experience you have.

While you shouldn’t go wrong with any of the options on our list of recommendations, remember, always consider what you need first. Sure, there are machines out there that can do everything, but they won’t suit you as a beginner on a budget. In contrast, if you need something for live shows, performance features should be at the top of your list of requirements.

Do you have any experience buying and working with drum machines? We’d love to hear from you. Share your experience with the community in the comments section below.