Drum Machines Have No Soul

An illustrated history of rhythm

The commercial
drum machine.

The instruments, ideas and images that changed how we make a beat.

Explore the machines through their original advertising, period reviews and source-led histories.

Explore all 274 machines ↗First visit? Start here →
A growing reference collectionFrom accompaniment to sampling
The LM-1 beneath large outlined REAL DRUMS lettering, with a three-column feature list and Linn Electronics address.View full scan ↗
Linn LM-1 advertisementDecember 1980 · Contemporary Keyboard / Linn ElectronicsSource & credit ↗
MPC60 posed on a stone table beside draped fabric and a balance scale, above two columns of advertising copy.View full scan ↗
Akai MPC60 in its April 1988 advertisement; photograph credited to Richard Mummery.April 1988 · Music Technology / AkaiSource & credit ↗
Drumulator surrounded by radiating drumsticks, with an introductory headline and feature text.View full scan ↗
E-mu Drumulator introductory advertisementFebruary 1983 · Keyboard / E-mu SystemsSource & credit ↗
274MachinesOriginal advertising & period sourcesHistory through original sources

01 / A way in

Three places
to begin.

Follow a machine from its first promise to its place in musical history.

Linn LM-1 Drum ComputerRecorded drums become a programmable instrumentAkai MPC60Sampling and sequencing, played from padsSimmons SDS5 (SDSV)Electronic percussion under the sticks

02 / Through the years

A changing idea of rhythm.

Browse the whole collection by period. Dates describe the documented era; each machine’s history explains what is known.

01Before 1978

The accompaniment years

Mechanical rhythms, organ companions and the first electronic rhythm boxes.

31 machines →021978–1983

Rhythm takes control

Programmable patterns, electronic percussion and the first digitally recorded drums.

59 machines →031984–1989

The digital drum boom

MIDI, digital drum voices and early sampling workstations reshape the studio.

67 machines →041990–1999

Workstations & grooveboxes

Sampling, sequencing and sound libraries become a complete way to make a track.

39 machines →052000 onwards

New performance instruments

Portable beatmaking, new synthesis and renewed interest in hands-on rhythm.

33 machines →

45 further machines from an undated period →

From the sales floor

How the future was sold.

Big promises. Bold graphics. A whole new way to make a beat. Flick through original advertisements from across the makers.

Browse the visual gallery →
Drumtraks and a reel-to-reel recorder arranged inside a drum-shell composition with white sales lettering on black.Sequential DrumtraksBlack-and-white BOSS advert combining DR-55 control diagrams, rhythm examples and numbered instructions.Boss DR-55MPC60 posed on a stone table beside draped fabric and a balance scale, above two columns of advertising copy.Akai MPC60Alesis advert with the SR-16 above two columns of copy and the headline Two ways to get a killer drum sound.Alesis SR-16A hand plays the SP-1200 pads beneath the Serious Repercussions headline; a front-view inset accompanies the sales text.E-mu SP-1200Simmons range advert pairing a hexagonal-pad kit with SDS7 and SDS9 module photographs.Simmons SDS7 and SDS9 range

03 / The collection

Find your machine.

Open a manufacturer to explore its machines, or search across the collection.

