Basic Features

Beat machines commonly have a sequencer, sample playback, and a synthesizer component that reproduces drum sounds. Drum beats made on the machine are usually saved on a media format, such as a zip disk or rewritable compact disc, or a hard drive built into the machine.

Analog Vs. Digital

Analog drum machines and more modern digital drum machines synthesize sounds differently. To generate sounds, analog drum machines use basic sound waves, such as a sine wave or white noise. Digital drum machines use recorded samples, and can be used to recreate more realistic drum patterns.

First Beat Machine To Use Digital Sampling

The Linn LM-1 Drum computer, introduced in 1980, was the first drum machine to utilize digital sampling. The production run was very low, and only 500 were produced. It was very expensive, and retailed for $4,999.

Programming

Depending on the machine, programming can be done in real time. This means that the user creates the drum patterns by touching different pads on the machine. Each pad triggers a different sound sample. Many modern machines have hundreds and even thousands of different sounds available.

Fun Fact

The first drum machine, called the Rhythmicon, was developed by Leon Theremin after being commissioned by music composer Henry Cowell. The machine was first made available for commercial sale in 1932.

Source:

Welcome to Drum Machine Museum

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Electronic Music History: Birth of the Drum Machine

Resource:

History of Drum Machine Programming - DrumMachineProgramming.com