If there’s one thing you can count on in the world of music production, it’s that each year brings a wealth of new drum machines and samplers to choose from. These days it’s not uncommon to see instruments that blur the lines between drum machines, samplers, and synthesizers. The Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field and the Akai MPC Key-61 are just two examples of all-in-one production stations that excel in both this category and the “best new synth” category. But no matter what you call them, the ultimate goal of these tools is the same: to help musicians and producers create and shape the perfect beat. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best new drum machines and samplers for 2023, as chosen by over 50 pro audio gear experts. Learn more about how this works.

Elektron Syntakt

The Elektron Syntakt is a compact, 6-track groovebox / drum computer with a plethora of features and functions for creating and arranging beats and loops. It has a built-in step sequencer and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for triggering sounds, as well as a range of effects and modulation options for shaping and sculpting sounds. The Syntakt also has a built-in sampling function for capturing and manipulating audio, as well as a number of external connectivity options for integrating with other gear.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Wide range of sound shaping and modulation options
• Built-in step sequencer and sampling function
• External connectivity options

Cons

• Limited number of tracks compared to some other grooveboxes / drum computers
• No built-in display

Best For

The Elektron Syntakt is best for electronic music producers and beatmakers looking for a compact and portable tool for creating and arranging beats and loops. It’s also well-suited for live performances, with its velocity-sensitive pads and range of effects and modulation options.

Key Specifications

• 6 tracks
• 16 velocity-sensitive pads
• Step sequencer
• Sampling function
• Range of effects and modulation options
• External connectivity options
• Compact and portable design

Polyend Play

The Polyend Play is a powerful and versatile hardware synthesizer that offers a wide range of sound design capabilities. With its intuitive user interface, built-in effects, and ability to connect to a computer, it’s a great tool for any musician or producer looking to add a new dimension to their sound.

Pros

• Great build quality
• Excellent sound quality
• Highly versatile
• Easy to use
• Good value for the price

Cons

• No built-in sequencer

Best For

The Polyend Play is a great choice for musicians and producers of any genre who want a high-quality hardware synthesizer with a wide range of sound design capabilities. It’s especially well-suited for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and intuitive synth that can be easily integrated into their existing setup.

Key Specifications

• 37-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
• 16-voice polyphony
• Multiple oscillator types, including wavetable and granular
• Built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus
• Able to connect to a computer via USB
• Compatible with Mac and PC

Akai MPC Key 61

The Akai MPC Key 61 is a compact, portable music production controller that combines the iconic MPC workflow with a full-sized keyboard and a range of powerful features. It features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, a 4x4 matrix of velocity-sensitive MPC pads, and an array of control knobs and buttons for easy access to your virtual instruments and effects. The MPC Key 61 also includes a built-in arpeggiator, a selection of MPC-style effects, and advanced sequencing capabilities.

Pros

• Compact, portable design
• Full-sized keyboard with velocity sensitivity
• Iconic MPC pads with velocity sensitivity
• Built-in arpeggiator and effects
• Advanced sequencing capabilities

Cons

• No aftertouch on the keyboard
• Limited number of pads compared to some other MPCs

Best For

The Akai MPC Key 61 is a great choice for producers and musicians who want the power and versatility of the MPC workflow in a portable, keyboard-based controller. It’s especially well-suited for live performance, as it’s small enough to take on the road and has a full-sized keyboard for playing melodies and chord progressions.

Key Specifications

• 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
• 4x4 matrix of velocity-sensitive MPC pads
• Built-in arpeggiator
• Selection of MPC-style effects
• Advanced sequencing capabilities
• USB-MIDI and 5-pin MIDI connectivity
• Sustain pedal input
• Compatible with MPC 2.0 software and most DAWs

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field

The Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field is a portable synthesizer and sampler that combines a powerful sound engine with an intuitive interface. It has a built-in speaker, a sequencer, a drum machine, and a four-track tape recorder. The OP-1 Field is designed to be a portable studio, allowing you to create music on the go.

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• Powerful sound engine
• Intuitive interface
• Built-in speaker
• Four-track tape recorder

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited number of sound sources

Best For

The Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field is best for electronic music producers and composers who want a portable synthesizer and sampler. It is also suitable for musicians who want to create music on the go.

