Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $379
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Description
The MFB-522 is a drum-machine that uses fully analogue sound sources. Most of its nine instruments can be edited in real-time using onboard controls. In addition, the bass drum, clap und tom/conga sounds are available in two respectively three variations per pattern. MFB-522 offers 72 rhythms, each with corresponding fill-ins as well as eight memory locations for songs. The sequencer also offers a separate accent-track, three shuffle intensities and can be synchronized to an external MIDI-clock.
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
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Is the MFB-522 Drummachine fully analog?
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Yes, the MFB-522 is a fully analog drum machine, offering warm and classic drum sounds reminiscent of vintage units.
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How many voices of polyphony does the MFB-522 support?
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The MFB-522 Drummachine supports 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to layer multiple drum sounds simultaneously for rich, complex rhythms.
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Does the MFB-522 have MIDI connectivity?
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The MFB-522 features a MIDI input, enabling you to integrate it with your other MIDI-compatible gear and sequencers for synchronized performance.
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What kind of sounds can I expect from the MFB-522 Drummachine?
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The MFB-522 provides classic analog drum sounds, including bass drum, snare, toms, hi-hats, and cymbals, perfect for genres that benefit from vintage analog warmth.
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Is the MFB-522 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the MFB-522 is compact and user-friendly, making it a great choice for live performances where analog drum sounds are desired.
Videos
S- Knob
Drumcomputer MFB 522 Demo
Drumcomputer MFB 522 Demo
S- Knob
TR-808 vs MFB-522
lesingemonotone
MFB 522 drumcomputer demo
Shimanski Beats
KiNK live MFB 522 drum exercise
kink303
MFB Tanzbar Lite vs MFB 522
3rdStoreyChemist
MFB 522 Drum Machine Tape Mix
ChicagoMelt
MFB-522 Drum Computer / Authentic + Affordable TR-808 Alternative
Liam Killen
![Video thumbnail for MFB 522 DRUMCOMPUTER Sound and Functions [direct high quality sound] by Penishead](https://img.youtube.com/vi/XIMETzvR-WY/mqdefault.jpg)
MFB 522 DRUMCOMPUTER Sound and Functions [direct high quality sound]
Penishead
Soundpaint - Red 522 Analog Drums UDS
Soundpaint
MFB Tanzbar vs MFB 522
3rdStoreyChemist
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional analog sound quality, surpassing even TR-808 in some opinions
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Compact size, ideal for setups with limited space
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Solid build quality, especially the minipots
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Offers a unique blend of 808 and 606 sounds
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Powerful bass kick and sharp claps
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Can be easily integrated with MIDI setups
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Provides a good range of sounds for its size
CONS
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No longer in production, making it harder to find
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Outputs can be a bit noisy
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Sequencer is basic compared to other models
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Only has mini jack outputs, which may limit connectivity options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MFB-522 Drummachine.
Features and functionality
User experience
Comparisons
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The MFB 522 is noted for its compact size and distinct identity, making it a sought-after alternative to the larger and more expensive TR-808.
Source -
The MFB-522 is described as having a brighter, sharper sound compared to the TR-808, likened to a cross between the 808 and the TR-606.
Source -
Previous users who upgraded to a Tanzbär note it as a German crossover of the MFB-522, 533, CR8000, and 909 with a raw quality that requires EQ and compression.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings
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143
An 808 Mini Me
I love it. It takes up little space, has good sounds in it, even if the sequencer is basic. I sequence it with other things. The outputs can be a little noisy, but that's about my only complaint. As far as gear with minipots goes, these are nice. I've had a lot of 2hp (the company) modules with these types of pots and they all feel awful to turn; Not on this little guy!
1248
TR-808 like sounding budget drum computer
Not produced anymore. A very little drum computer which comes pretty close to the sound of the TR-808. All analog generated sounds. It was replaced with the newer MFB TANZBÄR LITE which costs twice as much, Not sure if that price is justified. The MFB-522 is pretty good.
641
Analog drum machine with TR808 vibes and mini jack output limitations
I wanted a real analog TR808 sounding drum computer. This one is analog and sounding a bit as a TR808. Only cons is its all mini jack output.
Artist usage
Add artist
You can see it on top of one of the juno 60s in this video.
"I recorded myself triggering a kick, snare and toms with no sync, while the sequencer is playing 16th notes hats and rim shots. The drummachine MFB 522 is distorted through the mic preamp of a cheap dj mixer."
An MFB-522 can be seen in Marcus' setup, in this image, posted to Deep House Amsterdam's Facebook.
Todd Terje shows his 522 drum machine in a studio interview.
In this video Gold Panda is playing "You" on electribe ES-1, MPC, and MFB 522
I just played my first show a couple weeks ago. It’s actually my favorite NYC party called Mutual Dreaming, always good vibes. That was probably the only reason I agreed to play, and so I spent the week before learning the songs…again.
My live set-up is exactly the same as my studio set-up, minus a couple keyboards: Roland SH-101 Roland TR-707 MFB 522 MFB Fliterbox EHX 2880 loop pedal EHX reverb pedal Casio SK-1 Yamaha DX100 MPC500 and a small mixer.
"My DJ setup is laptop, Ableton live and Allen & Heath K2 midi controller with four channels running into an Allen & Heath Xone 92 mixer. My live set is all of that plus an additional K2 controller, some outboard effects, a Korg Monotron delay and often a drum machine (Korg Volca Beats or MFB-522)."
A photo posted on his facebook page, showing the MFB-522, 2 Novation Launchpads, and several other pieces of gear. His comment: "I have 128+ midi channels in ableton that i use to sequence [the MFB-522]. the 2 launch pads are used to make a 1 bar sequence of the 8 different sounds. i love the sounds it makes.... you can, as i do, run it through ableton if you wish you process it..."
Summer Heart is seen using the MFB-522 Drum Machine in a Twitter post captioned "synth parteeyy," highlighting its role in their music production setup.
Album Usage
The MFB-522 Drummachine 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-522 Drummachine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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