274 machines

Ace Tone5 machines
ACAce Tone Rhythm AceAnalogue accompaniment-machine familyAce ToneOrgan69 — Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1Transistorized preset rhythm machineAce ToneACAce Tone Rhythm Ace FR-6Preset rhythm machineAce ToneACAce Tone Rhythm KingAutomatic-rhythm archive labelAce ToneMoby’s Ace Tone Rhythm Maker 12 — front viewAce Tone Rhythm Maker 12Preset rhythm machineAce Tone
Acidlab2 machines
Acidlab Drumatix manual (English)Acidlab DrumatixAnalogue drum machineAcidlabAcidlab Miami manual (English)Acidlab MiamiAnalogue drum machineAcidlab
Akai11 machines
AKAkai MPC1000Sampling production centreAkaiAKAkai MPC2000Sampling production workstationAkaiAkai MPC2500 in AraabMuzik’s Reverb interviewAkai MPC2500Sampling drum workstationAkaiAkai MPC3000 Owner’s ManualAkai MPC3000Sampling drum workstationAkaiAkai MPC4000 reference manualAkai MPC4000Sampling production workstationAkaiAKAkai MPC500Sampling drum workstationAkaiSound On Sound — Akai MPC5000Akai MPC5000Sampling drum workstationAkaiMPC60 posed on a stone table beside draped fabric and a balance scale, above two columns of advertising copy.Akai MPC60Sampling drum machine and MIDI sequencerAkaiMusic Technology — Akai XE8 Drum BoxAkai XE8PCM drum expanderAkaiAkai XR10 review photographyAkai XR10PCM drum machineAkaiAkai XR20 Reference Manual v1.3Akai XR20 Beat Production StationSample-based programmable drum machineAkai
Alesis7 machines
Detail of the Alesis D4 front panel, as photographed for Music Technology.Alesis D4Triggerable drum sound moduleAlesisComplete front panel and rack ears of the Alesis DM Pro.Alesis DM ProExpandable digital drum moduleAlesisComplete Alesis DM5 rack front panel from the 2008 product sheet.Alesis DM5Triggerable drum sound moduleAlesisAlesis HR-16 with its complete wedge-shaped case, display and two rows of drum pads. Period magazine photograph.Alesis HR-16Drum machineAlesisBlack Alesis HR-16B photographed from above at an angle, with the HR16:B model marking visible.Alesis HR-16BDrum machineAlesisAlesis Performance Pad — original modelAlesis Performance PadProgrammable drum machine with percussion padsAlesisAlesis advert with the SR-16 above two columns of copy and the headline Two ways to get a killer drum sound.Alesis SR-16Drum machineAlesis
Allen & Heath1 machine
Electronics & Music Maker — AHB Inpulse One Drum ComputerAllen & Heath Brenell Inpulse OneSample-based programmable drum machineAllen & Heath
Amdek2 machines
AMAmdek PCK-100 Percussion Synthesizer KitDIY analogue percussion synthesizerAmdekRMK-100 product detail from Amdek’s circa-1982 kit catalogue.Amdek RMK-100 Rhythm Machine KitDIY programmable analogue drum machineAmdek
Aria1 machine
Aria Diamond SR-55 Super RhythmerAria Diamond / SR-55 Super RhythmerPortable preset drum machineAria
BME1 machine
BME RattleSnake Parametric Percussion SystemBME Rattlesnake Parametric Percussion SystemElectronic percussion systemBME
Bontempi1 machine
Bontempi HF-222.21, front viewBontempi HF-222Electronic organ with automatic rhythm sectionBontempi
BOSS13 machines
Electronics & Music Maker — BOSS DR-110 Dr. Rhythm Graphic reviewBOSS DR-110 Dr. Rhythm GraphicDrum machineBOSSBOSS DR-202 Dr. Groove service manualBOSS DR-202 Dr. GrooveDrum machine with bass sequencingBOSSRoland Digital DoctorsBOSS DR-220A Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSRoland Digital DoctorsBOSS DR-220E Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSBOSS DR-5 Dr. Rhythm Section owner’s manualBOSS DR-5 Dr. Rhythm SectionRhythm arrangerBOSSBOSS DR-55 front panel, photographed in its March 1982 advertisement.BOSS DR-55 Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSBOSS DR-550 photographed from above on a blue-green surface, showing its LCD, dial and pads.BOSS DR-550 Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSMonochrome close view of the DR-550 MkII display, rotary dial and performance pads; original archive watermark retained.BOSS DR-550 MkIIDrum machineBOSSMusic Technology — BOSS DR550 MkII & DR660 reviewBOSS DR-660 Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSBoss DR770BOSS DR-770 Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSBOBOSS DR-880 Dr. RhythmDrum machineBOSSBOSS JS-5 JamStation service notesBOSS JS-5 JamStationBacking-track workstationBOSSBOSS SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation owner’s manualBOSS SP-505 Groove Sampling WorkstationSampling groove workstationBOSS
