The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, often referred to as ‘the 808’, is an iconic drum machine released by Roland in 1980 and discontinued in 1983. Unbelievably they weren’t popular at the time!
Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer
Boss DR-220e Dr. Rhythm
A super compact and portable drum machine manufactured by Boss in 1987. The DR-220e is the electronic version with more synthetic sounds. Made to be accessible for aspiring producers but still made that 80s sound.
Boss DR-220a Dr. Rhythm
A super compact and portable digital drum machine based on 12-bit PCM samples with a built in LCD matrix sequencer. The acoustic version of the DR-220a Dr.Rhythm was released by Boss in 1987.
Maestro Rhythm King MRK-1
This early analog drum machine was used by the sonic visionary, Sly Stone. He called it “The Funk Box.” It only has 18 preset rhythms, pitch control, and triggers to play specific sounds.
Ace Tone Rhythm Ace FR-1
After the prototype rhythm Ace R-1 was shown at NAMM in 1964, Ace Tone released the Rhythm Ace FR-1. The first drum machine produced by a circuit called a diode matrix.