Buying Your First Drum Machine (Drum Machine Basics) | Reverb

Expert advice on buying a drum machine: bit.ly/34a6qEj
Shop Korg Volca Beats: bit.ly/3hRtTCa
Shop Roland AIRA TR-8: bit.ly/3ufvggs
Shop Elektron Digitakt: bit.ly/3481Vdd
Learn the History of Drum Machines: bit.ly/3c6Mwi3
Checkout Cuckoo's Channel here: / cuckoomusic
Ready to get in on the infectious electric rhythm of drum machines? We've got models from Korg (Volca Beats), Roland (TR-8), and Elektron (Digitakt) so you can compare and contrast the functionality of these incredible instruments while you decide which one(s) you'll be adding to your collection.
0:00 - Intro
01:16 - Korg Volca Beats
05:30 - Connecting with MIDI
06:39 - Roland TR-8
12:46 - Elektron Digitakt

[@adamsimonsen3406]

Hey everybody. This is Chorus Delay from Reverb. We’ve been gettin lots of feedback and input about...

[@Lucdaluc]

:'D

[@EddieKMusic]

Love how you added feedback and input

[@amenallahabidi2608]

So this did this video to cancel noise and distorted opinions

[@StarsWithScars]

Sir let me please shake hands with you because of this great joke!

[@simeondermaats]

@@StarsWithScars For your own safety, don't

[@NSalonen]

Meanwhile in an alternate universe: Justin Reverb from Delay

[@oneshot1086]

🙌🏾😂

[@sleepalaska]

ha

[@bringyourownheart]

LOL

[@G.GordonMidi]

100%! I wanna see Justin Ringmod from choralflange.com

[@irok81]

Lmao 😝

[@genm4827]

I appreciate the “Drum Machines Have No Soul” sticker on the laptop.

[@jamisbillson4872]

Gen M...as a drummer I noticed that. I think it’s sarcasm though? Considering the topic for this upload.

[@joemcbee]

Not all of us have access, time, space to work with drummers. I'm on the search for a good drum machine so I can record at home.

[@genm4827]

Well yeah, of course it's a tongue-in-cheek joke.

[@CertainlyCaro]

I'd call it an inside joke but Roger Linn used it during his Technical Grammy acceptance speech

[@TheChameleon2008]

They call us the soul bringer.

[@jasonbeatty831]

I actually really appreciated when you explained plugging in the MIDI cable from the Grandmother to the Beats. So many videos never say what go where, and if you're a beginner, its easy to make a mistake like that. I think these videos are great, and all the negative comments on here are terrible, but you are doing good works sir.

[@FindabandNewZealand]

Delay appreciates feedback.

[@mosquithademiramar8791]

Same here, I was looking for a video also explaining cables, connections. I have recently passed from vst synths and sample drums to "physical" synths and drum machines, and I struggle with making the correct set ups. This video is great.

[@Laizerdisk]

Never would've expected to get the high-end option in this video considering I never have money but it was one of the best purchases I've ever made

[@Zetsu420]

Thank you for this video, very inspiring. I wanted to get into beatmaking for awhile now and I definitely wanted a drum machine. The Roland Tr-8 AIRA is insane. This is my 1st drum machine and Im blown away by its adaptability in sound and mix integration. Its just so fun to use. Will be getting the 7x7 Expansion pack for this mamacita! the possibilities are only limited to your knowledge and creativity. So happy; Subscribed

[@speciesunknown8279]

If you are putting out content that is inspiring people to create, then you are doing it right... I would just like to acknowledge this..... Keep on, brother!

[@almamartyr1]

Love how you have the Sovtek amp. Quite possibly one of the most powerful and underrated tube heads ever!

[@irok81]

Huh huh huhuhuhuhuh you said "head".....huh huhhuhuhuhuhuh

[@TA-kv3nm]

certainly not underrated.

