Ranking the best grooveboxes for making beats for 2022

Grooveboxes, drum or rhythm machines are, in fact, a compact electronic instrument for simulating (playing or synthesizing) percussion sounds. Suitable for both home use and studio recording.

A bit of history

The first prototype of the drum machine can hardly be called an electric organ, which made it possible to add rhythmic accompaniment to the performer's game. Signal generation, of course, was analog.As for the functionality, it was possible to choose a style (waltz, swing, which was popular in those days) and a tempo.

The first real rhythm machine is considered to be Rhytmikon, designed in 1930 by L. Theremin. It looked like a rectangular box with built-in piano keys, by pressing which you could create your own rhythmic pattern.

An improved device with the ability to play patterns (pre-recorded, sequentially sounding parts) did not appear until 27 years later. The rhythm machine in a wooden case with a small control panel with rotary volume controls, rhythm settings was called Rhythmate and was produced by CHAMBERLIN.

In 1967, ACE TONE, later renamed ROLAND, created a rhythm machine equipped with 16 buttons that could be pressed to play and combine different rhythm patterns.

A little later, in 1972, a programmable groovebox appeared with a button matrix, with which you could not only play, but also create your own rhythmic patterns. The manufacturer of this (at that time) miracle technique was the EKO company.

By 1978, there were models that could record, play back and store newly created rhythmic patterns in special memory cells. In fact, these were more bulky analogues of modern groove boxes.

By 1980, ROLAND introduced the TR-808 programmable analog model, which literally influenced the development of hip-hop and electronic music. The reproduced sounds imitated percussion acoustic instruments - from, in fact, drums (large and small), cymbals, maracas.The functionality was enriched with 32 patterns (which could be combined into a sequential chain), the ability to change the pace and size of the picture in real time. And, yes, this is the first model with a built-in DIN port for keyboard synchronization.

What are, what to look for when choosing

Modern devices can be divided into 3 large types:

• analog - they themselves synthesize the sound, which, by the way, can hardly be called identical to the sound emitted by real percussion instruments, and such models are quite expensive for the price;
• digital - reproduce samples (digitized fragments of the sound of acoustic or percussion instruments);
• hybrid - they can generate sound themselves and work with samples.

And now to the question of choice. Before buying, you need to decide on the tasks, dimensions - you must agree that the size of a groovebox for home use or performances will be almost a decisive factor (to carry a huge colossus with you or try to find a place for it in a small apartment is an average pleasure). Not bad if the model will support the playback of third-party samples (not to be confused with a sampler that converts any audio content). Otherwise, you will have to be content with the sound range proposed by the manufacturer.

The amount of memory is also an important criterion. But they can be neglected if the user is satisfied with working in conjunction with a laptop-groovebox. But if you want to use the drum machine at concerts, then the more memory, the better.

Now about the sound quality. If the main thing is realism, choose digital or hybrid models.If not, analog ones, just keep in mind that most of these drum machines are not technically capable of accurately recreating the sound of percussion instruments.

Where is the best place to buy

Like any technique - in an offline store. Firstly, qualified consultants work in such stores to help you figure out the settings, and secondly, things are easier with the return of marriage in ordinary stores.

If you did not find the model you need or there are no specialized stores in the city, then before paying for an online order, you should:

• pay attention to reviews related to the work of the store;
• clarify with the consultant all questions of interest regarding technical characteristics, descriptions, models, and, of course, dimensions;
• compare prices at several sites - it happens that the difference in cost reaches 5-10 thousand rubles;
• find out if there are service centers and technical support in Russia, as well as ask questions about the terms of the warranty;
• find out in advance how expenses will be reimbursed if the goods are accidentally damaged during delivery.

Now about the price, there are no very budget devices in this segment - the average price for compact models starts from 15,000 rubles (without generous discounts), for the so-called "pocket" groove boxes - from 6,000 rubles.

And, yes, you should always pay attention to the "age" of the online store. The larger it is, the less risk.

Ranking the best grooveboxes for making beats for 2022

Portable

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic

Miniature drum machine based on the micro tonic vst plug-in, equipped with an animated display. Of the pluses - a built-in speaker, a microphone for receiving data from a PC, a step sequencer for generating sounds and a standard 3.5 mm jack.This model, which looks like a compact calculator, is able to offer the user 16 sounds to choose from, support for third-party samples, the ability to create their own simple beats. In addition, the lock function, built-in clock and alarm clock.

Of the minuses - the complexity of management, which is associated just the same with a small size. Navigation is carried out with one button, and if you missed the desired item, you will have to “scroll” in a circle.
The device runs on batteries. A pair of AAA batteries lasts almost a month - not ruinous.

Price - 8500 rubles.

• price-functionality combination;
• simplicity and ease of use - suitable for beginners;
  compactness;
• the ability to export-import sound;
• many effects.

• no.

KORG KR mini

Easy to operate model with 54 factory patterns. This is quite enough for a beginner. The built-in Chain option allows you to create and save full-fledged compositions from finished breaks. It is possible to control using a floor controller or manually, in real time using the 16 pad buttons on the top panel. With the Genre Selector button, you can select patterns for the drum genre - rock, metal, pop, jazz and five more directions, including a user one.

The device is equipped with a built-in 2W speaker, a stereo output and a headphone jack. Runs on mains or batteries.

Price - 8100 rubles.

• wide functionality;
• you can connect a footswitch (for the duration of the performance on stage, for example);
• simple control.

• no.