Cactus1 machine
Cactus MkII kit, photograph in Electronics & Music Maker, September 1984, p.36. Inspect the complete review page for the Master Console and text.Cactus MkII Electronic Drum KitHybrid analogue/digital electronic drum kitCactus
Casio2 machines
Casio RAP-1 RapmanCasio RAP-1 RapmanPersonal rhythm keyboardCasioBeauty And The Beat; Casio Digital Sampling Rhythm Composer RZ-1; Casio RZ1; Sampling Perc!Casio RZ-1Sampling drum machineCasio
Chamberlin1 machine
CHChamberlin Model 100 RhythmateTape-loop preset rhythm machineChamberlin
Cheetah4 machines
Cheetah MD16 Sound CartridgesCheetah MD16Drum machineCheetahCheetah MD16R Owner’s ManualCheetah MD16RRack-mount drum machineCheetahCheetah MD16R & MD16RPCheetah MD16RPDrum machineCheetahTry beating our SpecDrum!Cheetah SpecDrumComputer-dependent digital drum systemCheetah
Conn1 machine
Conn Min-O-Matic Rhythm Model 001, MESS collectionConn Min-O-Matic Rhythm Model 001Preset analogue rhythm machineConn
CRB1 machine
CRB Rhythm Boy 480CRB Rhythm Boy 480Preset analogue rhythm machine with fixed patterns, tempo and volume controlsCRB
Denon1 machine
Columbia / Denon CRB-90 Analog Rhythm BoxDenon CRB-90 Rhythm BoxAnalogue preset rhythm boxDenon
Dr. Böhm2 machines
Dr. Böhm Böhmat Solist 78, Beatboxer specimenDr. Böhm Böhmat 78 / Solist 78Rhythm and automatic-accompaniment systemDr. BöhmDr. Böhm Böhmat S, Beatboxer specimenDr. Böhm Böhmat SSelf-build rhythm and accompaniment systemDr. Böhm
Drumfire1 machine
Drumfire DF-500 front panel showing five control strips and channel inputs and outputs.Drumfire DF-500Five-channel analogue drum-synth and trigger systemDrumfire
Dubreq1 machine
Stylophone Beatbox MC Zani — portable electronic beats machineDubreq Stylophone BeatboxHandheld loop and beat instrumentDubreq
Dynacord2 machines
Dynacord ADD-one in Music Technology, November 1986Dynacord ADD-oneAdvanced digital drum systemDynacordDynacord Percuter kit in One Two Testing, October 1984Dynacord PercuterCartridge-based digital drum systemDynacord
E-mu5 machines
Drumulator surrounded by radiating drumsticks, with an introductory headline and feature text.E-mu DrumulatorDrum machineE-muE-MU XL-7 & MP-7 Data SheetE-mu MP-7 Command StationSampling workstation and sequencerE-muE-MU PX-7 Operation Manual, Rev. AE-mu PX-7 Command StationROM-based drum synthesizer and sequencerE-muWay Down Yonder...E-mu SP-12Sampling drum machineE-muA hand plays the SP-1200 pads beneath the Serious Repercussions headline; a front-view inset accompanies the sales text.E-mu SP-1200Sampling drum machineE-mu
Eko5 machines
Samples From Mars — Eko ComputerhythmEko ComputeRhythmAnalogue programmable drum machineEkoEKEKO Music Box 12Preset rhythm machine; UK 4002X Music Box 12 documented; Dream Box 12 relationship not yet factory-verifiedEkoEKO Rhythm Box schematicEko Rhythm BoxItalian preset analogue rhythm machineEkoEko Ritmo 12 front panelEko Ritmo 12Preset rhythm machineEkoGay Cat Park early instruments: Eko Ritmo 20, Jen SX 1000 and Eko Panda 61Eko Ritmo 20Preset analogue drum machineEko
Electro-Harmonix3 machines
Electro-Harmonix DRM16 with its rhythm chart, selectors, volume and tempo knobs.Electro-Harmonix DRM-16 Digital Rhythm MatrixPreset analogue rhythm machineElectro-HarmonixBérurier Noir’s “Dédé” DRM15 in the BnF press dossierElectro-Harmonix DRM15 Digital Rhythm MatrixDrum machineElectro-HarmonixFront panel of an Electro-Harmonix DRM32 model 03, photographed by SMEM.Electro-Harmonix DRM32 Digital Rhythm MatrixDrum machineElectro-Harmonix
Elektron4 machines
Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII owner’s manualElektron Machinedrum SPS-1Digital drum synthesizer and sequencerElektronElektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKIIElektron Machinedrum SPS-1 MKIIDigital drum synthesizer and sequencerElektronElektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII owner’s manualElektron Machinedrum SPS-1UWDigital drum synthesizer and samplerElektronElektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII owner’s manualElektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKIIDigital drum synthesizer and samplerElektron
