Drum machines are versatile instruments that allow you to create different types of percussion sounds, beats, and patterns. Drum machines are an integral part of the process of creating and composing good music.
If you are on the lookout for a quality machine that combines the raw energy of drum beats with the power of technology, then check out five of the best drum machines below.
Check out some of our other related buyers guides:
5 Best Drum Machines for 2022 Ranked by Beatmakers
Arturia DrumBrute Analog Drum Machine
Arturia DrumBrute Analog Drum Machine combines the magic of classic drum machines with the versatility of new technology to create a fantastic instrument.
A wide range of drum sounds combined with features like a modern step sequencer, multiple connectivity options, and multiple performance effects mean you can look forward to many hours of happy drumming.
Features
- Create expanded compositions through chain patterns on Song mode and modify the patterns in real-time with Step Repeat and Pattern Looper features to expand your repertoire of drumming skills and techniques.
- 10 drum sounds built into a single machine including kick one and two, reverse cymbal, zap, tambourine, and maracas.
- Save up to 64 patterns on the machine itself with the option of setting up to 64 steps in each pattern, which means you can access your favorite patterns with the press of a button.
- Recording multitrack audio is extremely easy with the 12 in-built individual audio outputs in the drum machine. Also, your tracks can have different lengths, meaning creating polyrhythms is a breeze.
Specifications
- 10-sound drum machine.
- 8 pads and one touch strip.
- 64-step sequencer with 64 patterns
- Output—One mix, 1 MIDI, 4 individual outs, 1 headphone, 1 clock
- Input—USB, MIDI and Clock inputs.
- Separate accent per drum
- Song mode for chaining patterns
- Optional Color sound-shaping on all instruments (except Cowbell)
Alesis SR-18 Drum Machine
Alesis SR18 is a powerful drum machine that gives you studio-level functions and features with the advantage of complete mobility as well.
A massive sound bank—175 preset patterns, 24-voice polyphony and many other cool features make this a smart buy for every modern musician.
Features
- A 32 MB sound set with over 500 professional sounds that can be modified in real-time through the Dynamic Articulation feature allow you to create perfect compositions irrespective of your preferred genre.
- 12 velocity-sensitive pads, Pattern Play feature to trigger drum machine patterns directly from the pads and drum roll and tap tempo functions come together to create a versatile platform for making great music.
- A powerful integrated effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, compression and 100 in-built user patterns for customizing your beats down to the last detail.
Specifications
- 150,000 notes, 200 patterns and 100 songs.
- 12 velocity-sensitive pads with Dynamic Articulation.
- Output—MIDI, stereo pair TRS and TRS stereo headphone output.
- Input—TS input.
- Powered by an AC adapter along with six AA batteries for a portability option.
- A Studio Icon - Legendary classic drum machine for songwriters, live performers and remix engineers
- In Demand Sound - 500 professional sounds included, built-in digital effects for added realism and...
- Seamless MIDI Connectivity - Complete MIDI support for use with keyboards, computers, DAWs and...
Elektron Digitakt 8-voice Drum
The Elektron Digitakt 8-voice Drum is an extremely powerful machine that meets virtually all the expectations you would have from a good quality drum machine and sampler.
At its heart is 64 MB sample memory combined with one GB in-built storage that gives you all the power and space you need to drum to your hearts content.
Multiple connectivity options, including USB support for Overbridge, mean you can integrate your drums with your favorite MIDI application without any hassles.
Features
- Elektron Digitakt Drum Machine offers support for eight stereo audio tracks with the added feature of one multimode filter and one assignable LFO per track for total drumming without any restrictions on your creativity.
- The in-built effects engine allows you to send delays and reverbs to your compositions and make it sound much better with just the press of a button.
- The MIDI sequencer gives you the option of adding three note offsets for every step and do this for up to four notes.
Specifications
- 16 pads and inbuilt 128 patterns per project.
- Output—MIDI, Analog and headphone output.
- Input—MIDI and Analog inputs.
- USB 2.0 connectivity with support for Overbridge for smooth DAW integration.
- Digitakt is a digital and highly flexible sound engine, sampling capability, a live-friendly...
- Dedicated tracks for controlling external MIDI gear
- Hi res encoders and extremely durable back-lit buttons
KORG Volca Sample 2
The KORG Volca Sample 2 is the latest edition in the Volca Sample line. It builds on all the features of the original Sample. And now adds a USB port, twice the memory, a larger sound library, and other workflow improvements.
This drum machine gives you total control over synthesizing your beats like few other machines in the market.
Features
- The added USB connection in addition to the sync & MIDI ports makes adding this to your stuidio or rig seamless.
- Start delay function: Go “off the grid” with the new delay feature that lets you slightly delay the start of any part to achieve different kinds of grooves and swing.
- Pattern chain mode with 2 different STEP JUMP modes
Specifications
- 10 part, 16 step sequencer
- Input/Output – MIDI In, Micro USB, Sync-In, Sync-Out, Headphone
- USB connectivity for easy use with your DAW. Control your
- A new generation model of the much loved and best selling Volca, the KORG volca sample
- Retaining the same layout as the old model the new generation version has double the memory,...
- On its own the volca sample is an advanced sample machine capable of 8 voice polyphony, digital...
Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine
The Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine is a portable drum machine with an electribe-style sequencer included in the package. This combination makes for a very versatile instrument that allows you to create, edit and play your favorite beats even on the move.
The biggest standout is the authentic analog drum beats, which is pretty much the closest you can come to the real thing. Its versatile engine combined with the ribbon controller, MIDI input/output support and battery power backup make for a pretty cool package.
The Korg Volca series is an amazing value. We really think that if you’re on a budget, Beats would be one of the best drum machines you could buy.
Features
- The analog and PCK sound engines allow you to explore sounds that won’t work well on a conventional analog drum machine. Sounds like Clap or Agogo too are now within your reach on this instrument.
- The step sequencer lets you edit on the move, with one knob each for the six analog parts and the four PCM parts offering control over speed and pitch changes.
Eight memory patches in the step sequencer along with the Sync In and Out feature that allow you to work on multiple instruments along with the drum machine.
Specifications
- Ten drum parts with a 16-step sequencer.
- 16 touch sensors shaped like a keypad.
- Output—One Sync output and one headphone output.
- Input—One MIDI and one Synch input.
- Powered by an AC adapter along with six AA batteries for a portability option.
- Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
- Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the Volca series
- Stutter for glitch or delay-like effects
The Final Word on the Best Drum Machines for 2022
The modern drum machine is a complete package that gives you a whole range of different percussion instruments at your disposal. Want the exotic PCM sound engine to supplement the conventional drum engine? Or interested in creating, editing and performing drum beats on the move? Whatever your preference, one of these best drum machines reviewed above should do the trick for you.
