Oberheim • DX
The DX was a lighter version of the classic DMX drum machine. In fact its look, features and programming method are basically the same as the DMX. The DX has individual tuning knobs for the drum tones and an external trigger input. Its sounds are sampled recordings of actual instruments. The DX only has 18 drum sounds and the DMX has 24. Both drum machines have a number of human like feel effects such as a great swing function, rolls, flams and other weird time signatures and grooves. Best of all it's easy to operate. There are also 6 individual outputs like the DMX for easing studio use. It has been used by Hip Hop artists since the very beginning of Hip Hop! It has been used by Apollo 440, Daft Punk, and Jimi Tenor.
My second DX came from eBay, and was absolutely mint condition with original box, manual and sound chips. It was a later Dxa which had plastic side panels and MIDI. The previous owner had bought it new with an Oberheim synth, but never used it, hence the fantastic condition. I eventually sold it on eBay to get the money to buy a LinnDrum. Big mistake number 2. The Linn is great, but I really miss the sounds of the DX, the step programming (Linn is real time only) and the massive memory.
Overall, this is probably the early sampled drum machine that should really be on everyones shopping list, as it's very versatile, reliable and fun.