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MXR 185 Drum Computer

MXR 185 Drum Computer

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1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

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Description

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Step into the rhythmic realm with the MXR 185 Drum Computer, an iconic piece of gear that has shaped electronic music production since its inception. Perfect for both home studios and live DJ performances, this drum machine captures the essence of classic beats while offering modern flexibility. Designed to cater to musicians who crave authenticity and versatility, the MXR 185 boasts a distinctive sound that has made it a staple in numerous genres, from hip-hop to techno.

The MXR 185 features programmable patterns that empower users to craft intricate rhythms with ease. Its intuitive interface ensures that both seasoned professionals and novices can dive straight into beat-making. With a robust library of sounds, this drum machine allows musicians to experiment with a variety of drum styles, seamlessly blending vintage tones with contemporary flair. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or energizing a live set, the MXR 185 delivers consistent performance with a punch.

Key Features:

Programmable patterns for custom beat creation
Wide range of drum sounds for diverse musical genres
User-friendly interface for easy navigation and control
Ideal for both studio production and live performance
Renowned for its distinctive sound quality and versatility

Videos

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AnalogAudio1

MXR 185 Vintage Drum Machine 1983 | HD DEMO | SAMPLE PACK

AnalogAudio1

MXR-185 Drum Computer

rolandsh1000

How to Program 1983 MXR 185 Drum Computer Vintage Stereo Drum Machine

keyboard resource

MXR 185 Drum Machine

amir derakh

Vintage MXR 185 Drum Computer Demo, basic functions just intuitively shown and not planned.

James Farber

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR 185 Drum Computer.

Features and functionality

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The MXR 185's click output is primarily intended for syncing other machines to it, rather than syncing it with external gear.
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The Uno Drum's capacitive buttons are not preferred by all, but its 12-bit drum voices and solid analog voices are highlighted as standout features.
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Software and compatibility

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A 15-pin socket on the MXR 185 can be used to trigger sounds externally, potentially through a custom-built MIDI controller using an Arduino.
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Comparisons

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There's a noted difference in legacy sample availability between MXR (and Alesis) drum machines and Roland/Boss models, which offer classic sounds like CR78 samples on the DR660.
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The Uno Drum, noted for its 12-bit banks and analog voices, is compared favorably to the CR-78 for its unique sequencer tricks and onboard compressor and drive features.
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The Roland R70 is suggested as a cheaper alternative that contains a wide range of sounds similar to the CR-78 and MXR 185.
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The MXR 185 is appreciated for its clean, natural sounds, considered more fluid and thinner than Linndrum and Drumulator, making it easier to blend with other instruments.
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Use cases and applications

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Syncing newer equipment to the MXR 185's click output might be more effective than the reverse, though adjustments may be needed for tight performance.
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The MXR 185 is favored for its ability to integrate smoothly into mixes, highlighting its ease of use in diverse musical arrangements.
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Other

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The MXR 185's tape I/O is likely intended for data storage, common in vintage home computers, rather than for syncing with MIDI.
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User experience

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Owner satisfaction with the Uno Drum stems from its ability to replicate the CR-78 vibe, despite some criticism of its button design.
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Owners find the MXR 185's sound fits well with reverb without extensive adjustments, offering a unique alternative to more popular drum machines.
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Critic Reviews

MXR Drum Computer (MU Aug 83)

muzines.co.uk

The MXR 185 Drum Computer shines with its straightforward programming and comprehensive storage, making it a solid choice for producers. The tom-tom sounds are notably well-pitched, while the crash cymbal's quality is marred by an abrupt decay. The 'bell' sound is a miss, resembling a car horn more than a musical instrument. While the overall sound quality falls short of competitors like the Drumulator, the MXR's user-friendly features and thoughtful design, including a 'human feel' tempo shift, provide a workhorse drum machine for the era. However, sound fidelity and limited individual sound tuning hold it back from excellence.

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Artist usage

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Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

Verified via YouTube

is featured at 1:53 in the video

Richard H. Kirk

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Cabaret Voltaire

Verified via Muzines

In this article from Electronics & Music Maker Magazine, November 1984, Cabaret Voltaire discuss how the MXR Drum Computer is currently their main drum machine and prefer it over the Linn Drum “because the sounds are a lot sharper and clearer.”