The drums form the heartbeat of most songs for many musicians, so it’s important to get them to sound exactly like you want. Fortunately, there are plenty of software and hardware solutions that enable musicians to do just that. Here’s a quick round-up of the most recent and upcoming hardware and software drum machines.

Software

KR-55C

By Cherry Audio

Link: https://cherryaudio.com/products/kr-55c

Price: $49

Cherry Audio is expanding its roster with the release of KR-55C. The company describes it as a “best-of-both-worlds software emulation” that combines features from the Korg Rhythm 55 and KR-55B. This virtual instrument contains all the rhythms from both models, which means users have access to 240 factory patterns, intros, and fills. Cherry Audio has also added 200 original patterns and kits to KR-55C. Depending on whether users select the A or B model, the interface also changes. 

Instead of samples, The Rhythm 55’s tones are emulated through analog modeling. Thanks to the Instrument Edit panel, users can also tweak parameters like tuning and EQ for each instrument. It also features Mixer and Effects sections for separate processing of each sound using panning, overdrive, chorus, reverb, and more. For more information about KR-55C, as well as the hardware it is based on, visit the official Cherry Audio website. The introductory video below also features a showcase of the KR-55C. 

BFD 3.5

By BFD Drums

Link: https://www.bfddrums.com/bfd3/

Price: $199.99

Staying with software drums, BFD Drums has released version 3.5 of their flagship software acoustic drum studio. It promises new levels of realism, along with ground-breaking features and an intuitive redesigned engine. BFD 3.5 is not only designed to sound great but also offers users as much depth as possible. Users can browse for entire presets, compile custom kits, and mold any of the drum sounds to their liking. The new version also introduces modeled torn resonance and bleed, which blends the sound of the kits more naturally. BFD Drums has also worked on the mixing and exporting elements with new effects and workflow enhancements. 

The BFD 3.5 core library now features 51 kits with 60-mix-ready preset BFD kits, 82 ready-to-play drum Groove Palettes, 48 audio effects, and a revamped GUI. For more information, visit the BFD Drums website or watch the video below. 

Playbeat 4

By Audiomodern

Link: https://audiomodern.com/shop/plugins/playbeat-4/

Price: Intro Offer €69 (Reg. €89)

Audiomodern has unveiled Playbeat 4, describing it as a revolutionary AI-powered drum designer that will redefine the drum game. Thanks to new, cutting-edge algorithms and genre-based pattern generation, no two beats will ever be the same. The software also ensures that all the generated patterns are usable, musical, and fresh. Users simply select their preferred music styles and Playbeat 4 will then generate patterns tailored to these choices. Users also have full control over the complexity of the beat and can choose between complete drum tracks, individual sounds, or patterns only. According to Audomodern, Playbeat 4 is also designed to evolve with you, so the more you use it, the more it grows and personalizes your reactive process. Watch the video below for a look at what Playbeat 4 has to offer or visit the official website for more information.

Hardware

Drumkid

By Bradshaw Instruments

Link: https://bradshawinstruments.myshopify.com/products/drumkid-eurorack-module

Price: £250.00 GBP

Bradshaw Instruments has opened pre-orders for the Drumkid Eurorack module. According to them, it is essentially a standard drum machine, but with the ability to add or subtract hits from a rhythm using probability. Users have access to several knobs and CV input signals to affect the flow of randomness in a way that still makes it feel intuitive and musical. The end result is something that is basically a hybrid between programmed and live drums. Of course, Drumkid can also be pushed into producing weirder, glitchier beats if desired.

Drumkid’s features and specs include two audio outputs, four trigger outputs, four CV inputs, 12 parameter knobs, an SD card slot for loading samples, tuplet modes, and a 40digit LED display. It also features an open-source design with editable firmware. For more information, visit the official website or watch the video below for a demonstration of how Drumkid works. Bradshaw Instruments has stated that the first batch of 20 pre-orders will be dispatched by the end of March, while the next batch will go out in April.