Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Compatibility
Outputs
Patterns
Size/Weight
Our Top Choice
Alesis SR-16 Classic Drum Machine
Alesis aims to not only provide musicians with products they need to create, but help spark and ignite their passion for music while using them.
Has exclusive Alesis Dynamic Articulation™ for tonal content change in drum sounds.
Some customers complained of lack of drum intro and extro options.
Digital
Standalone
4
400 ( 200 user / 200 preset )
9.25 x 1.5 x 6.5 in, 2.5 lbs
Best Value
Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine
Korg reflects the inspiration, ideas and values from the artists that use its products in its musical instruments.
Convenient compact size. Built-in editing function to cut/slice/mix on the spot.
The keys being on the small side can make accurate entry difficult.
Analog synthesis
Not specified
3
8
7.61 x 4.54 x 1.78 in, 0.82 lbs
Arturia Analog Drum Machine
Arturia develops music software for all different levels of musicians, and represents French engineering at its finest.
Connectivity allows linking of all your studio gear. 17 analog drum sounds. 64-step sequencer.
This device is built sturdily to last, but that also makes it less portable then others on the market.
Analog
Computer
11
64
16.46 x 10.87 x 1.58 in, 5.69 lbs
Singular Sound Beat Buddy Drum Machine
Singular Sound is a young company doing big things and creating devices that “rock” the music accessory industry.
Portable, easy to use, and the most award-winning musical accessory of the last decade.
Nothing is perfect and users have reported that beats are slow to upload when changing between them during use of this machine.
Digital
Computer compatible
3
10 sets, 24 genres, 200+ styles
5 x 3.5 x 2.5 in, 1.1 lbs
Akai Professional Wolf Analog Drum Machine
From the studio to the stage, Akai Professional has been a fixture on the music scene since 1984, helping musicians express themselves.
Six MPC styled pads for finger drumming. Howl feature that kicks up the sound an extra notch.
Mixed reviews from customers say Akai took the classic analog system too far with this one, and some say it's even a bit outdated for their liking.
Analog
Computer compatible
7
16 patterns, 2 sequences each
12.4 x 8.7 x 2 in, 4.6 lbs