TOPIC HUB
Drum Machines
808, 909, 606, 707, CR-78, Rhythmicon, Sideman, Linn machines, and more.
9 canonical answer briefsWhat Is the TR-808?
The TR-808 is a fully analog Roland rhythm composer introduced in 1980, known for a deep pitch-dropping bass drum and culturally transformative use in electro, hip-hop, pop, and later trap.
Evidence A · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the TR-909?
The TR-909 is a Roland rhythm composer introduced in 1983 whose kick and several drum voices used analog circuitry while cymbals used digital samples; it became foundational in house and tec
Evidence A · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the TR-606?
The TR-606 is a compact Roland analog rhythm composer closely associated with early electronic music, acid, and underground production; its kick is lighter and less sub-dominant than an 808.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the TR-707?
The TR-707 is a Roland digital sample-based rhythm composer known for crisp, recognisable 1980s drum sounds and strong visual programming.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the CR-78?
The CR-78 is an early programmable Roland rhythm machine whose soft electronic percussion and preset rhythms appeared widely in late-1970s and early-1980s music.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the Linn LM-1?
The Linn LM-1 is an early commercially influential drum computer built around digital samples of acoustic drums, offering a different aesthetic from analog synthesis.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the LinnDrum?
The LinnDrum is a widely used sample-based drum machine of the early 1980s whose acoustic-derived samples helped define pop production.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the Wurlitzer Sideman?
The Wurlitzer Sideman is an early commercial electro-mechanical rhythm machine designed to accompany organists with preset patterns and drum-like voices.
Evidence B · draft-review-requireddefinitionWhat Is the Rhythmicon?
The Rhythmicon is an experimental 1931 electronic rhythm instrument designed by Leon Theremin for Henry Cowell to explore relationships between rhythm and the harmonic series.
Evidence A · draft-review-required