[@Gwyn94]

Big shoutout to the Volca Sample too. I got mine for like $80, and it hits way above its price point for what you get. The 4MB memory/65s total sample time seemed like ass at first, but I was able to load in 10 each of kicks, snares, and hats, some various crashes, toms, random percs, a whole 8bit drum set, a few random FX, some melodic stabs, and a 16 step bassline to mess with. The fact that if you only went with drum sounds, you could load in entire libraries from many classic drum machines is huge. If you can find an Elektron Model:Samples for around $200 though, that's the single go to drum machine for the price range imo. Much larger memory, better sequencer than the volca (imo) and better overall control over your sound. Really incredible device

[@mb7241]

My first drum machine was a Roland CR-78...not necessarily because of the time I bought it (as I only bought it earlier this year), but how I bought it (found it at a thrift store)...an interesting machine indeed, especially for being 40 years old, but definitely more basic than most of these nowadays (though I guess it's more of a specific sound that some want these days).

[@totallyfrozen]

My first drum machine was an Alesis HR:16. Yup! I’m that old. Now get off my lawn, sonny, before I chase you with my cane. 🤘🏻👨🏼‍🦳

[@durrcodurr]

Also check out the Volca Kick (kick and bass sounds), the Volca Drum (physical modelling), and the Volca Sample, the latter of which can act as a sample-based drum machine. The Volca Beats is really only for those classic analog drum sounds.

[@zemarceloalencar6716]

I'm amazed with so many artists / youtuber's who provide so much information to those who are starting / starting to make music like me. Thank you! I'm living for another 6 months in Washington DC and I really wanted to learn how to use drum machines and synthesizers to make music. Does anybody know how to tell me a teacher? the videos have helped me a lot but I need to make the options available that the technology offers nowadays. Thank you very much! meanwhile, I'm inspiring myself with you...

[@mykdubz128]

this is finally answering my biggest question in my music life: what happens if I change the tempo???

[@catsanstail]

I thought that, too! I know what tempo is, but what happens if I change it??

[@rexterrocks]

I got an SR16 when it came out in 1990/1 and it's still on sale. I think that shows how good they are. If you want a real drum sound it's perfect. I still use one. I like the velocity sensor buttons. It's definitely a more 'human' sounding machine.

[@chriseisert1349]

Thanks reverb dudes... answers a lot of questions while listing to everything at work as you go. Stellar tutorial!!! Learned a bunch.

[@rovhallet7491]

"You might ask, 'But what happens if I change the tempo?' Well, check this out." *Changes tempo* Tempo Changes Wow.

[@williammccarthy9395]

i feel dumber for watching this

[@copheart]

For people who've never heard, or realized they've heard instruments that are being triggered together that's actually a cool thing to show. From a 20 minute video you choose the one part where you could write a prickish comment?

[@trueatfalse]

This video is made to help people buying their first drum machine. Maybe even their first instrument to sync with something else or their first instrument in general. Nothing wrong with showing sync between drum machine and synthesizer on this basic level.

[@jasonbeatty831]

Well then clearly the video wasn't meant for you.

[@LukeWatts85]

I'm new to synths and didn't know they could sync up like that. However, I also like funny comments. Both are good. We can enjoy it all people. Let's just enjoy all the good shit all the time!

[@BrokenBeats94]

The Novation Circuit should have been on here, it's perfect for a first drum machine and it's a 2 part poly synth with up to 6 voices! It's a groovebox that stores up to 8 bar pattern banks for each instrument, has a vst for patch creations and it's around £250/$300

[@bruceglebovitz]

i couldn't help noticing the radio shack/moog synth back on the right. i used to have one and i am always surprised to see them turning up in concert, in virtual (vst) form and here in a training video. what fun!

[@garvinkelly]

nice, these are the exact three machines I've had. started with the volca and now I have the digitakt

[@TBD3.0]

Thank you Roger Linn it was a pleasure meeting you at the NAMM show back in the day. For those that don't know: Roger Linn is a designer of electronic music products, best known for his invention of the LM-1 Drum Computer, the first programmable, sampled-sound drum machine in 1979. Mr. Linn was instrumental in influencing and helping Prince develop and hone his signature sound and style by using Roger Linn's creation and invention the: 1. LM - 1 2. LinnDrum LM -2

[@animalsoverpeople_]

I love how passionate this guy is about drum machines, it’s great

[@taylorroe4499]

usually the people who make videos like these rub me the wrong way but this dude is legit

[@lexlex7162]

I love the little whistle he makes. Perfect guy for this video

[@madkorova]

It's rly nice of you guys at Reverb to finally refer to other more modest, but very skilled youtuber synthheads. Cheers to that!

