recommend a drum machine?

[FBR]

Just started with the BR8 and it is obvious that to finish any of my songs I have to have a good drum machine. Entry level with good drum sounds and beginner friendly. Can't imagine how I'm going to figure out how to sync the drum machine with a completed song via midi but it has to be done. Thanks all!

[johndavidstuts]

I have the Alesis SR-16. The sounds seem to be good enough for me. I was a little tricky learning to program but seems to work fairly well after a few frustrating moments. One of my friends has the ZOOM machine. I cant remember the model # but it was the one that is a little bigger than the 123 model. It seemed to sound a little better than the Alesis and he said it was very user friendly. The Boss DR-770 has really great sounds and lots of them. I've only heard great things about that machine.
The Alesis will run you $200 new. The Boss is, I think around $350 and the Zoom is a little in the middle. Hope this helps
Good Luck

[VOXVENDOR]

I use the DR770.... Love it....

Here is an example of it's sounds.....

(only bass drum and Snare... all the others you will hear are live...)

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/rockpop/voxvendor/

It's still a rough mix, but it will give you an Idea...

[Dog]

I recently purchased a Dr. 670 it's awsome has great kick and snare sounds and has bass sounds set up on the pads like the notes on a bass guitar....$295 I'm sure you can find a cheaper price somewhere.

[Fangar]

Go with the SR-16. Or I see that you have a PC as you are pinging away in the BBS. Take a look at Acid 3.0 or a loop based setup. Real samples. I do like the Alesis Sr-16 for the money and sounds though. The you will really be able to create.

Fangar

[BuleriaChk]

I would get the Zoom RT-323; it is a great machine, the sounds are top rate, the lit pads make it easy to visually cue recording live, and the Smart card allows you to backup your patterns (to a pc even, if you have a reader).

I've had a DR-5, DR-770, and many other drum machines in the past, but the RT-323 is the best. (I even have the HPD-15, which has the best samples of all; but the RT is competitive in the areas where they overlap)

Chuck

Originally posted by FBR
Just started with the BR8 and it is obvious that to finish any of my songs I have to have a good drum machine. Entry level with good drum sounds and beginner friendly. Can't imagine how I'm going to figure out how to sync the drum machine with a completed song via midi but it has to be done. Thanks all!

[crmusician]

i've used several machines and they all seem to have good and bad points.right now i'm using an alesis sr16.sounds are good,but programming for a dummy like me is a bi...one thing i really like is the fills and alt. patterns[a+b] that can be triggered with optional foot switchs.i like to record on the fly and that makes it easy to put fills where i want them..you can get one from pawn shops for about 100 bucks,but make sure it has the right power adapter..good luck..

[TexRoadkill]

You dont need to sync it up. Just have your sequencer play the drum sounds. It's much easier to edit the drum tracks that way also. Just make sure it has a midi in.

[BuleriaChk]

If you're using a computer, check out FXExpansion's new
DR-008. Soft synth and sequencing sampler for $149.

Even though I have Fruity Loops and Battery, I may just spring for it....