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 U.S.A.

Released in 1985 /

E-mu SP-12 Sampling Percussion

Released in 1985, the E-mu SP-12 was a 12-bit sampling drum machine that fused programmable sequencing with user sampling. Its gritty, punchy sound and sampling ability reshaped hip hop and electronic music, making it one of the most influential production tools of its era.

Made In Japan

Released in 1985 /

Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer

The Roland TR-707 was a digital PCM drum machine with 15 sounds, hands-on mixing sliders, pattern memory and full MIDI. Its crisp, characterful samples shaped 1980s pop, new wave and the rise of house and techno, earning it lasting respect as a versatile classic.

Explore the full Roland TR Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1985 /

Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer

The Roland TR-727 was a Latin percussion drum machine with 15 PCM-sampled sounds, designed as a companion to the TR-707. Its agogôs, congas, timbales and cabasas helped shape early house, techno and acid house, giving electronic music new textures that remain influential today.

Explore the full Roland TR Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1986 /

Yamaha RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer

Released in 1986, the Yamaha RX5 was a flagship 12-bit digital rhythm programmer offering realistic PCM sounds, deep editing, and advanced MIDI integration. It became a key drum machine in late 1980s pop, funk, R&B, and early electronic music, prized for its flexibility and distinctive sound.

Explore the full Yamaha RX Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1987 /

Alesis HR-16 Drum Machine

Released in 1987, the Alesis HR-16 was a 16-bit digital drum machine offering velocity-sensitive pads, 49 samples, and advanced sequencing with 100 patterns and 100 songs. Affordable and powerful, it brought professional drum programming to home studios and influenced hip-hop, industrial, and indie music throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1987 /

E-mu SP-1200 Sampling Percussion

The E-mu SP-1200 offered musicians 12-bit sampling, intuitive sequencing, and gritty, characterful sound that directly shaped hip-hop, house, and electronic music of the late 1980s and 1990s, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most iconic drum machines ever made.

Made In Japan

Released in 1987 /

Yamaha RX7 Digital Rhythm Programmer

The Yamaha RX7 is a digital PCM drum machine with 100 internal voices and a built-in sequencer. It offers per-voice editing (pitch, pan, decay, LFO), dynamic voice allocation, and pattern/song chaining. While it lacks individual outputs or onboard reverb, its editing flexibility and integrated sequencing made it a capable and versatile rhythm instrument of its time.

Explore the full Yamaha RX Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1988 /

Yamaha RX120 Digital Rhythm Programmer

The Yamaha RX120 (circa 1988) is a preset-based digital rhythm programmer with 38 PCM voices and 12-note polyphony. It offers 40 presets each with 8 variations, 20 user-definable songs (up to 500 measures each), footswitch control, and MIDI I/O. It does not allow detailed voice editing, functioning more as a pattern-based rhythm unit than a full drum sequencer.

Explore the full Yamaha RX Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1988 /

Akai MPC60 MIDI Production Center

The Akai MPC60, launched in 1988 and co-designed with Roger Linn, was the first all-in-one sampling drum machine and MIDI sequencer. With its 12-bit sound, expressive pads, and unmatched sequencing power, it revolutionised music production, defining hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music for decades.

Explore the full Akai MPC Series Series

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1990 /

Alesis SR-16 Drum Machine

The Alesis SR-16, released in 1990, is one of the most enduring drum machines ever produced. With 233 sounds, Dynamic Articulation, velocity-sensitive pads, and professional drummer-programmed patterns, it became a staple for songwriters, performers, and studios worldwide, maintaining relevance for over three decades.

Made In Japan

Released in 1991 /

Akai MPC60II MIDI Production Center

The Akai MPC60II is a classic 12-bit, 40 kHz sampler and sequencer combining performance features (pads, real-time controls, swing) with flexible sequencing and external sync options. It differs from the original MPC-60 through a redesigned chassis, built-in headphone output, and a fixed display, while retaining the core audio and sequencing architecture.

Explore the full Akai MPC Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1994 /

Akai MPC3000 MIDI Production Center

The Akai MPC3000 advanced the MPC legacy with 16-bit stereo sampling, expanded memory, SCSI storage, and an ultra-tight sequencer. Renowned for its musical feel and intuitive design, it remains one of the most influential production instruments ever made.

Explore the full Akai MPC Series Series