80s Drum Machines (A Buyer's Guide) 

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. It really was amazing to me how the old drum machines' clocks weren't nearly as steady as today's DAW programs running on a computer. They really did have a sound and "feel" that was unique and different than today's entirely computer based beats.

No wonder there are so many plugins trying to recreate the "faulty" sound and features of the hardware! @@ErikHawk

Thanks for watching! Such a fun topic! :-)

Oh yeah, the R8 is amazing and really has some cool tricks up its sleeves. Plus, if you can score the cards, like the the Dance and Electronic cards, really great sounds. Personally, I think I like the Mark I over the Mark II. The Mark I sounds a bit more vintage to my ears.

Thanks for watching! Been wanting to do this one for awhile :-)

Thank you sir! Thank you for watching. Over here we have name for our problem, G.A.S., short for “gear acquisition syndrome” :-)

@@ErikHawk How about 'regret selling gear syndrome'. I kinda wish I hadn't sold my SP1200 over a decade ago, seeing how expensive they are nowadays.

Yes indeed, you can never have enough drum machines!

Great tips! Thank you. Yeah, the HR16 is still one of my favs!

Yep, it's alllllll about that variable sample rate. No interpolating going on with those machines.

a good sample pack *should* sample at various pitches (with the pitch set on the source instrument) in order to capture the original playback. I used to have several old drum machines and did exactly that (e.g. sampled the sound from the old drum machine with the pitch set on the machine itself), however these days, I'm ashamed to say that instead of using the DMX I use the DMX sound set on Arturia Spark, simply because it sounds close enough and pretty much indistinguishable when in a mix with effects and compression. It's more important (to me) to get the music made, rather than faff around using old kit, MIDI sync and unnecessary AtoD with latency compensation.

Thanks for watching. Yeah, I was going for more of a how to choose a drum machine than a sounds comparison. There are plenty of other videos where you can hear the sounds of these drum machines, but no videos that look at all of them side by side. Congrats on your TR-8! If you’d like a stand-alone pattern sequencing device that you can use to sequence your TR-8, I suggest the Arturia BeatStep Pro. Supposedly you can write complete songs on it, though I don’t personally use one. I prefer to write and structure my songs using a DAW. I think it’s much easier to build songs in the DAW, and you can use the DAW to control your external sound modules (like the TR-8). (I’ll be doing a video on this soon, controlling external sound modules from your DAW.) I recommend either Ableton Live or Propellerhead Reason for the DAW.

Thanks for watching. Sorry to disappoint. This video is a discussion about what's available and how to make a smart choice if you decide to purchase a vintage 80s drum machine. There are plenty of other videos available that are dedicated to each specific drum machine's sounds. I try not to duplicate videos that have already been done countless times. That said, maybe I'll do a no talking video of like a dozen 80s drum machines side by side. I don't think anybody has done this! That could be cool.

If your objective is to do synth pop using a hardware drum machine, the DR 670 would be a much better choice. It's got way more options. The RX120 is very cheesy 80s, so it would be good for synthwave. Also you can't program patterns in the RX120, its preset only, or control it's sounds from a DAW. So yeah, the DR 670 gives you a lot more options and it doesn't sound half bad. Good luck!

I actually agree, it's one of the most powerful vintage drum machines available. It only produces cheesy 80s sounds on the surface. Look under its hood and, wow! Also, with the Phamrasonic USB card you can load your own samples into the RX5. This totally opens up it power. Been meaning to do a video about this cart, it's amazing. www.pharmasonic.jp/16-rx5usb

Fun fact,if you put the sound cards kind of in/out it goes all circuit bent n funky👌🏻

Its probably not that hard to have a simple PCB made for SST 27SF512 chips or newer, which are EEPROMS and can be loaded with new data easily.

Well, you seriously can't beat their prices and the drum machines sound solid with great features. So far, the RD-8 and RD-6 area couple of winners. I've got an RD-9 on order and I'll definitely do a review on it. I'm also really looking forward to the LinnDrum clone, but who knows when that will make it to market. But yeah, so far they're awesome!

Had to check if he was still in biz. He is, the company is Electrongate, drop him an email, his contact info is here, the site isn't secure but I believe it's safe. Paul is a really nice guy and incredibly talented. He's made DX and Multitrack panels for me as well! www.electrongate.com/dmxfiles/contactpage.html

Thanks for watching Travis. For that sound, I suggest the Alesis HR-16. One in good condition only costs between $100 and $150. It's chalked full of great features and if you want to deep dive you can even change out its stock RAM chips (alternative shipsets are sold on eBay). Have fun!

