Sequential Circuits Drumtraks is a fully programmable digital drum machine featuring 13 digitally recorded real drum and cymbal sounds with individual volume and tuning for each sound.
It offers extensive editing including auto-correct with eight resolution levels, overdub, erase, copy, programmable swing and programmable tempo adjust. Patterns can be chained into songs, and both patterns and songs can be edited, copied and appended.
A programmable mixer provides a monophonic output that can also drive stereo headphones, while six independent audio channels plus a metronome are available on the rear panel for connection to external mixers or processors via standard 6.35 mm phone jacks. Memory is retained by a backup battery for up to ten years, and a built-in cassette interface allows permanent storage and reprogramming to common audio cassette.
Integration is central to the Sequential Circuits Drumtraks. It includes two built-in synchronisation systems: selectable 24, 48 or 96 pulses-per-quarter-note clock input, and a 24-pulse clock output for older sequencers or rhythm units and sync-to-tape. It also includes the then-new MIDI interface, letting the Sequential Circuits Drumtraks synchronise to computer-controlled sequencers and play from any MIDI-equipped instrument with velocity-sensitive control, such as the Prophet-T8.
The instrument records patterns in real time with punch-in and punch-out overdubbing, lets you correct timing to one of eight resolution levels, and supports real-time volume, tuning and accent changes. With a tempo range of 40 to 250 beats per minute and capacity for up to 100 patterns and 100 songs, it was designed for building complete arrangements with step-based control of pattern order, inserts and tempo changes.
The inclusion of MIDI alongside multi-standard clock sync made the Sequential Circuits Drumtraks a practical bridge between emerging computer-based sequencing and established sync-to-tape workflows, helping normalise MIDI-based drum machine integration in mid-1980s studios.
Velocity-sensitive control from MIDI keyboards such as the Prophet-T8 encouraged more expressive drum programming at a time when many drum machines lacked nuanced dynamics, influencing production approaches that favoured performance-driven patterns over rigid step entry.
Six discrete audio outputs on the Sequential Circuits Drumtraks plus a metronome output promoted multitrack processing of individual drum voices, supporting the era’s mixing practices of treating drum machine parts like miked kit elements with dedicated EQ, compression and effects, which can be heard across many mid-1980s pop and electronic productions.
The Sequential Circuits Drumtraks offered affordable digital samples of real drums and cymbals, combined with per-voice tuning and volume, expanded palette and arrangement possibilities beyond preset boxes, contributing to the wider adoption of programmable digital drum machines in project and professional studios during the period.
Features
- 13 digitally recorded real drum and cymbal sounds with individual volume and tuning
- Real-time recording with punch-in and punch-out overdubbing
- Auto-correct with eight resolution levels for timing correction
- Programmable swing and programmable tempo adjust
- Up to 100 patterns and up to 100 songs with step-based chaining, inserts and tempo changes
- Programmable mixer with mono output that can drive stereo headphones
- Six independent audio channels on rear panel plus metronome output
- Memory retention via backup battery with approximately ten-year life
- Built-in cassette interface for permanent storage and reprogramming
- Selectable external clock input at 24, 48 or 96 pulses per quarter note
- 24-pulse clock output for older sequencers, rhythm units and sync-to-tape
- MIDI interface for synchronisation and velocity-sensitive performance from MIDI keyboards