Drum machine recommendation wanted.

Altoid

Hi There,

I'm thinking of buying a new drum machine (last one was stolen a few years ago - long story).

What I would need would be one that is easy to use and program, with and without a PC if possible, that could be triggered and stopped with a foot peddle for live use and, of course, as cheap as possible while still being a reasonable machine.

I'd also accept advice on where to buy, I'm OK with getting stuff over the internet.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks,
- Altoid.

jimi_t

Zoom Rhythmn track?

Maccattack

how much you want to spend?

what type of music is it for?

what type of sounds you want?

is it for recording, live use or just messing about?

Altoid

Hi thanks for the replys.

I'd be willing to spend a couple of hundred euro. Preferably well below 400.

It'd be mainly for live work - cover versions, mostly pop and funk, but might be used for some home recording.

- Thanks.

Rustar

I picked up an Alesis SR-16 a while back for about $150.
Bit of a learning curve, but great sounds, and you can play it or program it.

I didn't buy footswitches for it, but you can attach two of them.

Alesis SR-16

Maccattack

The Boss DR5 is a very good machine.

Not only does it have bass and drum sounds it also has keys and strings and all sorts of stuff. its a good box if you want a backing band type thing.

its getting a bit old now but still very popular. youd get one on ebay for around 100 euro id reckon.

very easy to program and quite intuitive. they were made as a guitarist drum machine. the interface is based on a guitar fretboard.

Zoom stuff is good too. very good sounds on them but a bit awkeward to use IMO.

Alesis SR16 is also very popular but ive never used one.

I have a DR5 and a Zoom 234. I never use the zoom but use the Boss quite a bit.

-=al=-

Can you use the Dr5 direct into the comp, Like into rec programs?

Maccattack

well it doesnt have usb if thats what you mean. but if yr soundcard takes 1/4" jacks you could go in that way. just like recording yr guitar direct.

-=al=-

well eyah i have a few of those converteor jack tihngs from 1/4 - 1/8

im forever lookin for samples and pads for drums and synth stuff that DR5 sounds decent

Shanannigan

http://www.thomann.de/thoiw6_roland_spd-s_sampling_pad_prodinfo.html
this is a nice piece of kit too

Maccattack

The DR5 is pretty decent. There is a huge variety of sounds on it. some are lame but i would say the majority are useful.

Put it this way. I will NEVER sell mine. Ive had it years and intend to keep it.

It is just so easy to use and versatile.

Dry a lot of the sounds are sterile but with a bit of reverb they come to life and are pretty convincing.

The one downside of the unit is that it doesnt have a lot of memory. but some dude made a programe for yr pooter that lets you store everything there. there is a great user group for the unit to which is very helpfull