[@baileybayer9462]

That synced loop at the end was killer. Thanks for the great vid!!

[@felipeeslavapardo6960]

To anyone thinking of buying a used drum machine i seriously recommend you check the korg electribes (red and blue with tubes, SX and MX I think, not the new ones) before making any purchase, both electribes have better options and effects, are way more "playable", and all the sound passes through two tubes, which gives it a bit of that analog warm feeling. Two versions, Red: more sample oriented / Blue: more synth oriented. Both have great drum machine and sound modeling capabilites. I have the red sampler and it is loads of fun, has two synth voices, i can see how it would complement the blue, that has 5 synth voices i guess The downsides I have seen are, the memory is not very big (for the red one, which is a sampler too), so you have to work with short samples to be able to fit many in it. For the blue one i don´t think this would be an issue, since it is more synth oriented, so samples are usually shorter. Also, the card used is not very common, so who knows if it could become obsolete? IDK. And, if you want these new drum machines that connect perfectly to your daw, these are not the ones. They have midi I/O, and midi clock can be set to control or be controlled by other drum machines or midi devices. Also big downside, it is no longer produced and it has gotten more and more expensive, if you can find a good bargain or auction, i recommend you get it. Nevertheless, I would buy an electribe over any of these in the video, althoguh every one looks for something different when getting a DM, i believe it is worth checking out before making a decision.

[@michaelruiz4708]

You guys killed it! I’m a guitarist and I’ve been wanting a volca beats for some time and this video is exactly what I’ve needed! 🤘🏻

[@Stadsjaap]

I agree. Get a Volca Sample instead. Analog drums don't sound great with guitars. Actual rock drum samples on the other hand...

[@ericsandie7405]

Great introduction I really liked your Korg keybrd midi demonstration.

[@Phaidrus]

Excellent presentation, thanks!

[@VestedUTuber]

I got a TR-8S and I gotta say I'm a big fan. My only issue is that many of the various kick drums feel weak, but it's an easy fix - just copy whatever kit you're using and load up a 707 kick drum (this also could be an issue with my monitors, since I have to use something that's apartment-friendly). The CV Trigger Outs have been useful, I've been using them to step-advance my Mother 32's sequencer but you can also use them to control gates and other on-off triggers. It's also got a built-in master effect dial which is applied not only to its own output but also the external input jacks, allowing it to double as an effect unit. Plus it has 6 individual assignable output channels for audio channels or triggers. The sequencer is what you'd expect from a high-end Roland and can store up to 128 steps in 8 individually toggleable bars. I'd strongly recommend it for anyone looking for a high-end drum machine that can also control additional gear. It's not exactly cheap, however (though it's actually cheaper new than the TR-8 is used). Just make sure that if you get it used, you either check if the firmware is up to date or update it itself, as early versions had a few teething issues.

[@ULTRAVISTA.]

Thanks Tremolo! Sick song from the channel wahwah!

[@getmoneyhozea2722]

I REMEMBER THAT ROLAND TR (OLDER MODEL) WHEN I STARTED MY FIRST STUDIO BACK IN 2004...I'M GETTING OLD !! LOL ! MADE BEATS WITH MPC 2000 XL AND A KORG 16 CHANNEL DIGITAL ANALOG RECORDER....THIS WAS BEFORE THE PC DAW'S TOOK OVER...NOW THESE DAYS I ONLY USE YAMAHA, CASIO, AND KORG KROSS ALONG WITH MIXCRAFT 9...MY GO TO DRUM MACHINE IS THE MASCHINE MK3....I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD OWN ONE !

[@wokespoke1320]

Nice review, cool sound. Thanks.

