In my previous article I talked about the best drum computer for beginners, this time I’ll cover drum machines for intermediate to advanced producers.
When you’ve been producing music for a while, either with software or hardware, you might be looking for a drum machine that’s different than everything else. A machine that will give you fresh inspiration to come up with sounds you’d never would have come up with otherwise.
These advanced drum computers may take some more time to master, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you’ll come across the most incredible sounds by simply playing around, experimenting, and twisting knobs.
Just remember to record everything you do while you’re experimenting, as you definitely want to catch these ‘happy accidents’.
Alright, let’s get started with a list of drum computers, starting with my number one recommendation any intermediate to advanced producer should get.
1. Elektron Analog Rytm MK2
If there is one drum machine that will beat everything else it’s the Elektron Analog Rytm. A Swedish masterpiece that’s incredibly well built with an insane amount of options. It takes a while to master because of it’s many options, and it’s also not cheap.
But like all hardware, you get what you pay for. The analog rytm is built for both the studio and stage. It’s a hybrid that can create deep, pounding Techno drums, with 12 different drum sounds. All analog sounds can be layered with samples. Each drum track has a filter, envelope, LFO, and overdrive, all with individual outputs.
It has reverb, delay, compression, and distortion effects, and can even be used to sample external sounds. Every parameter can be recorded as automation or parameter locks. There’s truly no other drum machine that can replace this unit.
Elektron’s Overbridge software allows you to edit the machine as a plugin. You can even use this as a USB audio interface that works alongside your regular interface. The plugin makes it a breeze to program and new updates are coming out regularly, even for the older MK1 version.
Price: $1861
Pros
- The most feature-packed drum machine currently available.
- Analog and Digital hybrid perfect for creating unique sounds.
- Ideal for both live performance and studio work.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Difficult to master.
. 2. Vermona DRM1 – MKIV
There are more analog drum machines built today than digital ones. The Vermona DRM1 is one of those machines that can deliver deep bone-shaking kickdrums and weird quirky noises.
It’s a rack-mountable unit, with individual outputs and inserts. It doesn’t have a sequencer though, but you can connect one over USB or MIDI. Or sequence it from your DAW. There are no presets, no menu’s, just one knob per function. This makes it less suitable for live situations, but perfect for experimentin in the studio.
The sound is specific, and might or might not suit your needs. So you have to do some research whether this will be the right machine for you.
Price: $860
Pros
- Real analog one knob per function.
- 19” Rack mountable.
- Unique sound.
Cons
- No Sequencer.
- Not versatile.
3. Jomox Alpha Base
Jomox has a range of unique instruments and the Alpha Base is one of those incredible inventions. It’s a hybrid drum computer with analog Voices, VCA’s, and filters, along with 4 sample-based instruments.
Two of these sample-based instruments can be sampled with an external sample input or loaded onto an SD Card. It features one FM synth with 4 operators and there are two effects: a delay and reverb.
The interface is a bit more difficult as you need to remember a lot of button combinations to tweak the instruments, but there’s a lot of tweak ability once you get to know the basics.
Price: $1926
Pros
- Real analog with 4 digital sample tracks.
- Lots of tweaking options.
- Innovative product.
Cons
- Difficult to master.
- Not suited for live performance.
4. Erica Synths Perkons HD-01
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then the Perkons HD-01 is definitely for you. The Perkons go beyond traditional drum computers with 4 hybrid voices, combining a digital sound engine with analog filters and overdrive.
It’ll cover your drum machine needs, but also your synth and drone desires. Erica Synths is known for their Techno machines, and this is definitely a Techno monster!
For effects, it features a BBD Delay emulation and a compressor alongside a LFO with 8 destinations per voice. The sequencer can be divided and multiplied to create glitchy and stutter patterns and there’s even a ratcheting option along with shuffle & groove settings per track.
Price: $1965
Pros
- A Techno monster with unique sound shaping options.
- Easy to use, no menu diving.
- For the studio and stage
Cons
- 4 tracks instead of the typical 8 or 12 tracks.
- Great for certain genres but not very diverse.
5. Modor DR-2
The Modor DR-2 is a 6-track digital drum synthesizer. There are no samples on board, everything is generated with digital synth engines. Each track has 12 individual parameters.
The Modor is not a recreation of any classic drum computer. It’s something new entirely. The sounds are electronic and probably more suited for experimental industrial music than you’re average deep house record.
The sequencer has swing, flams, tuplets, breaks, and a reverse option, in addition to parameter locks similar to the Analog Rytm.
Price: $1808
Pros
- You’ll certainly create unheard sounds with this machine.
- Perfect for sound design.
Cons
- No sampler.
- Very specific sound.
Conclusion
Alright, I hope you found this list of drum machines for advanced producers helpful. Let me know if you have any questions down below in the comments, or if you think I missed out on something.
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