Drum Machines

Drum machines reshaped music production by introducing programmable rhythm patterns and electronically generated percussion sounds. From early analogue rhythm boxes to iconic digital sampling machines of the 1980s, these systems became central to pop, electronic, hip hop and studio production workflows. This archive includes vintage drum machines alongside modern production units and recreations of classic designs. From analogue step sequenced systems to sample-based rhythm workstations, drum machines defined the rhythmic foundation of countless recordings.

Made In Japan

Released in 1978 /

Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm Drum Machine

The Roland CR-78 CompuRhythm was the first drum machine with a microprocessor, offering programmable storage alongside 34 versatile presets. Its analogue tones defined early electronic pop and rock, with Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight immortalising its sound as one of the most atmospheric uses of a drum machine in popular music.

Made In Japan

Released in 1979 /

Korg KR-55 Rhythm 55 Drum Machine

The Korg KR-55 was a 1979 rhythm machine that combined preset versatility with analogue synthesis, offering 48 rhythms, 12 instrument voices, and a six-channel mixer. Compact and expressive, it was a key step between simple beat boxes and programmable drum machines.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1980 /

Linn LM-1 Drum Computer

Released in 1980, the Linn LM-1 was the first digital sampled drum machine, offering realistic drum sounds, programmability and studio-grade mixing. Its use by Prince, Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and others defined the sound of the 1980s, reshaping how rhythm was created in popular music.

Made In Japan

Released in 1980 /

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

The Roland 1980 TR-808 is an analogue rhythm composer with extensive step memory, per-voice controls and comprehensive sync and trigger I/O. Its unmistakable bass drum, claps and hats shaped electro, hip hop, house and pop, and the term “808s” became a universal production reference.

Explore the full Roland TR Series Series

Made In U.K.

Released in 1981 /

Movement Systems Drum Computer

The Movement Systems Drum Computer was a pioneering hybrid drum machine from early 1980s Britain, combining analogue synthesis and 8-bit sampling with a graphic sequencing interface. Only a few dozen units were built. It was adopted by select artists (notably Eurythmics and Thompson Twins) on some tracks and albums, but ultimately was overtaken by simpler, more reliable alternatives.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1981 /

Oberheim DMX Digital Drum Machine

Released in 1981, the Oberheim DMX was a digital sample-based drum machine with interchangeable sounds, real-time and step-time programming, and a built-in mixer. Used on hits by New Order, Madonna and Run-D.M.C., it shaped early 1980s pop, R&B and hip hop, laying the foundations for sample-driven production.

Made In Japan

Released in 1981 /

Roland TR-606 Drumatix Drum Machine

The Roland TR-606 Drumatix offered 7 analogue drum voices, 32 pattern memory, 8 songs and DIN sync connectivity. Initially overlooked, it later became a cult machine, shaping post-punk, industrial, acid house, techno and IDM music genres.

Explore the full Roland TR Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1982 /

Linn LinnDrum Drum Computer

Released in 1982, the LinnDrum expanded on the LM-1 with 15 sampled drum sounds, user-changeable chips, song sequencing and pro-level mixing. It became the defining drum machine of the 1980s, powering hits by Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince, and cementing sampled drums as the sound of modern pop.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1983 /

E-mu Drumulator Drum Machine

The E-mu Drumulator democratized digital drum programming in 1983 by combining affordable price, sampled drum realism, per-note dynamics, expandable sounds and optional pad and computer editing, shaping the sound of many mid-1980s productions.

Made In Japan

Released in 1983 /

Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer

The Roland TR-909 combined analogue and digital technology, introduced MIDI, and offered hands-on programmability. Its iconic kick, snare and hats powered house, techno and rave, and its influence still resonates across modern dance music.

Explore the full Roland TR Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1984 /

Linn 9000 Digital Drum Machine

Released in 1984, the Linn 9000 fused sampled drums, velocity-sensitive pads and a 32-track MIDI sequencer, creating a hands-on production workstation that set the template for pad-based groove machines and shaped late-1980s studio workflows.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1984 /

Sequential Circuits Drumtraks Drum Machine

Sequential Circuits Drumtraks is a 13-voice digital drum machine with individual tuning and volume per sound, comprehensive real-time editing, six separate outputs, cassette backup, multi-standard clock sync and MIDI for velocity-sensitive performance and tight integration with contemporary sequencers and keyboards.