Teenage Engineering PO-28 Robot

Another model from the Swedish company.Budget device with an animated display, memory for 16 patterns and useful options, such as: sequencer, parameter locks (saves the set sound parameters for each step of the sequencer), built-in effects for a more expressive and voluminous sound.
With this model, you can create your own fills and combine up to 128 patterns in one chain.

Price - 6500 rubles.

• you can record music;
• standard audio jack for keyboard synchronization;
• 16 built-in effects;
• good price.

• not very convenient control - in fairness it should be said that this is due not to the manufacturer's flaws, but to the compact size.

Analog

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

An updated version of the legendary drum machine TR-8S. Groovebox received 8 analog outputs, a trigger connector for connecting external devices (synthesizers, for example) and a multi-channel audio-MIDI interface. With Roland's Analogue Circuit Behavior, a proprietary analog audio circuit modeling technology, the user has more options for adjusting and transforming sounds than the standard sample library. Plus there is the possibility of importing samples from SD. As well as blocking pattern changes - you can experiment without losing the original data and changing patterns without stopping the sequencer.
Management - physical buttons on the panel. For the convenience of the user, there is a built-in LED display that displays the tempo. You can diversify the drum parts, thanks to 16 pads that are sensitive to pressure. Another plus is the backlight. Combined groups of sounds can be "marked" with one color.This option simplifies control and helps the user navigate the event of a live performance in total darkness.
There is enough memory for 128 patterns (with eight variations) and 3 fills.

Price - 130,000 rubles.

• wide functionality;
• recording, transmission, change of sound;
• selection of timbre, tempo and type of drums using midi-messages;
• authentic sound (well, or almost);
  comfortable lighting.

• except for the price, but given the fact that such equipment can be used in a professional studio, there are no shortcomings.

KORG volca bass

A budget option for playing basses that can compete with acoustic percussion instruments in terms of aggressiveness and sound dynamics. The design is compact and extremely easy to operate. The analog sound engine allows for precise adjustment of the sound settings, which, according to the manufacturer, is almost impossible to achieve on a digital simulator.
Functionality includes a step sequencer, a built-in slide option, indispensable for creating electronic music, and Active Step for generating new bass lines. Plus, you can create custom patterns.
The manufacturer offers comprehensive technical support (available on the official website).

Price - 15,000 rubles.

• budget cost;
• compactness - without problems it will fit not only in the studio, but also on the desktop;
• variability of sound settings;
• the ability to record sound.

• limited in terms of sound generation functionality.

Arturia DrumBrute Impact

These are 10 percussion instruments, built-in MIDI and USB interfaces for connecting to a computer, memory for 64 patterns (with the same number of steps) in a compact package.The model is able to process the audio signal for each instrument separately.

With the Pattern Looper function, you can create and loop your own beats, while the connectors on the body allow you to connect the groovebox to additional equipment.

Price - 32,000 rubles.

• recording custom tracks;
• a wide selection of factory patterns;
• price-performance ratio.

• no, in fact it is a budget groovebox and a synthesizer in one device.

Digital

Digitalact

Compact drum machine for home and studio from the Swedish company Elektron with a built-in MIDI sequencer. With it, you can create, process and save author's tracks. The system will automatically load 8 factory patterns the first time you turn it on. You can replace them with one move.

Main features: 8 dedicated MIDI tracks, the ability to connect to external devices and sampling, built-in high-speed USB 2.0 port. Another interesting option is to change the parameters of all tracks by turning one key.

Control - pad buttons on the panel, simple and convenient. Menu navigation is also intuitive. The pads, by the way, can withstand up to 50 million clicks.

The amount of memory is 64 MB (sampling) and 1 GB is accounted for by the drive. The model is equipped with a large and bright OLED display with tactile buttons and backlight.

With such a device, you can create, process and record author's tracks.

Price - 60,000 rubles.

• simple control;
• bright display;
• compact body;
• loading samples.

• no.

MPC One Gold Akai

The combination of compactness, functionality with a large amount of memory - 2 GB of RAM, the same amount of built-in expandable up to 4 GB (there are slots for a full-size SD card). Plus a seven-inch multi-touch display, 16 built-in pads that are sensitive to pressure, best in class (according to the manufacturer and user reviews), and almost unlimited sampling possibilities.

The machine is compatible with analog and modular synthesizers, connection - via CV / Gate (4 connectors).

Price - 66,000 rubles.

• design;
• ergonomics;
• bright display;
• authentic sound;
• unlimited mixing possibilities;
• fine sound settings.

• no.

Twisted Electrons Deton8

Portable machine with 8 voices, one dedicated synthesis track, and 7 sampled drum tracks. The sequencer includes 16 standard patterns with 16 steps, which can be combined into one chain and get a finished song.
The groovebox integrates with almost any external device thanks to USB-MIDI, MIDI and Sync In/Out outputs.
Main features: forward and reverse playback (per track), adjustable delay function with pitch decay for both upper and lower pitches, pattern recording with an additional metronome.

Price - 40,000 rubles.

• clear and simple control;
• recording patterns in real time;
• loading samples;
• 8 stutter modes;
• you can replenish the collection of factory patterns with 14 additional kits.

• no.

The rating shows the models that received the most user reviews. The reviews of most machines do not indicate the shortcomings.The fact is that talking about the sound quality on semi-professional groove boxes is a thankless task. And the opinions of buyers in this regard vary greatly.

Therefore, if you plan to buy a drum machine for yourself, carefully study the technical specifications, decide what exactly you want to get in the end. If you are going to use the groovebox exclusively for yourself - take pocket options, if you play concerts at parties - look for a model that meets the requirements for the musical genre, record music in the studio - buy more expensive models with advanced functionality.