The 5 Drum Machines That Shaped Modern Music

The history of modern music is punctuated by technological innovations that not only shape the sound of the times but often create entirely new genres. At the heart of many such revolutions lies a seemingly humble instrument: the drum machine. Far from mere rhythm keepers, these devices have been the architects of beats that pulse through the veins of music history. Five drum machines stand out for their seismic impact on music. These are the drum machines that not only changed the way we create music but also the way we listen to it.

1. Roland TR-808: The Beat That Birthed Genres

The Roland TR-808 is more than a drum machine; it’s an icon of musical innovation. Released in 1980, its distinctive sounds have become synonymous with music movements. The 808’s deep bass kicks, snappy snares, and crisp hi-hats offered a new electronic palette for producers and artists. Its precise beat-keeping abilities allowed musicians to explore new rhythms and structures, leading to the birth of hip-hop, techno, and house music. Despite its initial commercial failure, the 808 found a second life in the underground scenes of Chicago and Detroit, ultimately becoming a staple of both mainstream and niche music genres. Its influence is immortalized in tracks like Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” and Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock,” showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.

2. LinnDrum: Digital Realism in a Box

The LinnDrum, a successor to the Linn LM-1, was a revelation upon its release in 1982. It represented a significant leap forward by offering digitally sampled sounds of real drums, a feature that enabled musicians to produce more realistic drum tracks electronically. The LinnDrum’s impact was profound, powering the beats of countless 80s hits and defining the sound of an era. Albums like The Human League’s “Dare” and Prince’s work, including the iconic pitched-down Linn rimshot, heard in “Let’s Go Crazy,” underscore its influence. The LinnDrum democratized music production, enabling artists without traditional drumming skills or access to a full band to create rich, compelling compositions.

3. Oberheim DMX: The Hip-Hop Staple

Following closely on the heels of the LinnDrum, the Oberheim DMX emerged as a formidable force in music production. With its 24 digitally sampled sounds, the DMX offered a broader palette and more nuanced control over each sound, making it a favorite among hip-hop producers. Its ability to sync with other Oberheim instruments made it a cornerstone of integrated music production setups. The DMX is notably featured in New Order’s “Blue Monday” and Run-D.M.C.’s “Sucker M.C.’s,” showcasing its versatility across genres. Its expansion capabilities, allowing users to import their own drum samples, further cemented its status as a pivotal tool in the evolution of electronic music.

4. Roland TR-909: The House Music Heartbeat

The Roland TR-909 took what the 808 started and pushed it into new territories. Released in 1983, the 909 integrated analog sounds with digital samples, a hybrid approach that gave it a unique sound palette. Its punchy bass drum and snappy snare became the backbone of house music, while its hi-hats and cymbals fueled the energy of countless dance tracks. The 909’s influence is evident in classics like Inner City’s “Big Fun” and Daft Punk’s “Revolution 909,” serving as a testament to its role in the rise of electronic dance music. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the 909 became a beloved tool for producers looking to craft the rhythmic foundations of house, techno, and beyond.

5. Korg KR-55: The Unlikely Innovator

Before the dominance of Roland and Linn, Korg’s KR-55 played a pivotal role in transitioning from preset rhythm boxes to programmable drum machines. Though not as programmable as its successors, the KR-55 was used creatively by bands like Depeche Mode to craft unique sounds that defined the early electronic music scene. Its simplicity and the ability to blend preset rhythms in novel ways made it a gateway into electronic music production for many artists. The KR-55’s legacy is a reminder that innovation in music often comes from unexpected places and uses.

These five drum machines did more than provide a beat; they opened new avenues for creativity, enabled the rise of new music genres, and democratized music production. Their sounds and rhythms continue to influence music today, a testament to their lasting impact on the sonic landscape. The history of modern music is richer for its contributions, echoing through the ages in beats that still move us to dance, dream, and create.

In honor of these iconic drum machines, Hex Loops introduces its Analog Drum Sample Packs, designed to honor the legacy of iconic drum machines such as the Roland TR-808, TR-909, LinnDrum, Oberheim DMX, and Korg KR-55 while embracing modern production techniques.

This analog drum sample pack includes an array of high-quality, royalty-free samples that capture the essence of analog drum sounds for contemporary music production. Aimed at producers across genres, from house to hip-hop and beyond, Hex Loops’ samples provide versatile and authentic-sounding kicks, snares, hi-hats, and percussion sounds.