​@@ErikHawkexcellent choice

I use the DDD1 for many years and still love it .

Yeah, the DDD5 has some of the best hand claps and tons of fantastic rhythm presets. Though, I did end up getting a DDD1 for its individual outputs and additional pads. Got the sampling card too! They're both great, but the DDD1 is definitely my desert island 12-bit drum machine. Here's a blurb on Instagram about the DDD5's interchangeable faceplates. What an incredibly cool feature. instagram.com/p/B5_CcbOBpGe/

@@ErikHawk Love the faceplates. Still need to find Heavy Metal, I now have 5 (programming/standard patterns/latin/jazz/funk)

LOL, okay but I only torture drum machines 😁

Cool I like Morgan's music! Sounds like he's using samples loaded into Drum Rack in Ableton Live.... Yup "Roland System 8 Synth, a Novation Ultranova and a MicroKorg. Software-wise, I use Ableton Live and I mainly work with the Komplete Ultimate Suite by Native Instruments. I also use Maschine, Maschine Jam and I also dig the Diva U-HE, just to name a few." newretrowave.com/2019/04/01/interview-morgan-willis-discusses-the-jenkins-house/

The SR16 is just a 16 bit drum machine. It sounds great but it's not a vintage collectible. But yes, if you just need an inexpensive drum machine, the SR16 will do the job.

@@ErikHawk exactly! Btw mine is from 2019 and it's 24bit😉

Great question! Okay, good price, I suggest the Yamaha RX21. Here's one on Reverb for $50 reverb.com/item/36317492-yamaha-rx21 OR, if you want a larger programming surface, the old RX15. Here's one on Reverb for $99 reverb.com/item/36087315-yamaha-rx15-digital-rhythm-programmer-drum-machine There are examples of the sounds on RU-vid. LMK what you grab!

One other recommendation that would give you even more options for a little more cash is the Boss DR-550 mkII. This machine is from the mid 90s and hasn't been recognized by collectors yet ;-) Here's one for $100 on Reverb, reverb.com/item/36133374-boss-dr-550-mkii-dr-rhythm?bk=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJqdGkiOiJlNWIyNmRkYS1mZTk5LTQ0NzItYjUwNS1hMTkxODY0YTlmNDAiLCJpYXQiOjE2MDUwNDkyODMsInVzZXJfaWQiOiI1MTQ2NTgiLCJzZXNzaW9uX2lkIjoiZTBkNWFjYWYtMzdlNy00Y2YxLWEyMjUtYmFlYzA4Y2M3NzQyIiwiY29va2llX2lkIjoiMDY5ZmZkNDYtZjYxYS00MzAxLWIzZTgtN2E5NzM0YTVlYzMzIiwicHJvZHVjdF9pZCI6IjM2MTMzMzc0Iiwic291cmNlIjoiTk9ORSJ9.5vGR9ptIiGu-8RH4AxMaPJXIPxAQU-k4yDqu1Ad8CtI

The Korg Super Section has something Italo to it. Cool looking and usually not that expensive. More rhytmn box than drum machine though.

Very good question. That is the Magician T1950. You wanna add some tube warmth to your digital channels, this is an interesting option. www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=P0037

I love it! I'd give it an 8 out of 10 for 12 bit goodness and programmability. It doesn't get a 10 because it's missing individual outputs and it only has 7 pads. For that you'd want the DDD1. But it does have some neat tricks up its sleeve, like its replaceable faceplate and presets/fills button. Plus there are ROM cards that support these features. So it's pretty unique. Check out this Instagram post instagram.com/p/B5_CcbOBpGe/ also instagram.com/p/B6C7VHWh6e8/

I'm afraid not, only the Linn has the Linn sound. Though, it's possible to get the LinnDrum samples and load them onto a RAM chip that will play in either an Oberheim DX/DMX or an Alesis HR-16. You can find these RAM chips for sale on eBay and the Alesis HR-16 can be had for as little as $100 US. If you don't want to hassle with this, there is one really cheap drum machine that sounds similar to the Linn, especially its kick drum, but not exactly the same on the rest of the drums, it's the old Roland TR-505. Dr. Mix does a good demo, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hdq-gotzG8s.html The TR-505 is almost as cheap as the HR-16, but if I had to pick one I'd probably pick the HR-16 for a lot more flexibility. Check this out, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8bAO82B86s8.html

