Recommend me....

[RotundRoland]

A drum machine for £120 GBP max (new or used). So far I've looked at:

Alesis SR16, SR18.
Akai Rhythm Wolf analog
Boss DR3, DR50, DR660, DR670, RT223

For reference, I am used to the built-in kits from the Zoom MRS range. I can still use that but wanted an easier and more flexible option. Quite specifically I will be plugging into my Zoom R16 so I just want to be able to pre-load a song with maybe an intro, a verse and chorus section and some fills. Yes that might be easily done on the Zoom MRS units but I find punching in/out very time consuming and fiddly. Or are they all like that?

Secondly, what's the deal with analogue (like the Rhythm Wolf), and how does it differ in terms of sound and function to the digital units?

 

[Dave Holmes]

Although I don't really think you can go wrong with the Alesis SR18 (cracking drum machine IMO) I really suggest you think about the kind of sound you're trying to achieve.
I like the Roland R5 - it sounds a bit dated but it's just great!
I've borrowed a friends a couple times and always on the lookout (never have the cash when one comes up) for one.
An Electribe Er-1 could be just the ticket as well - although it takes wou well into the realms of groovebox and drum synth world. I think its a much better sequencer than the Alesis personally.

If you want to how a drum machine sounds - get on YouTube, I'd guess that there's at least 1 video for every drum machine ever made!

Programming/sequencing drums takes time. It is worth taking your time with it though.

 

[RotundRoland]

Cheers. The sound I'm looking for is fairly standard rock, I don't want anything too electronic sounding. I know budget .means that I cant be too picky. Will have a listen on YouTube but lots of them make it difficult to see bow easy it is to operate in the real world. I will try and set it up properly so I get a good baseline to work from

 

[Dave Holmes]

Cheers. The sound I'm looking for is fairly standard rock, I don't want anything too electronic sounding.

In that case probably best to avoid the Electribes and the Akai's (synths and grooveboxes) and go with a sample based machine like the Alesis SR series or one of the Boss (Roland) DrRhythm's.
The SR16 goes pretty cheap used but the SR18 is newer, better sounding. The only Roland I've ever used is the R5 but the BossDR series are popular for a reason!