Elektronika-Ritm1 machine
Elektronika RITM surviving unitElektronika-RitmPreset rhythm machineElektronika-Ritm
Elgam2 machines
Elgam Carousel — front collection viewElgam CarouselPreset rhythm and automatic accompaniment instrumentElgamBeatboxer — Elgam Match 15CElgam Match 15CPreset rhythm machineElgam
ELI1 machine
ELELI CompuRhythm CR-7030 Beat BoxPreset electronic rhythm machineELI
Elka3 machines
Naked Elka Beauty — exposed chassis in Colleen’s studioElka Drummer OnePreset drum machineElkaELElka Drumstar 80Digital programmable rhythm unitElkaElka Sidekick 32, photographed in its December 1981 advertisement.Elka Sidekick 32Preset rhythm machineElka
Eminent-Solina1 machine
SMEM — Eminent Solina Rithmix Serie 12Eminent-Solina RithmixEminent-Solina preset rhythm familyEminent-Solina
Ensoniq1 machine
Ensoniq ASR-X User’s GuideEnsoniq ASR-XSampling workstationEnsoniq
Estradin1 machine
ESEstradin PulsarPreset rhythm machineEstradin
Farfisa2 machines
Farfisa Rhythm 10 with cabled pedalFarfisa Rhythm 10Preset rhythm machineFarfisaFAFarfisa Rhythm Maker 16Portable analogue preset rhythm machineFarfisa
Forat1 machine
Forat F-9000 User ManualForat F-9000Sampling production workstationForat
GEM1 machine
Reverb — GEM Drum 15GEM Drum 15Preset analogue rhythm machineGEM
Godwin1 machine
GOGodwin Drummaker 32PPreset rhythm and accompaniment unitGodwin
Hammond3 machines
HAHammond Auto-Vari 64Preset rhythm machineHammondElectronics & Music Maker — Hammond DPM-48Hammond DPM-48Sample-based programmable drum machineHammondHAHammond Rhythm IIOrgan-integrated automatic rhythm machineHammond
Hohner2 machines
HOHohner Automatic Rhythm PlayerPreset analogue rhythm machineHohnerOrgan69 — Hohner Rhythm 80Hohner Rhythm 80 / Rhythm 80KPreset analogue rhythm machineHohner
Instrument-family records1 record
Electronics & Music Maker — Hammond DPM-48DPM-48Programmable drum-machine familyInstrument-family records
JoMoX2 machines
JoMoX XBASE 888 owner’s manualJoMoX XBASE 888Hybrid analogue and sample-based programmable drum machineJoMoXXBase09 archive product imagesJoMoX XBase09Hybrid analogue/digital drum machineJoMoX
Kawai5 machines
Kawai ACR-20 User ManualKawai ACR-20 Digital Accompaniment CenterAutomatic accompaniment arranger and MIDI sequencerKawaiKawai R-100 front panel, display, function matrix and eight playing pads in a monochrome magazine photograph, with the printed fold visible.Kawai R-100Drum machineKawaiSound On Sound — Kawai R50 Drum Machine reviewKawai R-50Drum machineKawaiThe Shape of Things to ComeKawai R-50eProgrammable sampled drum machineKawaiKawai XD-5 in Music Technology, May 1991Kawai XD-5Digital percussion synthesizerKawai
Kay2 machines
Kay Memory Rhythm Machine prototype exteriorKay DRM-1 Memory Rhythm MachineProgrammable analogue drum machineKayKay R-8 Rhythmer from Moby’s collection: wooden case, two knobs, selector keys and red Start/Stop key.Kay R-8 RhythmerPreset drum machineKay
Kent1 machine
Kent K-200 Rhythm MasterKent K-200 Rhythm MasterPreset electronic rhythm machineKent
Keynote1 machine
Keynote Auto-Rhythm Mark XX (MR-101), front viewKeynote Auto-Rhythm Mark XX (MR-101)Preset rhythm machineKeynote
Keytek1 machine
Keytek MDP-40 owner’s manualKeytek MDP-40Preset MIDI drum machineKeytek
King-Beat1 machine
King-Beat product image and $69.95 price from Lafayette’s 1977 catalogue.King-Beat 7-Pattern Automatic RhythmmerPreset rhythm machineKing-Beat
Korg / Keio28 machines
Korg Mini Pops 7 owner’s manualKeio / Korg Mini Pops 7 (MP-7)Preset rhythm machineKorg / KeioSequencer.de — Keio CheckmateKeio CheckmatePreset electronic rhythm machineKorg / KeioKORG Donca Matic DA-20 (1963)Keio DA20 DoncaMaticDisc-based preset rhythm machineKorg / KeioKOKeio Mini Pops MP-5Early solid-state preset rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg / Univox Mini-Pops SR-120 PortableKorg / Univox SR-120 — Mini Pops 120 familyPreset analogue rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg DDD-1 period photograph with ROM-card insetKorg DDD-1Expandable drum machineKorg / KeioKorg DDD5; Korg DDD1; KORG DDD-1 Drum MachineKorg DDD-5Drum machineKorg / KeioKorg DDM-110 Super Drums in foreground, with DDM-220 Super Percussion