@@ErikHawk Thanx for your explanation Erik. As I have the Yamaha ry20 already, I prefer not to buy another drumcomputer if it's not really necessary. Even though they are not that expensive anymore and mayby I can change my drumcomputer with the TR-505. In the meantime I found another solution. I can download the LM-1 sounds and load them into my apple garageband (there must be a plugin called AUsampler?) and then I can asign the sound to a key. Of course after you can program the sounds and edit them as you like. I am going to try this today. Only possible problem is that I may not have the right plugin for garageband. I have to check that out first. BTW I always thought the Lindrum and the LM-1 were generally the same, It seems that is not right. As a Prince fan I am looking for the drummachine he used and that seems to be the LM--1. Do you know the exact differences between the linndrum and LM-1? Greetz and regards from holland

Yes, the Cyclone sales rep from Perfect Circuit (where it was purchased) resolved it. Since the drum machine was within the 3 year warranty he just gave me a brand new machine! How cool is that? Super happy with it, though I'm hesitant about the individual outputs since I felt like that's what busted it last time. But so far it's ticking along fine so maybe that first machine was an early build and the manufacturing problem has since been corrected. Fingers crossed. The three year warranty is a keeper!

@@ErikHawkwell that's good news althoughI'm gonna have to check when I bought mine now and hope it was less than three years ago.

The RX11 is incredibly limited. In my opinion, it's all about the RX5. It's an amazing piece of tech with a sound shaping engine under the hood, including an ADR envelope and the ability to tune its sounds (which you can't do in the RX11). Plus, you can buy ROM carts with different 80s drum and effect samples for the RX5. Also, one more insane feature that hardly anybody knows about, there's a card available that allows you to load your own samples. So, for example, with this card by Pharmasonic you can load in LinnDrum or 707 samples. (reverb.com/item/28027476-pharmasonic-rx5usb-mk2-cartridge-for-yamaha-rx-5) Crazy cool! Been meaning to do a full comprehensive video about the RX5... in fact, you might want to pick one up now, before I do the video and the price goes up 😂

Nothings beats a RX5 with a QX3 next to it.

Sequential TOM, LM2, DX, take your pick. Sounds a lot like the LM2 to me, but it's also totally mixed, so not sure... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_aVa7qVKUHI.html Also, check out this Gearslutz thread, www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/806151-zapp-drums.html

Actually, here's the Sequential TOM with the Contemporary cartridge, this sounds right to me... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-D_r15Ju2yvQ.html (I'll need to dig out my Contemporary cartridge and give the Computer Love beat a try :-)

Thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Yeah, these are awesome, especially for the money and all the cards/faceplates that are available. Here's one in excellent condition from a reputable seller in Japan. Even with the shipping from Japan it's a good deal. reverb.partnerlinks.io/korgddd5-musicsoundtokyo-erikhawk

Yeah, the Drumulator machines are wonderful and can still be found at a reasonable price. I don't have one because I'm not a fan of the RCA phono jacks they used. I much prefer 1/4 inch connections. Also, I have an SP12 that I'm working on. Maybe someday I'll be able to bring it back to life.

I completely agree, some of this vintage gear is way overpriced. The 707 is a good example, the LinnDrum is an even better example. Though, you do also need to consider the condition of the piece, sometimes the extra cost is acceptable if its in near mint condition. But then, we're really talking about being a collectible in addition to a useful sound generator. Personally, I think the Yamaha RX7 is the hidden gem on the market right now, because there's a USB RAM card made by Pharmasonic that let's you load your own samples right into the RX7. That feature is gold on a vintage 12-bit/8-bit machine. One of these days soon I must make a RU-vid video about this! (Then, the price will go up, insider trading tip 😂

