Drum Machines!

Drum Machines

The History of Drum Machines

By Christopher Smoker

What is the TR-808?

Made from 1980-1983

TR-808 was made to be an affordable drum machie

Unique synthesis, with a bass booming drum and crisp h-hats

Used by underground musicans primarily

Popularly known for songs "Sexual Healing by Marving Gaye & "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa

TR-808 by Roland

The TR-909

Manufactured in 1983

Removed "unrealistic" sounds from TR-808

First to feature MIDI compatability

Faced initial stagnation due to LinnDrum

Became popular in underground because of punchy kic drum and snapy snare

Used by Jeff Mills, Carl Cox, and Daft Punk

TR-909 by Roland

LinnDrum LM-2

Made in 1982 the second drum machine from Roger Linn

Made cheaper than the LM-1 to be affordable

Features a 12 bit digital sample of real drums

The realistic sound defined it as a preferred drum machine

Was used to create tracks for Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Peter Gabriel

The Linn Drum LM-2 was used primarily in pop, rock, and synthwave

LinnDrum LM-2 by Roger Linn

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. "Roland TR-808." Wikipedia, 21 Nov. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_TR-808.

Wikipedia contributors. "Roland TR-909." Wikipedia, 21 Nov. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_TR-909.

dice37252. "Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer – Vintage Drum Machine (eBay Listing)." eBay, Item no. 404531992191, https://www.ebay.com/itm/404531992191. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

MusicTech. "Essential Guide: The History of Drum Machines." MusicTech, https://musictech.com/guides/essential-guide/drum-machines-history/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Thank you for reading!