Is what Roland's TR707 digital drum machine is set to become. Great sounds, great facilities... and a great price.

From the ashes of the ill-fated Linn 9000, Roger Linn and Akai have brought forth the MPC60. Simon Trask takes a look at this powerful drum machine and sequencer.

Akai's latest drum machine attempts to combine the best of programmable and preset rhythm units. Simon Trask assesses this marketing strategy while listening to some dope drum sounds.

Warren Cann looks at the updated version of the MPC60, the most notable result of Roger Linn's collaboration with Akai.

A CD standard 16-bit drum machine? Things have progressed a little from those 8-bit Linn Drum days, passing through 12-bit standards on the way, and now reaching the ultimate level in consumer digital fidelity. Whether excellence or overkill, Alesis have gone the whole way with the HR-16. David Mellor gives it the long-awaited ear test.

Richard Fowler passes on a few hints and tips tor Alesis HR16 owners

A drum machine that sounds more like a drum kit than anything Ludwig ever made? True or not, Alesis' beat box is going to find its way into a lot of recording studios. Nicholas Rowland returns to his roots.

Following the success of the MIDIverb, Alesis have ventured into the realms of drum machines and sequencers. Bob O'Donnell lends an ear and discovers that economy doesn't necessarily mean compromise.

Drum Machine

With more machines appearing every month, there's no denying that it's boom-time for the beatbox. Simon Trask rocks to the rhythm of this latest offering from Alesis.

The Dynamic Beatbox

You just can't argue with a drum machine offering 233 16-bit sounds, two stereo outputs, 16-voice polyphony and a mammoth memory all for £299 — unless perhaps you're a busker, as Kendall Wrightson discovers.

Programmable Rhythm unit with 16 Rhythms and 4 Voices

Akai MPC3000

Sampler, sequencer, synchroniser

Ian Gilby casts his eyes and ears over Roland's new budget-priced rhythm composer, the TR505.

Digital drum machines may rule the waves in the R&D labs, but one obsolete analogue device is still the record producers' first choice. Tim Goodyer dissects the appeal of Roland's classic TR808.

Budget Beats

A beat on the cheap?

Casio RZ1 Sampling Drum Machine

Fancy an Emulator SP12 for £350? Casio have something approaching it in the new RZ1, the world's first 'affordable' digital drum box with onboard sampling facilities. Dan Goldstein says nevermind the quality...

Drum Machine

The latest in Boss' Dr Rhythm series drum machines sees affordability crossed with the sort of quality reserved for Roland's R8 flagship. Simon Trask asks if you can beat it.

Drum Machine

Two years after the launch of the original Boss DR550 drum machine, a mere £26 extra buys you a DR550 MKII with almost twice the number of sounds. Derek Johnson approves.

Boss Dr Rhythms

Two new Doctors, but will they make you feel good?

Yamaha RY20

Beatbox rejuvenated

Boss DR550 Dr. Rhythm

In 1980, the original boss DR55 Dr. Rhythm gave many people their first introduction to programmable drum machines. In 1990, the new DR550 is set to make musicians on a tight budget equally happy by providing their first taste of excellent 16-bit sampled drum sounds. Paul Ireson beats a path to his local music store's door.

Rhythmcheck

An invention to make Bob Henrit's digital 'jogging' watch obsolete

Simple sampling, superb sounds, certain sales