“Much like its predecessor, the 909 was also a commercial flop, and arguably more so than the 808”: How the drum machine grew into a viable alternative to real drummers

Drum Machine collection.

DRUMS WEEK 2025: In the early days of the drum machine, real human drummers could sit comfortably on their stools, as their drum machine rivals harboured a reputation for rigidity and inflexibility in both their feel and programming.

But with the march of time not only did drum machines come of age, but they maintained an exceptionally heavy presence and influence on all electronic drum sounds to follow.

The chances are, you have probably used many of these sounds yourself, and if you don't think you have, it's likely that the sounds you are using are a direct result of heavy influence.