behindKorg DDM-110 Super DrumsPCM drum machineKorg / KeioKorg Super Percussion DDM-220 in period pressKorg DDM-220 Super PercussionPCM percussion drum machineKorg / KeioKorg DRM-1 Digital Rhythm Module owner’s manualKorg DRM-1 Digital Rhythm ModuleRack rhythm instrument with internal sequencerKorg / KeioKorg Electribe MX (EMX-1) owner’s manualKorg Electribe MX (EMX-1)Electribe music-production stationKorg / KeioFoodman holding his original ESX-1Korg Electribe SX (ESX-1)Sampling drum-production workstationKorg / KeioOriginal red Korg Electribe R ER-1, photographed in its factory brochure.Korg ER-1 (Electribe R)Digital modelling rhythm synthesizerKorg / KeioKorg ES-1 mkII Owner’s ManualKorg ES-1 mkIISampling rhythm workstationKorg / KeioKorg KPR-77. One Two Testing, via mu:zines.Korg KPR-77Drum machineKorg / KeioKorg KR mini owner’s manualKorg KR miniProgrammable portable rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg KR-33 owner manualKorg KR-33 Rhythm33Preset drum machineKorg / KeioKorg Rhythm KR-55B — ESTECHO instrument accountKorg KR-55B Rhythm 55BPreset drum machineKorg / KeioKOKorg Mini PopsKorg/Keio preset-rhythm familyKorg / KeioKorg Mini Pops 120P / 120W owner’s manualKorg Mini Pops 120PPreset analogue rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg Mini Pops 35 / 45 owner’s manualKorg Mini Pops 35Preset analogue rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg Mini Pops 35 / 45 owner’s manualKorg Mini Pops 45Preset analogue rhythm machineKorg / KeioKorg General Catalog — Mini Pops JuniorKorg Mini Pops JuniorPreset analogue rhythm machineKorg / KeioNew ProductsKorg PSS-50 Programmable Super SectionRhythm-focused accompaniment arrangerKorg / KeioKorg Rhythm 55B with its model name and rhythm rows visible.Korg Rhyth-55Korg preset rhythm-machine familyKorg / KeioKorg S3 in Sound On Sound, January 1991Korg S3 Rhythm WorkstationDigital rhythm workstationKorg / KeioKorg New Products 2014 — volca sampleKorg volca sample (original generation)Portable sample-playing rhythm workstationKorg / KeioKorg volca sample2: product and artist collaborationsKorg volca sample (second generation / sample2)Portable sample-playing rhythm workstationKorg / Keio
LEL1 machine
LELEL DR-8Digital rhythm machineLEL
Linn4 machines
Linn 9000 advert pairing a control-panel detail with an angled machine photograph and magenta text panel.Linn 9000Sampling drum machine and MIDI sequencerLinnThe LM-1 beneath large outlined REAL DRUMS lettering, with a three-column feature list and Linn Electronics address.Linn LM-1 Drum ComputerDrum machineLinnLILinn percussion — unidentified bankLinn family archive recordLinnLinnDrum original advertisement hosted by Roger LinnLinnDrumDrum machineLinn
Luxor1 machine
LULuxor PassatRhythm-machine archive labelLuxor
M&A2 machines
M&A K-1/B kit photograph in Electronics & Music Maker, May 1983, p.82. The page distinguishes the K-1 and K-1B bass-pad configurations.M&A K-1 / K-1BAnalogue electronic drum-kit pairM&AM&A K2.7D kit photograph in Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, August/September 1984, p.21. Inspect the complete review page for its controls and working account.M&A K2.7DSeven-pad analogue electronic drum kitM&A
Maestro3 machines
Organ69 — Maestro Rhythm Jester RJ-1Maestro Rhythm Jester RJ-1Preset analogue rhythm machineMaestroMAMaestro Rhythm King familyMaestro preset rhythm-machine familyMaestroMaestro Rhythm MRQ-1Maestro Rhythm Queen MRQ-1Preset rhythm machineMaestro
Mattel1 machine
Machines up to £200Mattel Synsonics DrumsElectronic drum instrument with pattern memoryMattel
MFB6 machines
Syco Digital Drum MachineMFB 512 / Syco Digital Drum MachineDrum machineMFBMFB 712, front three-quarter viewMFB 712MIDI drum-sound expanderMFBMFB-301/II in Manfred Fricke’s MFB history interviewMFB-301 / IIAnalogue preset rhythm machineMFBMFB-501 in Bonedo’s Vintage Drum Machine specialMFB-501Analogue preset rhythm machineMFBMFB-502 factory owner manualMFB-502Analogue drum machineMFBMFB-522, complete front panel in Sound On Sound’s February 2013 review.MFB-522 DrumcomputerAnalogue drum machineMFB
Movement1 machine
Movement advert with two views of its monitor-and-keyboard Percussion Computer and a printed price.Movement MCS Percussion Computer / MCS IIBritish programmable drum machineMovement