[@rodrigomacias]

the PO12 was my first drum machine, and still my favorite

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Enjoyed your presentation. I still have my DR-880 (and I love it) I do One-man-gigs with it = with the Bass synth, and a Boss GT-6 guitar effects processor on board. I also use ( 2 ) FS-6 controllers. oNe LovE from NYC

[@701Builder]

Terrific! Thanks again Reverb

[@mynmyself]

I hope someone samples that "piiitch it dooown... pittch it uuup" moment and use it for a beat

[@zakramsey3508]

It's on my to do list. I'll message you when I've done it.

[@macmoll]

15:02

[@vincentkovacs3275]

The Korg Volca Beats being analogue is great because you can modify the sounds and customize the unit. There is a hack to lengthen the snare decay time as well as a level boost mod that is well worth it

[@aaronbryce3295]

So can you make the machine match to .let's say country beat or 50s songs..never used one..been wanting to be a one man band.i have the songs down on my own.just wanted to have drum tracks.

[@SanguineYoru]

Thank you reverb, very cool!

[@FireSonix]

crypto you mean delay, bro

[@JumpingTurtle77]

Thank you Kanye, very cool!

[@taven_m1204]

Thanks Ethan

[@KunchangLeeMusic]

Exactly the video I was looking for thanks

[@djjammindave]

LOVED THE PRESENTATION, VERY PROFESSIONAL.

[@jeanius123]

Really great video! Thanks. You rock!

[@424Recording]

+1 for Digitakt. Another cool feature is playing the samples chromatically. Cuckoo and BoBeats; those guys crush the Elektron tutorials 🤓

[@jarkokoo]

Yeah, recently bought Digitakt and I'm absolutely in love with it for its versality. Not only it's a killer unit as a drum machine, it's also quite incredible groovebox and midi-controller - it's awesome to sequence for example drum machine plugins with DT. But I'm not sure I can hands down recommend a 600$/e device as your FIRST drum machine, before you know what you could need and want. That said, it's been super inspiring instrument for me and totally worth the money. Like most Elektron devices, the workflow is really good. But it's not my first drum machine, and thus I already knew what I wanted when I purchased it. I pretty much get something inspiring and exciting out of it everytime I turn it on and start to play around. In other words it has helped me to have my creative juices flowing. PS. I really liked how Justin mentioned the "synthesis territory", because that's pretty much the first thing that got into my mind, when I started to play with so called melodic samples and single waves and such.

[@424Recording]

@@jarkokoo that's a great point. I def did a lot of research myself before pulling the trigger on the Digitakt. I think it is an easier machine to learn on as compared to some of the other Elektron offerings but might be overwhelming for a beginner. I find the Digitakt to be intuitive though as well; it usually works the way it seems like it would when I'm trying to figure something out. Def recommend others to do their research. I see a lot of complaints about it regarding the fact that it's more of a performance instrument live than a sequencer. That's actually one of the best parts about it: you have to play it not just push play on it. Oh yeah def synth heavy in some regards. You can literally synthesize your own sounds from whatever you sample! Cheers!

[@psychedfreaks6966]

I got a MC 303 and Korg electribe sampler :)

[@sixdonuts]

Well done video. Thank you.

[@squeakD]

Alesis SR16 should be in this vid too. There’s a reason that thing is still a huge seller.

[@inova11901]

HR-16 sounds were pretty cool too.

[@dumptruckds]

Damn, great video. Learned so much. Had zero knowledge of drum machines, super helpful.

[@elliotmcgee8918]

Already had respect from the video. You mentioned Cuckoo and I lost my mind.

[@tohumblyvogue]

your name is Justin Delay and thats pretty damn rhythmic. I like it

[@edwardferry8247]

This gentleman is very good, thank you for this.

[@WengStansWorld]

Connecting a Drum machine to a synth ? Old Skool ! Was doing just that back in 1985. I had an AKIA AX-80 and a Roland TR-505. I could not afford a stand alone hardware sequencer so I got the idea ( and I never read about doing this, it just hit me one day ) of connecting my 505 to the AX-80 as slave via Midi and having the 505 trigger the synth. honestly, I didn't know other people did that.

[@bongosock]

That was awesome! Thanks :)

[@BradyKacon]

1:54 my man sounded like mr.crabs

[@technodrone313]

i had a volca beats, currently have a volca sample an electribe er1 and an akai rhythm wolf. i kind of just want that rd-9 that should be coming out soon and maybe a drumbrute impact. and fl studio is pretty awesome too.

