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Average Price: $321

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

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Description

The MFB-503 is a drum-computer that offers five editable instruments. Bass Drum, Snare Drum and Toms work fully analogue while Cymbal and Hihat each rely on two sampled waveforms. All instrument’s editable parameters are stored within a respective pattern. In addition, the MFB-503 offers 90 memory locations for user-defined drum-kits. Up to 90 programmable patterns are also available, with a length of one or two bars each. Finally, these patterns can be chained to form up to 90 songs.

Product specs

Brand MFB
Model 503
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Made In Germany
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Hybrid
MIDI I/O MIDI Input
Polyphony 5-voice

FAQs

What type of sounds can the MFB-503 Drumcomputer produce?

The MFB-503 Drumcomputer is known for producing punchy, analog drum sounds, including kicks, snares, hi-hats, and toms, suitable for electronic music genres like techno and house.

Is the MFB-503 Drumcomputer compatible with other MIDI devices?

Yes, the MFB-503 features a MIDI input, allowing it to be integrated and synchronized with other MIDI-compatible gear in your setup.

How many voices of polyphony does the MFB-503 Drumcomputer have?

The MFB-503 Drumcomputer offers 5-voice polyphony, enabling it to play multiple drum sounds simultaneously for more complex rhythms.

Can the MFB-503 Drumcomputer be used in live performances?

Yes, the MFB-503 is designed for both studio and live performance settings, offering robust analog sound and MIDI capabilities for dynamic live sets.

What makes the MFB-503 Drumcomputer unique compared to other drum machines?

The MFB-503 stands out with its hybrid analog/digital design, providing authentic analog drum sounds while offering digital control for precision and flexibility.

S- Knob

S- Knob

Drumcomputer MFB 503 Demo

Video thumbnail for Drumcomputer MFB 503 Demo by S- Knob

Drumcomputer MFB 503 Demo

S- Knob

S- Knob

Video thumbnail for MFB / Drumcomputer MFB-503 / Demonstration Movie by FUKUSANKIGYO

MFB / Drumcomputer MFB-503 / Demonstration Movie

FUKUSANKIGYO

FUKUSANKIGYO

Video thumbnail for MFB-503 Drumcomputer Sound Demo by acidoo.com

MFB-503 Drumcomputer Sound Demo

acidoo.com

acidoo.com

Video thumbnail for MFB-503 Drumcomputer by Veell__old

MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Veell__old

Veell__old

Video thumbnail for MFB 503 Drumcomputer - Samples by Simon Le Grec

MFB 503 Drumcomputer - Samples

Simon Le Grec

Simon Le Grec

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MFB-503 Drumcomputer.

Comparisons

  • The MFB-503 is considered for 909-esque sounds on a budget, while alternatives like the Tanzmaus offer techno-style sounds and the Tanzbar is praised for its mix-sitting kick.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MFB-503 is favored by users seeking a hands-on approach for drum sounds, as opposed to the tediousness of browsing and selecting samples.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the Tanzbar highlight its gratifying hardware drum hits, which may appeal to those uninspired by sample-based drum work.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MFB MFB-503 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The MFB-503 Drumcomputer offers a nostalgic nod to '70s design with its compact, retro aesthetic and user-friendly layout. Its analog synthesis provides a rich sound palette, though the unit is marred by a few sonic issues, such as noticeable hiss and an occasional high-pitched tone. Despite these quirks, it excels in hands-on sequencer functionality and value-for-money, making it an intriguing option for those seeking vintage drum machine charm. However, potential buyers should be aware of the output quality niggles before diving in.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mineral_walter

Not a 909 but still nice

While the MFB-522 is compared to a TR-808, the MFB-503 is more a TR-909 type of drum computer, but I would not quiet compare to it. It uses sampled hats, and analog drums. It is not very versatile, I end up every time with the similar settings when I am looking for a good sounding kick. I have it as a companion to the MFB-522 and a Nord Drum. The sonic range of these 3 drum computers is pretty flexible.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Boys Noize uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Handbraekes

...
Verified via Musicradar

"It's very small but it's actually one of my newest favorite drum machines as well. We used it on 'What You Want' for the main kick drum. It's also a German brand."

See how A-Trak uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

A-Trak

Music Producer, DJ

Low Pros

...
Verified via Vimeo

At the :29 mark in Scion's tour of A-Trak's studio, A-Trak demonstrates the Drumcomputer MFB-503 drum machine. However, he states that he "hasn't really used it that much".

See how Étienne de Crécy uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Étienne de Crécy

Music Producer, DJ

Motorbass

...
Verified via YouTube

Etienne de Crécy - We, Computers Live Studio Session

See how Emika uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Emika

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this July 8th 2015 Future Music article, Emika explains what she uses in her studio and says: I’ve got a Nord drum, which I’ve only had about a year, but my favourite drum machine is called the Drumcomputer MFB 503." The MFB-503 can be seen in the photo on page 6 of the interview.

See how Detroit Swindle uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Detroit Swindle

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

The newest member of the Swindle family... #mfb503

See how Nullsleep uses MFB-503 Drumcomputer

Nullsleep

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Nullsleep is confirmed to use the MFB-503 Drumcomputer, as evidenced by the "Dead Gods Mix" live set video on YouTube, recorded for the Midnight Snacks 9th Anniversary radio show in Brooklyn, NY on April 2, 2014, and uploaded by user nu11s1eep.

Album Usage

The MFB-503 Drumcomputer has been featured on the following albums:

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 MFB-503 Drumcomputer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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