MPC Electronics1 machine
MPC Electronics founders and productMPC Electronics Music Percussion ComputerProgrammable drum machineMPC Electronics
Musser1 machine
Rhythm! Scene — Musser’s Rhythm MachineClair Omar Musser Maestro Marimba MetronCustom electronic and electromechanical accompaniment instrumentMusser
MXR1 machine
Atlantex MXR Drum Computer advertisementMXR 185 Drum ComputerDrum computerMXR
Nomad1 machine
NONomad Rhythm Maker 16Preset analogue rhythm machineNomad
Oberheim2 machines
Oberheim DMX: the sampled drum voices and pattern controls.Oberheim DMXDrum machineOberheimNAMM ReportOberheim DXDrum machineOberheim
Olson1 machine
OLOlson X-100 Deluxe Rhythm-BeatPreset rhythm machineOlson
Orla1 machine
CroWave — Orla Ruby organ with rhythm sectionOrla RubyIntegrated organ accompaniment sectionOrla
Panasonic1 machine
Panasonic RD-9844 control-panel detailPanasonic RD-9844Preset analogue rhythm machinePanasonic
Pearl2 machines
Pearl Drum-X programmable electronic drum systemPearl Drum-XProgrammable electronic drum systemPearlPearl Syncussion-1: SY-1 control board and connectionsPearl Syncussion-1 / SY-1Dual-channel electronic percussion systemPearl
Pollard1 machine
Sound International — SyndrumsPollard Syndrum 477 / 478Multi-pad analogue percussion synthesizer systemPollard
Premier1 machine
Premier Powerpak, “The Time Has Come”Premier PowerpakAnalogue electronic drum systemPremier
Q Electronics1 machine
Quintron at work on an inventionQ Electronics / Quintron Drum BuddyOptically controlled rhythm instrumentQ Electronics
Quasimidi1 machine
Maison Blanche using the Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309Drum machine and performance grooveboxQuasimidi
Roland26 machines
Roland CR-1000 [Donato]Roland CR-1000Drum machineRolandThe complete Big Beat Collection Roland CR-68 in its wooden cabinet, with coloured rhythm buttons and variation controls.Roland CR-68Preset rhythm machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland CR-78, complete isolated viewRoland CR-78Drum machineRolandRoland CR-80 Human Rhythm Player product photographRoland CR-80 Human Rhythm PlayerDrum machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland CR-8000, complete isolated viewRoland CR-8000Drum machineRolandRoland Alpha Drum system in the 1985 Digital Drum System catalogueRoland DDR-30 / Alpha DrumPCM digital drum systemRolandRoland MC-303 Groovebox, photographed from above in Roland’s factory brochure.Roland MC-303 GrooveboxPattern-based dance workstation with sampled percussion and synthesisRolandRoland MC-505 in Sound On Sound review contextRoland MC-505 GrooveboxPattern-based dance workstation with sampled percussion and synthesisRolandMusic Maker Equipment SceneRoland PB-300 Rhythm PlusPreset analogue rhythm and MIDI piano-accompaniment unitRolandRoland R5Roland R-5 Human Rhythm ComposerDrum machineRolandRoland R70Roland R-70PCM drum machineRolandRoland R8M; Roland R8 Rhythm Composer; Roland R8Roland R-8 Human Rhythm ComposerDrum machineRolandRoland R8 Rhythm Composer; Roland R-8 MKII; Roland R8Roland R-8 Mk II Human Rhythm ComposerDrum machineRolandRoland R8M; Roland R8 Rhythm Composer; Roland R8Roland R-8MPCM rhythm moduleRolandRoland SP-606 brochureRoland SP-606Sampling groove workstationRolandRoland · Rhythm Arranger cover · owner’s manual, PDF page 1Roland TR-33Preset analogue rhythm accompaniment instrumentRolandRoland TR505Roland TR-505Drum machineRolandRoland · Rhythm 55 cover · owner’s manual, PDF page 1Roland TR-55Portable preset analogue rhythm instrumentRolandBig Beat Collection Roland TR-606, complete isolated viewRoland TR-606Drum machineRolandRoland TR-626 front-panel product photographRoland TR-626Drum machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland TR-66, complete isolated viewRoland TR-66 Rhythm ArrangerPreset analogue rhythm machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland TR-707, complete isolated viewRoland TR-707Drum machineRolandRoland TR-727 in the original manufacturer photograph, background removedRoland TR-727Drum machineRolandRoland TR-77 isolated from its March 1977 Roland Rhythm catalogue photographRoland TR-77Drum machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland TR-808, complete isolated viewRoland TR-808Drum machineRolandBig Beat Collection Roland TR-909, complete isolated viewRoland TR-909Drum machineRoland