[@brandonbanks32278]

Here's the coolest thing... luckily the volga beats has a sync and gate out... which can be patchable into the grandmother either gate in or... midi in...with a special made midi adapter...that can be found in the net.

[@BoardnotBored]

Awesome review. Thanks dude 🤙

[@hovermotion]

The Volca and the tr8 make a superb pair...even better with a stomp pedel..

[@champ1061]

This guy always brings tons of knowledge and energy to his reviews/presentations. Much appreciated.

[@vinceriley]

He's a little slow for my tastes, I won't make it till the end.

[@user-ol2es6oo9x]

I always start with 909 and adding some fx to active a sound I want or making a kicks from plucks in ableton..sounds powerful..

[@keepsteddy]

15:01 hilarious "Pitch down, pitch it up"

[@Kipas_Maspoin]

I'm a guitar player but i gotta admit this is very great, really it's great! imagine a new sound using the drum machine guitar bass and drums a new kind of grunge perhaps? lol, but can you explain a little more about how to set up these digital drums tr8 and elektron digitakt? which cable goes to where, is it connected to speakers/amp like guitar? any basic tips would be amazing because yes i'm a noob at drum machine lol

[@Kipas_Maspoin]

@Puff McCloud wow thanks a lot man, it gave me a slight info about what to do with the drum machine, so next stop is the DAW, finding a nice DAW for recording, but we don't need a synth to play these things right?

[@johnnyswatts]

Check out Big Black: guitar, bass, drum machine. This was Steve Albini's band in the '80s.

[@kimforsberg1774]

Lil peep already done mixing grunge guitars with drum machine! Go check him out he is great!

[@AD-Dom]

Over the volca beats, I’d recommend the volca sample... just cause you can import your own samples.

[@Daubentonia88]

"And now I am going to sync them all in, hit play and see what happens": His head explotes sending his brain particules into the multi-beat-universe

[@carlfletcherjunior9076]

Thanks guys honestly

[@kevinbowes1974]

All I want is a good pre set sounds with stop/start pedal. A fill pedal. And possibly a click start. My first was a Roland cr 1000.

[@MrLlukasik]

What in your opinion would be the ideal drum machine for speed metal? Lots of double bass and tons of syncopation

[@richardthayer5907]

The little akai black box one is awesome.

[@MyManDan]

What is an ideal way to amp these up? Just through an audio interface and computer speakers? Audio interface and better monitors? PA? I guess not a guitar amp because you'd probly blow the speaker. Idk I'm new at this...

[@jamlaw]

Thanks for this! I'm very new to beat making with drum machines (or in general, save for some rhythms I made in the past with my keyboard percussion sounds). I'm still a little confused about what you would need in order to use one of these machines as a step in recording, vs just making fun beats and saving them. I think I understand that part of it is choice; I can draw beats in Ableton, or use an external source like a drum machine, right? And it seems clear that the USB function is essential if I want to use the drum machine to lay down tracks in Ableton. But what I don't understand is this - do you program the beats on the machine and it goes simultaneously into the sequence you are recording in your DAW, for example like you would play a piano and it would record into a track, or do you make a beat and then export it as-is, and then have the option to manipulate the midi notes within Ableton? Or both? haha. I'm also curious how a midi keyboard would be different from this. For example, if I wanted to layer other instruments over a beat to make a song. It seems as though I would need either a sampler beat machine, like the last one you tried, or I could use a beat machine along with a keyboard, or a midi controller, or draw sounds within Ableton? Like, how much is it up to my preferences/workflow vs. what I'm actually limited to doing, by choosing one method over another, if that makes sense? Thanks!

[@jadenphan8106]

Have you figured it out? I’m wondering the same thing

[@profquad]

Thank you for the volume fade-in

[@LucasSantos-bt6my]

This is great !!

[@vasupanicker]

Great tutorial thanks

[@TZ-er5rb]

more of this stuff, please!

[@UnitedPebbles]

This shit is the bomb. How uh they came up with the rhythm section in most entry level to uh ..electronics keyboard??

