i need a drum machine that can remember whole songs.

[oh_the_blood]

any out there for around 200 dollars and and stand alone?

 

[altitude909]

Just about any drum machine will do that (even a tr-606 has song mode). Maybe an Alesis SR-16?

 

[famous beagle]

I've had an alesis SR-16, and I ended up selling it because I preferred the sounds on the Zoom MRT-3. The zoom unit is about half the price (you can find one for about $60 or $70 used), and it's got plenty of easy-to-use features.

I really can't understand the SR-16's continuing popularity. The sounds on it are really dated.

Here's a link to the MRT-3:

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1713&brandID=4

 

[mharr552000]

Yeah, the SR-16 can do that. A few things to be aware of though.
You cannot automatically change tempo from pattern to pattern during a song.
The beats-per-pattern are fairly large. I've had to adjust the arrangements of a few songs to accomodate gaps.
A quick succession of cymbal or snare hits sounds like shit.
A flurry of toms and kicks will truncate the decay, which doesn't sound so hot.

 

[famous beagle]

By the way, the zoom doesn't have any of the above problems. You can change tempo within a song.

However, I would think the alesis would be able to do that if it were being slaved by midi.

Anyway, the SR16 is an old design from the 80s; they've made a lot of improvements in drum machines since then.

 

[altitude909]

The SR-16 is not that old (everyone still carries them) but I think all the ~100$ drum machines are more of a practice device than a "use it in a track" drum machine so I think if he is looking for something to use or play out, there are much better options than the zoom and alesis

The older Korg ES-1's are real nice and cheap and you can use whatever sounds you want on it with assignable decays etc. (and of course, song mode)

 

[jfrog]

Boss DR-3.

$199 (2 years ago, anyway)

program whole songs. Even does bass guitar if you want.

 

[oh_the_blood]

my friend owns the ZOom and ive played it but i hate how you have to program it sound by sound.

 

[Doc Holiday]

I've got a Zoom MRT-3 that I've had for about 3 or 4 years. The sounds are pretty good, but I'm beginning to have some problems with the touch pads. Also, the stereo output is shorted. I don't know if this is a common problem with other users. You can slave it to a recorder with midi and it will change tempo. It sounds good and is fairly inexpensive. But watch out for the shorted outputs if you're looking at getting a used one. I don't know if Zoom is still making these units.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Might as well drop in a word about the Boss 880--which is probably over your budget.

BUT, it is one very good drum machine. Has a direct in for bass or guitar. Has programmed bass lines with patches.

Has very good sound and can do songs. I haven't tried to program this box yet as I'm just getting into reviewing the presets--trouble is that I find one and play it, start playing the synth and take a couple of hours to do a song.

The 880 does inspire one to join in and play. Lots of Funky patches that I find refreshing.

I've had an SR-16; for its time, it was a good box. But, it doesn't come close to the Boss 870 or 880.

Merry Christmas
Green Hornet

 

[johnnymegabyte]

Instead of a drum machine, you can find an older PC or laptop ( maybe even for free )
Go MIDI and use a sequencer program, which some are freeware.

 

[famous beagle]

my friend owns the ZOom and ive played it but i hate how you have to program it sound by sound.

Hmmm ... I'm not sure what you mean by this.

When programming patterns, you can either do it real time or in step mode. Real time is what I use, and I can't imagine it being easier. You basically tell it the length of the pattern (say ... 2 measures), and it loops those two measures over and over. You just play what you want and it becomes part of the pattern. If you make a mistake, you can easily delete whatever it was. I usually finish a pattern in less than a minute.

 

[HapiCmpur]

any out there for around 200 dollars and and stand alone?

Boss quit making the DR-770 when they put out the DR-880, so I'll bet you could pick up a used 770 now for well under 200 bucks. It's a fine machine and will save songs for you.

 

[jfrog]

I looked at the 770's & 880's before deciding I liked the DR-3 better, and on top of that, it was way cheaper. I based my decision on playing around with them at the music store.

While I haven't been overly enamored with the preprogrammed patterns on the DR-3, the thing is totally user programmable...I've programmed my own patterns. You can also define drum kits, combine patterns into songs and stuff like that. each "patch" can have 6 different drum patterns (8 including intro and ending), in addition to 3 different fill patterns. The patterns are triggered from the buttons. Additionally, these patches can be programmed into complete songs.

The dr-3 also has bass built-in as well.

The menus can be a little awkward, but if you're patient, it'll do a lot.

One thing the dr-3 can't do is write out - it's got a MIDI in but not an out...so there's no way to create a program to save patterns. I don't know if the 880 or 770 has that capability. Something to consider.