drum machines

[mavsbball]

I'm looking into getting a drum machine to write and record with, any suggestions on something that sounds good and is't crazy expensive? Thanks

[Johno]

I'd say either Alesis SR or Zoom Rythm Track, both can be had cheap.

[electric12]

+1 on the Alesis.

[cestlamort]

It's all relative -- The Alesis is great for the money (usually $75 or less used) and is really easy to use. I really don't like some of the 80s metal-esque gated reverbs.
I'd suggest coming up with a wish list of 3-5 drum machines and just jump on whatever you find first. I've put rough prices in there, just to give you an idea. I wouldn't pay more than the prices below. (and I think I bought most of these for half those prices after lots of patience and scouring want ads).

Alesis sr-16 ($75)
boss dr-660 (way better sounds than the alesis, doesn't have the great "fill" function) ($80 or so. Some might ask $150 or $50. Who knows).
boss dr-550 / MK II (less space for storing songs, works okay to learn how do to it all) ($50)
older boss dr's. Seem fine.

and I've always liked the korg electribe stuff for the fake Roland 808 interface and blinky step sequence lights. (some of us work better with step sequencers than actually being able to tap in the drum parts ). The ER-1 ($150) is awesome for fake drum sounds (a la Kraftwerk et al) and the ES-1 ($175) is a nice cheap sampler (so you can do any sound). A pad of graph paper helps for mapping the parts. Old grooveboxes (boss dr303, roland mc303) can be fun, too.

With that in mind, it might be cheaper and/or easier to use a software drum machine. I haven't kept up, but even fruityloops was really cool (oh, a decade ago?) Shucks, you could probably get something for your iphone, too.

Really, there are tons of good options out there. I would scout around guitar stores and craigslist et al.

The main question:
- do you want it to sound like a drummer (-> alesis, boss)
- do you want it to sound like a drum machine (-> korg, etc)

[sonofmustangford]

I'd recommend a Roland R8 if you can find one for the right price. Excellent sounds and a great interface in a bank of large pads. They have a particularly distinctive sound though. Similar to the Boss DR 550 but way more versatile.

Personally, I use the rack version of the R8 triggered by a laptop running a sequencer. Makes programming really easy and space for midi info is virtually endless.

Unlike most cheaper drum machines, the R8 has multiple outs. Good for multitracking if you like that control come mix time.