​@@ErikHawk £400 was just about an acceptable price for me to pay for my R-8 as that was in pristine condition but I was also paying for the hard case, power supply, manual plus some rom and ram cards and also I use the R-8 and SR-16 on far more productions compared to something like TR-707, I will also never be able to own any synthesizer that's really big due to space so if I wanted to go hardware then the Yamaah Reface synthesizers are not out of the question and I'm also considering buying one of the Arturia synthesizers like the Micro Brute or Mini Brute as they are not only small and reasonably priced but also very versatile. Anyway I have just purchased the Casio MT-500 which is like an analog synth and drum machine in one even though the sounds cannot be modified with envolopes but some of the instruments sound quite authentic especially for an 80s Casiotone plus you could also use sounds like flute as a sine wave. But I think there is still room for both hardware and software, I certainly can't afford to spend over a grand on a lofi drum machine and even £700 is still a lot of money for a TR-707. The TR-505 is still a great entry level drum machine, I might consider the Yamaha RX drum machines at some point in the future but for now I will stick with the sounds I have on my Yamaha PSS-680, the Yamaha samples that are in the DR-84 VST and I will also be getting a Yamaha PSS-570 in the future possibly to replace my PSS-470. As for the Korg DDM-110 the price should be a reflection of it's sound quality as even back in the day the DDM-110 was considered mediocre and it's something that didn't age well so unless you can find one very cheap in my opinion I wouldn't pay anymore than £50 for for one or maybe £130 for a DDM-110 sold with a DDM-220 is just about worth it because at least your paying for a drum machine and another one which is an expansion option, it's similar to me buying a Roland CM-32L and CM-32P as a £400 job lot because that worked out as £200 for each sound module even though MT-32s seem to have gone down a bit in price.

Thanks, Bro. So many people out there saying, they are the same sounds. They are not, as you correctly point out.

I believe that's the amazing E-mu SP1200. It's a pretty unmistakable sound.

@@ErikHawk Thanks I used to own an SP1200. So I take it you mean the factory sample library disk which came with the SP1200? Because unlike the SP12 the SP1200 did not have pre-sets sounds built in. Any idea which factory set?

@@RussRockwell Yeah, I don't know where the sample came from, but the sound is certainly an SP1200. The dates on the recordings match up with the SP1200's manufacturing as well. Totally, wish I had an SP1200 but they are crazy expensive now. I'd need to win the lottery first, ha!

@@ErikHawk The dates of the recordings match up with these samplers all released in 1987: Akai S700, Casio FZ-1 (16-bit), Emu Emulator III (16-bit), Emu SP1200, Oberheim DPX-1, Roland S-220, Roland S-330, Sequential Circuits Prophet 3000 (16-bit), Sequential Circuits Studio 440, and the Yamaha TX16W. All are 12-bit (except where stated) so they all have a 12-bit 'sound'. Those drum hits could have been recorded on a DAT and sampled on another sampler and they would still sound the same. To say the sound is certainly an SP1200 is kind of moot when those producers could have used any 12-bit sampler. Again, I'm trying to locate the exact drum library sounds not overall 'so-called sound' of a vintage sampler. Like I said, I didn't have any factory disks with my SP but if it is from the SP1200 (or Emulator) library it's potentially one of these...zine.r-massive.com/emu-sp1200-factory-sample-library/​

@@RussRockwell True, but the SP12/SP1200 has a sound that's unlike any of the other samplers. Plus it's been pretty well documented that these artists used the SP12. As for the exact sounds... yeah that's hard to say since they are samplers. The source could have literally been from anywhere!

Craigslist, mostly. I'm in Los Angeles and I'm patient. So if I wait long enough it's gonna appear for the right price on Craigslist. Then, I just need to be the first person to show up with the cash 😂

This is just an overview of the different models and what to look for when shopping for a vintage drum machine. If you want to hear the individual drum machines there are tons of other videos out there. Otherwise, this video would be like 3 hours long, ha! :-) Thanks for watching.

I know, I hate myself too, I have more now 🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting!

Yeah, basically... but the 707 and 727 sounds actually make up the 626's soundset. Yeah, I know there's some debate about this, but here's how I see it; The 707, the 727, and the 505 are all 8 bit drum machines. The 707/727 came first in 1985. Roland needed a less expensive version so they came up with the 505 in 1986. The 626 is a 12-bit drum machine that came out in 1987 and basically combines the sounds and features of all three machines. So technically, the 626 is an update of the 707/727 and the 505. IMO :-)

@@ErikHawk right cause the 505 is the 727 just upgradet.

@@MrBeatcreep Yeah, it was all about Roland trying to make a less expensive and more profitable box with the tech available at the time 😀

Or, maybe you can? Let me get back to you about this after I find my way out of my drum machine closet 😂

@@ErikHawk 100%

My partner thinks otherwise.