A drum machine reproduces the sounds which a musical drum or other percussion instruments make. It is an electronic alternative, used when drummers are not required, to produce similar music as the original by synthesizing the music. The operator can electronically create drumbeats through these machines.

Known earlier as “Rhythm Makers”, it was during the early 1930s that the Rhythgmicon was invented by Leon Theremin to produce a variety of rhythms.

Theremin’s invention was able to play as many as 16 different rhythms, in different pitches, solo, or en-masse or in combination with each other.

Improvised drum machines appeared in 1947. The Chamberlin Rhythmate, with 14 tape loops, enabled different tracks to be played back either on these tapes solo or with blending. Volume controls and input jacks also appeared after some time.

12 years later, the Sideman (which was invented in Wurlitzer) became the first commercially produced drum machine, offering predefined rhythmic patterns and tempos. Then came the Rhythm Synthesizer, which was invented by Raymond Scott. It was commonly called Bandito the Bongo Artist, and its Soothing Sounds for Baby became a popular series. Rhythm Ace produced by Roland continues to be a successful drum machine.

From its origins, drum machines have come a long way, progress from analog sound synthesizers to fully digital composers. We also now have fully programmable drum machines. Roland continues to flood the market with a number of different types of drum machines.

These days, online drum machines are also quite a rage. They are inexpensive and produce great sounds. Although one can easily start using an online drum machine, make sure you do a little research if you decide that you want to purchase a real drum machine.