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Average Price: $199

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

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Description

Step into a world where vintage charm meets modern innovation with the Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine. This versatile piece of gear is designed for DJs and musicians who crave the authentic warmth of analog sound without sacrificing contemporary features. Whether you're diving into retro grooves or crafting cutting-edge beats, the Tom Cat offers a playground of sonic possibilities.

At its core, the Tom Cat provides an intuitive interface with independently tunable voices for kick, snare, clap, hi-hat, and toms. Its 32-step sequencer allows for intricate pattern creation, bringing your compositions to life with precision and flair. With USB and MIDI connectivity, integrating the Tom Cat into your existing setup is seamless, ensuring you can focus on performance and creativity without unnecessary hassle.

Perfectly blending the tactile feel of classic gear with modern-day demands, the Tom Cat is an essential tool for any musician looking to expand their sonic palette. Dive deep into its tweakable parameters and let your creativity flow, whether on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Fully analog drum machine with vintage and modern capabilities
  • Independently tunable voices: Kick, Snare, Clap, Hi-Hat, and Toms
  • 32-step sequencer for detailed pattern creation
  • USB and MIDI connectivity for seamless integration
  • Compact and portable design for musicians on the move

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine
Finish Yellow
Year 2015 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 6 Pads

FAQs

What type of sounds can I expect from the Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine?

The Akai Tom Cat offers a range of classic analog drum sounds, including kick, snare, clap, and hi-hats, with a warm and punchy character typical of analog circuits. It is well-suited for genres like techno, house, and hip-hop.

Does the Akai Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Akai Tom Cat features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing it to easily integrate with other MIDI-compatible gear and DAWs for synchronized performance and sequencing.

How many pads does the Akai Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine have?

The Akai Tom Cat is equipped with 6 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for dynamic and expressive drum programming and performance.

Can the Akai Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine be used in a live performance setting?

Absolutely, the Akai Tom Cat is designed for both studio and live performance, with intuitive controls and a robust build that make it suitable for on-stage use.

What is the main advantage of using an analog drum machine like the Akai Tom Cat?

The primary advantage of the Akai Tom Cat's analog design is its ability to produce warm, rich, and dynamic drum sounds that are often preferred for their natural and organic feel compared to digital counterparts.

Benjamin Jimenez

Benjamin Jimenez

Akai Tom Cat Drum Machine Demo

Video thumbnail for Akai Tom Cat Drum Machine Demo by Benjamin Jimenez

Akai Tom Cat Drum Machine Demo

Benjamin Jimenez

Benjamin Jimenez

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Akai Tom Cat - The Better Rhythm Wolf??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Akai Tom Cat - The Better Rhythm Wolf???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for REVIEW of Akai Tomcat by Basement Arcade

REVIEW of Akai Tomcat

Basement Arcade

Basement Arcade

Video thumbnail for review: AKAI Tom Cat analog drum machine by Ave Mcree

review: AKAI Tom Cat analog drum machine

Ave Mcree

Ave Mcree

Video thumbnail for Akai Professional TomCat Drum Machine | NAMM 2015 by planetdjinc

Akai Professional TomCat Drum Machine | NAMM 2015

planetdjinc

planetdjinc

Video thumbnail for AKAI Tom Cat | NAMM SHOW 2015 by Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

AKAI Tom Cat | NAMM SHOW 2015

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Bax-shop | Bax Music Goes

Video thumbnail for Akai Tom Cat Unboxing & demo by anode8

Akai Tom Cat Unboxing & demo

anode8

anode8

Video thumbnail for Guitar Center New from NAMM 2015 - Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine by Guitar Center

Guitar Center New from NAMM 2015 - Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Reviews

PROS

  • Better sound quality for multiple music genres than some competitors

  • Simple to use with a solid build

  • Unique distortion circuit adds character

  • All analog components for authentic sound

CONS

  • Poorly rated compared to other gear in its class

  • No individual outputs for external processing

  • Limited sequencer capabilities; no polyrhythms

  • Controls can be unintuitive, requiring adjustment of multiple parameters

  • Aggressive response needed to trigger pads affects velocity sensitivity

  • Lacks decay control for closed hi-hat (though modifiable)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine.

Features and functionality

  • The Tom Cat's sequencer has separate channels for drums and synth, allowing simultaneous sequencing and control of external devices via MIDI channels 1 and 10.

    Source
  • The Tom Cat's "Maul" knob increases distortion but also significantly boosts the volume, affecting the overall sound balance.

    Source
  • The Tom Cat's sequencer is praised for its responsiveness and power, particularly in creating intricate patterns with ease.

    Source
  • The Tom Cat sends MIDI for drums on channel 10, while Disco Toms specifically transmit on channel 1, which can cause unintended triggering in connected gear.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Attack knob on the Tom Cat's Disco Toms is noted for its limited effect, while the Decay knob offers a broader range of response.

    Source
  • Some users appreciate the full-sized interface with dedicated knobs and buttons, finding it more ergonomic compared to smaller drum machines like the Volca Beats.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite limited sound sculpting abilities, users enhance the Tom Cat's tonal range using external effects like amp simulation and delay.

    Source
  • Owners frequently pair the Tom Cat with external gear, such as the Monotron Delay and Behringer pedals, to enhance its sonic capabilities.

    Source
  • For those experiencing sync challenges, using CV sync is recommended as a workaround to avoid MIDI-induced sequence interruptions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An old used Electribe ER1 is often recommended over the Tom Cat for similar pricing, due to better sound quality and versatility.

    Source
  • The Tom Cat's sound is described as more powerful than the Volca Beats, potentially due to its amplification, although specific equipment used is not detailed.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have abandoned the Tom Cat's built-in sequencer in favor of more flexible MIDI control for broader creative possibilities.

    Source
  • Despite its limitations, the Tom Cat is considered a solid budget option for analog drum sounds, appealing to those new to drum machines.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users have resolved sync issues with the MicroBrute by switching it off of omni mode to a single MIDI channel, preventing unwanted sequence retriggering.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai Tom Cat review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine stands out with its unique, aggressive sound and robust construction. Its standout features include distinct kick and snare sounds with pitch envelopes and highpass filters, offering a wide range of textures ideal for genres like hardstyle and hip-hop. The machine's solid build, including a sturdy all-metal housing and velocity-sensitive pads, further boosts its appeal. However, the hi-hats' design is criticized for limiting decay control, affecting traditional patterns. Despite this, the Tom Cat's distinctive character and affordability make it a worthy addition for musicians seeking an unconventional flair.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
F

This is really a rebel

A drummachine on it's own. The distortion circuit is nice too! All analog.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Moderat uses Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Tom Cat in this video

See how Funkagenda uses Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine

Funkagenda

Music Producer

Mark Knight & Funkagenda

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Funkagenda expresses interest in acquiring the Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine, referring to it as a "beast."

See how Matt Didemus uses Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine

Matt Didemus

Music Producer

Junior Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

Matt can be seen using the Akai tom cat throughout his video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai Professional Tom Cat Analog Drum Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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lietoofine

lietoofine

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