Key Specifications

• 4-track tape recorder
• 8-voice synthesizer
• FM radio
• Built-in speaker
• 16-step sequencer

Roland Aira T-8

The Roland Aira T-8 is a drum machine that combines the classic sound and style of Roland’s TR-8 with the modern convenience and flexibility of a digital instrument. It features a variety of onboard sound sources, including samples of classic drum machines, as well as the ability to import your own samples. The T-8 also offers a range of performance features, including step sequencer, real-time recording, and the ability to control external MIDI devices.

Pros

• Classic Roland sound and style
• Wide range of onboard sound sources
• Flexible performance features

Cons

• Limited external connectivity (no audio inputs or outputs)
• No built-in effects or processing

Best For

The Roland Aira T-8 is best for electronic musicians and producers who are looking for a drum machine that can deliver classic Roland sounds and style, but with modern convenience and flexibility. It is especially well-suited for use in live performance.

Key Specifications

• 16 drum sounds
• 16-step sequencer
• Real-time recording
• External MIDI control
• Import custom samples via SD card

1010music Nanobox Razzmatazz

The 1010music Nanobox Razzmatazz is a powerful and compact sequencer and drum machine that is perfect for live performances or studio sessions. Its compact size makes it easy to take on the go, and the intuitive interface allows for quick and easy programming. The Nanobox Razzmatazz features 16 built-in drum samples, 8 tracks, and up to 128 steps per track. It also has a built-in arpeggiator and a variety of performance modes, including a step multiplier and probability mode.

Pros

• Compact size makes it easy to take on the go
• Intuitive interface allows for quick and easy programming
• 16 built-in drum samples
• 8 tracks and up to 128 steps per track
• Built-in arpeggiator
• Performance modes include step multiplier and probability mode

Cons

• Limited to 16 built-in drum samples
• No built-in display

Best For

The 1010music Nanobox Razzmatazz is best for electronic music producers and live performers who want a compact and powerful sequencer and drum machine.

Key Specifications

• 16 built-in drum samples
• 8 tracks
• Up to 128 steps per track
• Built-in arpeggiator
• Performance modes include step multiplier and probability mode

Erica Synths Pērkons HD-01

The Erica Synths Pērkons HD-01 is a drum synth that has a lot to offer. With a high-quality build, this synth is easy to use and versatile, making it a great choice for those who are looking to create complex rhythms and beats. The sound quality of the Pērkons HD-01 is impressive, with a wide range of drum sounds available. While it is compatible with a number of different software and hardware, some users may find that it takes a bit of time to get the hang of using it with certain programs. Despite this, the Pērkons HD-01 provides great value for its price.

Pros

• High-quality build
• Easy to use
• Wide range of drum sounds
• Great value for the price

Cons

• Compatibility can be a bit tricky with certain software

Best For

The Pērkons HD-01 is a great choice for anyone looking to create complex rhythms and beats. It is particularly well-suited for electronic and techno music, but can also be used for other genres.

Key Specifications

• 16 drum channels
• 24 audio inputs and outputs
• 12 assignable buttons
• 2 LFOs
• 2 VCOs
• 2 VCFs
• 1 VCA
• 1 sample player
• 1 noise generator

Korg Drumlogue

The Korg Drumlogue is a compact and powerful drum synthesizer that delivers a wide range of percussion sounds. It features six analog voices, each with its own independent filter and overdrive circuit, as well as a digital multi-engine and PCM sound generator. The Drumlogue also boasts an intuitive interface with a clear OLED screen, a built-in arpeggiator, and a step sequencer with up to 64 steps.

Pros

• Compact size makes it easy to take on the go
• Wide range of percussion sounds available
• Intuitive interface with clear OLED screen
• Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer

Cons

• Limited polyphony (6 voices)
• No built-in effects

Best For

The Korg Drumlogue is best for electronic music producers and drummers who want a compact and powerful drum synthesizer with a wide range of sounds. It is also suitable for live performances due to its small size and intuitive interface.

Key Specifications

• 6 analog voices
• Digital multi-engine and PCM sound generator
• OLED screen
• Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer
• USB and MIDI connectivity

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