RSF1 machine
Electronics & Music Maker — French Lessons: RSF DD30 Drum MachineRSF DD-30Programmable sampled drum machineRSF
Sakata1 machine
DPM-48 Owner's Manual — programming, voices and storageSakata DPM 48Sample-based drum machine and real-time/step sequencerSakata
Seabro1 machine
Seabro Gig Machine in International Musician review contextSeabro Gig MachineAnalogue electronic drum kitSeabro
Seeburg / Kinsman2 machines
Seeburg Rhythm Prince, open-panel viewKinsman / Seeburg Rhythm PrinceElectromechanical preset-rhythm accessorySeeburg / KinsmanSeeburg Select-A-Rhythm SAR1 surviving unitSeeburg SAR1 Portable Select-A-RhythmPreset electronic drum machineSeeburg / Kinsman
Sequential3 machines
Sequential Circuits Drumtraks. Electronics & Music Maker, via mu:zines.Sequential Circuits DrumtraksDrum machineSequentialMusic Technology — Sequential Studio 440Sequential Studio 440Sampling drum workstationSequentialSequential TOM front panel photographed in the July 1985 review.Sequential TOMDrum machineSequential
Siel1 machine
Siel MDP-40 drum machine user manualSiel MDP-40Preset MIDI drum machineSiel
Simmons14 machines
Simmons MTX9 — Music Technology reviewSimmons MTX9Three-channel sampled percussion expanderSimmonsSimmons SDS1 Drum Pad — Electronics & Music Maker reviewSimmons SDS1Self-contained sampled electronic drum padSimmonsSimmons SDS1000 rack module — July 1986 front panelSimmons SDS1000Electronic drum kitSimmonsTwo-channel SDS200 controller, detail from the period photograph.Simmons SDS200Electronic tom systemSimmonsSimmons Drum Synth archive — SDS 2000 systemSimmons SDS2000Five-piece digital electronic drum systemSimmonsCompany Report - SimmonsSimmons SDS3Electronic drum voice unitSimmonsSISimmons SDS4Electronic drum voice unitSimmonsFour-tom SDS400 controller, detail from the period photograph.Simmons SDS400Electronic tom systemSimmonsSimmons SDSV: the analogue voice rack behind the pads.Simmons SDS5 (SDSV)Electronic drum kitSimmonsElectronics & Music Maker — Simmons SDS6 sequencerSimmons SDS6Eight-channel programmable percussion sequencerSimmonsSimmons SDS7; The New Simmons Kits; Simmons SoundsSimmons SDS7Electronic drum kitSimmonsSimmons SDS8 electronic kit and brainSimmons SDS8Electronic drum kitSimmonsSimmons SDS800 at top, SDS200 and SDS400 below — September 1985Simmons SDS800Electronic drum kitSimmonsSimmons electronic kit and cymbals on stands with a separate control unit in the foreground.Simmons SDS9Electronic drum kitSimmons
Solton1 machine
SOSolton Disco 64Preset rhythm and automatic accompaniment systemSolton
Sonic Potions1 machine
Factory drawing of the original Sonic Potions LXR front panel, excerpted from its manual.Sonic Potions LXR (original DIY model)DIY digital drum synthesizerSonic Potions
Sonor1 machine
Sonor Mini Mammut and Mammut cartridgesSonor Mini MammutCartridge-based digital drum moduleSonor
Sony1 machine
SOSony DRP-1 Drum PadHandheld preset rhythm machineSony
Sound1 machine
Reverb — SOUND Auto DrummerSound Auto-DrummerPreset digital rhythm machineSound
Sound Master3 machines
SOSound Master Memory Rhythm SR-88Drum machineSound MasterSound Master Rhythm 1 (SM-8) — boxed pedal and operating manualSound Master SM-8 Rhythm 1Preset rhythm pedalSound MasterStix Programma ST-305 Operating ManualSound Master Stix Programma ST-305Programmable analogue drum machineSound Master
Sound-bank records2 records
Hammond Orgel Club Holland — Hammond Rhythm IIHammond RhythmHammond sound-bank recordSound-bank recordsRoland Digital DoctorsTR-8S bank DR220DR-220 sound-bank recordSound-bank records
Star Instruments1 machine
UltravoxStar Instruments Synare 3Pad-played analogue percussion synthesizerStar Instruments
Suzuki1 machine
Suzuki RPM-40 front three-quarter photographSuzuki RPM-40Preset MIDI drum machineSuzuki
Technics1 machine
Electronics & Music Maker — Technics DP50 reviewTechnics SY-DP50 PCM Digital Drum PercussionPreset and programmable PCM drum machineTechnics
Teenage Engineering1 machine
teenage engineering PO-12 rhythm press sheetTeenage Engineering PO-12 rhythmDigital drum machine and step sequencerTeenage Engineering
Tensai1 machine
