There are arguments to be made that hardware drum machines are a bit of an anachronism in the modern age.
Software drum tools – including the stock ones included in most DAWs – are so powerful that it could seem counterintuitive to limit yourself to a single instrument for beat making. There is, however, something special about the physical process of programming, playing and tweaking rhythms using hardware.
The key to making the most of a drum machine in the modern age is to lean into its limitations and characteristics. As we discuss in this month’s cover feature, if you really learn the capabilities of a machine and how far they can be pushed, a hardware drum machine can still be the perfect tool to unlock your creativity.
All print and digital readers can grab all of this issue’s exclusive download content from our download page!
Buy this issue now via:
Apple Newsstand (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch)
Pocket Mags (iPhone/iPad/Android/PC/Mac)
In Print: Find FM on your local news stand or order your copy direct from us!
All print and digital copies include access to 18GB+ of exclusive samples and more!
Subscribe now and save!
Interviews
Actress – The ever-innovative Darren Cunningham on his approach to production and making his most atmospheric album to date
Max Cooper – The UK artist on his favourite synths and his visually guided workflow
Kiasmos – The Nordic duo bringing modern classical into dance on vintage Korgs, orchestral mixing and their love of the iPhone mic
Elsy Wameyo – The hip-hop and R&B songwriter on the influence of her heritage and crafting her debut album
Classic Album – D:Ream talk us through their '90s debut album On Vol.1
Technique
Ultimate Drum Machines – How and why you should be integrating a hardware drum machine into your workflow
Masterclass – Make the most of the new features in Reason 13
Producer's Guide – Why we still love the classic Sequential Prophet-5
Pioneers – The often counterintuitive brilliance of Prince as a producer
Reviews
Moog Labyrinth
Dreadbox Murmux Adept
Knobula Echo Cinematic
Arturia FX Collection 5
Dynaudio Core 5 and Sub
Shure MV7+
Reason Studios Reason 13
Korg Opsix MkII
...and more
Samples
‘90s Jungle – We can’t accept drum ‘n’ bass. Nothing but classic ‘90s jungle influences in this pack of beats, loops and lines
Retro Strings – Get the classic sound of sampled strings with the pack of warm and fuzzy orchestral sounds and stirring string stabs
Access the FM sample archive – UPDATED FOR 2024! Download the ‘Archive’ packs and get over 20GB of loops, hits and instruments from our back catalogue of high-quality and royalty-free samples. From vintage synths and drum machines to esoteric instruments and FX – think of it as our best of. All the samples you need to create great music!
