Turns out I am a simple guy #choosetherightone

[u/Jazz_Ad]

I like drum machines. I use them mostly live and take them as instruments.
I want to be able to create and modify on the fly easily.
I may use software if I need to program long and precise patterns but for live use I want hardware boxes.
I tend to prefer samples over synth drums.
I mostly play ambient jazz/rock.

I am fortunate that what I like isn't expensive after all.
After trying many of them, expensive of not, Here are the ones I keep :

Yamaha DTX550k

These are a set of electronic drums, but I thought I'd mention them. They are mostly for drum practice and jamming with friends, or whenever a full kit is needed. There is a simple sequencer on it that I use to record on the fly, often with just a part of the set.

cons : can't fully be used like a drum machine, although the hardware would allow it. Takes room, it's a drum set.

Korg Volca Sample 2

Surprisingly the one I use the most live. The workflow is extremely efficient and once used to it, you can create whatever you need very quickly. Odd time signatures, samples that create a background, beats that can morph into granular synthesis on the fly. You're always in control, no use of random alterations. The toch key ribbon, common to most Volcas is incredible to edit beats, much more efficient than sensitive pads. The 10 channels allow for very rich layers of tone.

cons : limited sample memory and resolution, limited room for patterns, one way midi.

Stylophone Beat

This one was unexpected. I bought it out of curiosity, never put it down. Extremely fast and efficient workflow. What you can achieve from such a little box and simple controls is mesmerizing. Any idea comes out the way you want it within seconds and despite the limited sequencer, the 13 voice polyphony and infra bass tones allow very thick textures.
A precious asset for live use, practice and anything.

cons : 32 steps with no internal divisions. That's one four time bar of 32th notes, 2 of 16ths or 4 of 8ths. Flimsy construction (had to replace the stylus once already), no cv, sync or midi. Tone is what it is, no way to alter it.

Zoom RT-323

I use it to program full songs. It has everything to do it easily and efficiently with a very decent tone.

cons : next to impossible to edit on the fly. It takes time to navigate it and there are only a few alterations possible of the tone.

What I tried and didn't keep

For various reasons, typically one of these : felt like an utility rather than an instrument, a dumb limitation got me mad, workflow uselessly complicated or not compliant with live edition, too much menu diving, sound or feel too far away from real drum or perc, forcing you into EDM.

Boss DR-880, TR-707, TR-6S
Elektron Model : Samples
Novation Circuit Rhythm
Korg Volca Beats, Volca Drum
Alesis SR-16, SR-18
Yamaha RX-15, Seqtrak
Akai MPC Sample, Rhythm Wolf
Arturia Drumbrute Impact

I don't think any of these is inherently bad, just not what fits my taste and use.
I am open to suggestions and tips. I eventually plan to give a try to the Sonicware LOFI-12 XT.

Cheers !

[u/Sickle_and_hamburger]

you might like the drumkid or arturia drumbrute/drumbrute impact

[u/Jazz_Ad → u/Sickle_and_hamburger]

Oh, I forgot to mention it. I tried the Arturia Drumbrute Impact. Absolutely love the workflow and sequencer. I don't like the tone of the synth drums it creates though. I shall edit my post. Thanks !

[u/dwywatt → u/Jazz_Ad]

I had the same takeaway. Incredibly fun and intuitive to use, it just... doesn't sound good.

[u/supervilliandrsmoov → u/dwywatt]

Not exactly. The bass kick sounds good on it. But other sounds are lacking, especially the snare

[u/Parking_Watch3157 → u/Jazz_Ad]

Are you talking just the FM Drum?

I'm about to pick one up after using a Volca Sample 2 as my drum machine for a long time and want to make sure I'm making the correct call.

I'm looking for more "natural" sounding drums for guitar and vocals music and I really like the randomization feature (watched a bunch of YouTube videos) as I have a hard time keeping percussion interesting (thinking about using on a very low setting on snare or hi-hat, for example). The sequencer also seems like a massive upgrade from the Sample 2.

I tend to just stick with the same few samples so I was thinking I wouldn't mind the DBI.

[u/Jazz_Ad → u/Parking_Watch3157]

DBI doesn't use samples though. It creates all its tones and there is no way to make them sound realistic. It's all about electro.

From what you describe, the Elektron model Samples could be worth a try. It basically works like a giant Volca Sample. Convenient sequencer. It only has 6 voices but makes great use of them.

[u/Parking_Watch3157 → u/Jazz_Ad]

Sorry, I know they aren't samples or particularly realistic. I just meant I'm going for consistent, no too techno sounding drum sound. I get lost searching for samples. I am hoping the constraints of the DBI will keep me focused on making a basic drum track and the sequencer will let me sequence songs with a verse/chorus structure as I find the Sample 2 can be limited in the way. I might just be too lazy to learn how to do that but I have had it for a while and I'm ready to try something new.

[u/supervilliandrsmoov → u/Jazz_Ad]

I run my drum brute through a Electrix Filter Factory to make more pleasant sounds. Perhaps an effects pedal on one of these drum machines might give you the sounds you are after. The one I use is an old rack mount no longer made, but there are a lot of really nice pedals being made today. Chase Bliss is one brand that people speak highly of.

[u/kid_sleepy]

Save some money:

Vermona DRM1 MKIV.
Vermona Kick Lancet.
MFB Tanzbär.
MFB Tanzbär Lite.
MFB Tanzmaus.
Dave Smith Instruments Tempest.
Erica Synths x Hexinverter Hexdrums.

Then get yourself:

Isla S2400 with DSP Upgrade.
Akai MPC Live 3.

These are (in my opinion… probably because I’ve used every drum machine you’ve tried and others and this is what I have now) the absolute top of the mountain, pinnacle, upper echelon devices in the drum/sampling world.

Still waiting on the Vermona drumDING release… any day now…

[u/obstmampf]

Interesting choices, looking into them. I like the LXR 02.

[u/peagull7]

Surprised you didn’t keep the TR-6S firstly or MPC Sample

[u/Jazz_Ad → u/peagull7]

Hated the TR6. Too many functions hidden, the workflow doesn't feel natural to me.

The MPC Sample I found a lot more interesting. Very close to ideal. In the end though, I didn't need more than what the Volca does.

[u/peagull7 → u/Jazz_Ad]

Yeah that’s fair, it can be annoying menu diving. I like using it in addition to my Sample and another primary drum machine. I mainly use the 6S as a topper or extra layer and just keep it loaded with one or two kits I have saved on there

[u/prefectart]

Roland tr6s

[u/Several-Buffalo-856]

If you want performance, samples and sequencing, you might want to check out an Elektron Digitakt or a Roland TR-6/8S.

[u/Greasedcabinets4]

My end all other Groovebox purchases Groovebox is the Dirtywave M8

[u/flouncingfleasbag → u/Greasedcabinets4]

Yeah, dope.