Tensai Rhythm Machine CR-390Tensai CR-390 Rhythm MachineRadio-cassette recorder with integrated rhythm machineTensai
Unidentified maker2 records
4 In The Floor Percussion Combo with its Model 633 carton. Matrixsynth survivor photograph, 2023.4 In The Floor Percussion ComboFour-pedal electronic percussion systemUnidentified makerBeatboxer — SRB-600SRB-600 Rhythm/Echo unitPreset rhythm and accompaniment unitUnidentified maker
Univox3 machines
Reverb — Univox MR-12 Micro RhythmerUnivox MR-12 Micro Rhythmer 12Compact preset rhythm machineUnivoxUnivox SR-55 with its original box and cover. Uhlik Music surviving-unit photograph.Univox SR-55 Super RhythmerPreset rhythm machineUnivoxUnivox SR-95 photographed for Moby’s official collection sale; not a recording setup.Univox SR-95Preset rhythm machineUnivox
Vermona3 machines
VEVermona DRM Digital Rhythm MachineProgrammable analogue rhythm machineVermonaVEVermona DrumVermona rhythm-machine familyVermonaVEVermona ER 9Preset analogue rhythm machineVermona
Viscount1 machine
Viscount R64 code 803080 — rhythm-memory and control diagramViscount R64Preset PCM rhythm machineViscount
Vox2 machines
VOVox DrumboxVox rhythm-machine identification dossierVoxVox V829 Percussion King case and percussion controls, excerpted from the 1968 catalogue. Full catalogue available for inspection.Vox V829 Percussion KingManually played analogue percussion instrumentVox
Watford Electronics1 machine
Watford Electronics Rhythm Generator special offer, February 1978Watford Electronics Rhythm Generator kitCommercial construction-kit rhythm generatorWatford Electronics
Welson1 machine
WEWelson Supermatic S12Preset analogue rhythm machineWelson
Wersi2 machines
Wersi Wersimatic CX-1 technical dataWersi Wersimatic CX1Programmable analogue rhythm and auto-accompaniment unitWersiWersi organ catalogue 1981–82Wersi Wersimatic WM 24Preset rhythm machineWersi
Wurlitzer2 machines
Wurlitzer Side Man owned by MobyWurlitzer Side ManElectro-mechanical preset rhythm machineWurlitzerWUWurlitzer Swingin’ Rhythm 5020Preset rhythm attachment with manual percussion controlsWurlitzer
Yamaha15 machines
Yamaha EM-90 surviving instrument, with six mixer channels and the Auto Rhythm controls at the right. Photograph recorded by Matrixsynth in 2019, not a recording session.Yamaha EM-90 — integrated rhythm sectionEnsemble mixer/amplifier with preset rhythm sectionYamahaMarch 1983 photograph of the MR10 finger pads, rhythm controls and optional kick pedal; the original photograph crops the left edge of the machine.Yamaha MR10Preset drum machine with manual finger padsYamahaElectronics & Music Maker — Yamaha RX Digital Rhythm MachinesYamaha RXYamaha RX rhythm-machine familyYamahaYamaha RX15 (upper left) and RX11 (lower right). Electronics & Music Maker, via mu:zines.Yamaha RX11Drum machineYamahaYamaha RX120 owner’s manualYamaha RX120Preset rhythm arrangerYamahaYamaha RX15 (upper left) and RX11 (lower right). Electronics & Music Maker, via mu:zines.Yamaha RX15Drum machineYamahaYamaha RX17 owner’s manualYamaha RX17Digital rhythm programmerYamahaCompromising PositionYamaha RX21Drum machineYamahaYamaha RX21L Latin percussion rhythm programmer in the period review photograph.Yamaha RX21LPercussion drum machineYamahaWest Coast StoryYamaha RX5Digital rhythm programmerYamahaPooley’s Yamaha RX7Yamaha RX7Drum machineYamahaRY10 review photographYamaha RY10Drum and bass rhythm programmerYamahaYamaha RY20 in LWSAMY’s equipment memoirYamaha RY20Drum machineYamahaYamaha RY30Yamaha RY30Drum machineYamahaYamaha RY8 owner’s manualYamaha RY8Rhythm programmer / accompaniment drum machineYamaha
Zoom4 machines
Zoom MRT-3 Micro RhythmTrak official product photographZoom MRT-3 Micro RhythmTrakCompact drum and percussion sequencerZoomZoom RhythmTrak 234 owner’s manualZoom RhythmTrak 234 (RT-234)Drum-and-bass rhythm workstationZoomZoom RhythmTrak RT-123 owner’s manualZoom RhythmTrak RT-123Sample-based drum and bass sequencerZoomZoom StreetBoxx SB-246 supplementZoom StreetBoxx SB-246Portable rhythm workstationZoom

About the collection

Explore the history of electronic rhythm through original advertising, contemporary reviews and documented accounts from musicians and designers. Sources and image credits accompany each machine.