Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $382

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Drumcomputer MFB 522 is a compact yet powerful drum machine designed for DJs and aspiring musicians looking to add a classic touch to their electronic setups. This versatile device is inspired by the vintage drum machines of the 80s, offering a distinctive analog sound that stands out in a digital world. With its user-friendly interface, the MFB 522 makes it easy to craft beats and rhythms that will elevate any performance or production.

Equipped with a range of built-in drum sounds including bass drum, snare, hi-hats, and toms, the MFB 522 allows for comprehensive sound manipulation. Each sound can be finely tuned, ensuring you have the flexibility to tailor your beats exactly how you want them. The step sequencer is a standout feature, offering intuitive control and enabling complex pattern creation with ease. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your musical journey, this drum machine provides the tools you need to experiment and innovate.

A staple in many studios and live setups, the Drumcomputer MFB 522 is known for its reliability and performance. Its durable construction and portable design make it an excellent choice for both studio work and live performances. Join the ranks of musicians who trust the MFB 522 for its authentic sound and creative potential.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive analog sound inspired by vintage drum machines
  • Built-in drum sounds: bass drum, snare, hi-hats, and toms
  • Intuitive step sequencer for complex pattern creation
  • Sound manipulation options for personalized beats
  • Compact and portable design for studio and live use

Product specs

Brand MFB
Model 522
Finish Red
Year 2010s
Made In Germany
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds can I create with the Drumcomputer MFB 522?

The MFB 522 is an analog drum machine capable of producing classic, punchy drum sounds reminiscent of vintage drum machines. It offers 8 voices, including bass drum, snare, and hi-hats, ideal for electronic and dance music genres.

Does the MFB 522 drum machine have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the MFB 522 features MIDI input, allowing you to sync it with other MIDI-compatible devices for enhanced performance and integration into your setup.

Is the MFB 522 suitable for live performances?

The MFB 522 is well-suited for live performances, offering hands-on control and classic analog sounds that can be easily integrated into DJ and live electronic music sets.

How does the polyphony of the MFB 522 affect its performance?

With 8-voice polyphony, the MFB 522 allows you to layer multiple drum sounds simultaneously, providing a fuller and more dynamic rhythm section in your music productions.

S- Knob

S- Knob

Drumcomputer MFB 522 Demo

Video thumbnail for Drumcomputer MFB 522 Demo by S- Knob

Drumcomputer MFB 522 Demo

S- Knob

S- Knob

Video thumbnail for TR-808 vs MFB-522 by lesingemonotone

TR-808 vs MFB-522

lesingemonotone

lesingemonotone

Video thumbnail for MFB 522 drumcomputer demo by Shimanski Beats

MFB 522 drumcomputer demo

Shimanski Beats

Shimanski Beats

Video thumbnail for MFB-522 drumcomputer sound demo by acidoo.com

MFB-522 drumcomputer sound demo

acidoo.com

acidoo.com

Video thumbnail for MFB-522 Drum Computer / Authentic + Affordable TR-808 Alternative by Liam Killen

MFB-522 Drum Computer / Authentic + Affordable TR-808 Alternative

Liam Killen

Liam Killen

Video thumbnail for MFB 522 DRUMCOMPUTER  Sound and Functions   [direct high quality sound] by Penishead

MFB 522 DRUMCOMPUTER Sound and Functions [direct high quality sound]

Penishead

Penishead

Video thumbnail for MFB Tanzbar vs MFB 522 by 3rdStoreyChemist

MFB Tanzbar vs MFB 522

3rdStoreyChemist

3rdStoreyChemist

Video thumbnail for MFB 522 Drumcomputer by 3rdStoreyChemist

MFB 522 Drumcomputer

3rdStoreyChemist

3rdStoreyChemist

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Drumcomputer MFB 522.

Comparisons

  • The MFB 522 is likened to a pocket-sized TR-808, with some users preferring its sound over the original TR-808.

    Source
  • The MFB 522's sound is described as a brighter, sharper blend of TR-808 and TR-606 characteristics, offering a unique tonal profile.

    Source
  • The MFB 522 is considered a great, affordable 808 replica before the advent of Behringer's offerings.

    Source
  • Compared to the Volca Beats, the MFB 522 provides superior sound and additional output options, though the Volca Beats might be more fun for sequencing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users desire instrument mutes and more MIDI CC controls, features present in the Tanzbär Lite.

    Source
  • The MFB 522 is described as having a "weird shift button sequencer," which can be cumbersome to use without external sequencing devices.

    Source
  • The MFB 522 includes an accent and de-accent feature, and velocity settings can be utilized when connected via MIDI to a DAW.

    Source
  • The MFB 522 offers extra outputs for certain drums, facilitating isolated processing of specific sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the MFB 522's clap and tom sounds, but wish for tunable hi-hats.

    Source
  • Owners find the bass kick and claps extremely powerful, with one user likening them to "earth shattering" and "house-wrecking."

    Source
  • The machine is generally easy to program, though cycling through various tom/conga timbres can be cumbersome.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a cheap pedal like distortion, overdrive, or fuzz on a second bus is recommended to enhance the raw sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners have reported the power input is fragile, causing shutdowns if the plug is slightly loose or misaligned.

    Source
  • Small volume and pitch controls make on-the-fly sound adjustments challenging, potentially impacting live performance usability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MFB 522 & 503

soundonsound.com

The MFB 522 impresses with its compact design, affordability, and classic analog sound reminiscent of the TR808, offering tweakable controls and multiple outputs ideal for live performances. While its MIDI functionality is limited and lacks battery power, its unique character and portability make it a standout choice for budget-conscious musicians seeking an analog drum machine.

positive

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kid Koala uses Drumcomputer MFB 522

Kid Koala

DJ

Deltron 3030

...
Verified via Facebook

Kid Koala seen using a Drumcomputer MFB 522 in his studio in a picture posted on his official Facebook.

See how Benjamin Damage uses Drumcomputer MFB 522

Benjamin Damage

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Benjamin Damage - Against The Clock" by 180 Fact, Benjamin Damage uses the Drumcomputer MFB 522.

See how ACM live uses Drumcomputer MFB 522

ACM live

...
Verified via Photo

"For drums I use a Vermona DRM1 and an MFB 522"

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 Drumcomputer MFB 522, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
1

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