[@Onelychild]

Very in depth video!

[@DerAykac]

Definetely go and check out Cuckoo! EDIT: That guy is as mad as insane as an artist. really nice stuff. just go for it. Now!

[@satchie01]

Hi! After seeing this collaboration, I would to know, in your opinion, what device is the true inheritor of the mc808 or the mc 909? I’ve been looking for a 808, but as of its age, it might be better to invest in a newer machine, thanks I.a. For your answer.

[@lazarbozic1499]

i fuck with you justin delay, you helping out the masses. a nice sweet teacher man. out focus for the digitakt overhead shot though!

[@futur_sunds]

The korg Volca beats is great for the price! For my needs specifically I like the Roland the best :)

[@beyhanoktayaytekin]

Thank you for explaining every detail for everyone🙏🏻 I think its very informative✨

[@MrBOBOCHOCHO]

When you say add FX on a beat what does that mean? Is it any kind of sound effects or does it refer to a specific modification to the sound?

[@oo0O08]

For those starting out trying to get their first cheap drum machine. The Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm is a good alternative to the Volca Beats. Its cheaper but you might prefer the more aggressive sound. It also has motion recording.

[@seth7501]

+1 also maybe check out the po33 which is a sampler or the tonic which is basically an upgraded po12 for just a little more money.

[@DEATHVIAL]

How do you like it compared to the KO?

[@oo0O08]

@@DEATHVIAL I don't have one but from the look of it, it does seem like one of the best pocket operators. Sampling does take more work than just tinkering with drum sounds so the PO-12 is probably quicker for getting started.

[@DEATHVIAL]

@@oo0O08 I started on the ko and sampling was weird at first but maybe because it’s my first time sampling on anything. If you’re good at music stuff like then it shouldn’t be too tricky. I have the speak one also but it’s not as good. Guessing the 12 isn’t any point, there’s a new one that’s kinda expensive but looks worth the price

[@Renzsu]

I'll probably get a Volca Beats at some point.. lusting after a Synthstrom Deluge though...

[@kennynyc15153]

Great Job Keep It up

[@RedLikeAnOrange]

Please make a video about options for hooking up several drum machines, synths, etc. at the same time.

[@RedLikeAnOrange]

@Justin Delay Cool, thanks. I forgot to add: hooking up speakers too. I notice a lot of synths don't have internal speakers, so was wondering what your low/mid/high price recommended setups might be.

[@JozsefHorvathBarcza]

Very nice video, but I miss the talk about swing, humanizing, or groove quantize functions, if thare are any on this machines.....

[@christianlwensprung2722]

Great, great video! Awesome!! now to break the bank

[@MauriceBerisha]

Love this channel

[@svartsjokolade]

Hell yeah Cuckoo!

[@dezdurham]

Great Vid bro!

[@thombroom5515]

Motion sequenzing from the Volcas is the winner...

[@voicecoilofficial]

When you first show the Roland TR8 and the screen says ""Digital Drum Machine"" is that loop thats playing the tr8?

[@lars-fenin]

doesn´t matter what drum machine u use... its more about making music and explore !

[@lepanzon]

That Sovtek in the background 😍. Anyone that could tell me which Sovtek it is?

[@grabbagmedia1031]

You really went hard in the paint, on this one my friend. Nice informative content! Grabbag Media is Liking & Subscribing!

[@igorbroeckel279]

Can anyone explain to me what I need in addition to the drum machine to make it run? Any special speakers? Or can I use guitar amps? Powersupply?

[@LloydRobinson]

The OPZ Rules them all. Good review and recommendations.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Since when isn't the TR-08 sample based? The Digitakt is a drum machine/sequencer and sampler. The only thing I don't like about the Digitakt is the lack of time stretching. Yet is it by far the best sounding of the three.

[@1980JPA]

Thanks man. I think you could've explained everything with your hands. Who needs words 😁

[@BambooAcrobatVerte]

This definitely sold me (eventually) on the Digitakt. For now I'm looking at either the KV Drum or KV Sample. Great video.

[@McDoinky]

I never knew tempo changed when you change it, that’s crazy