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Average Price: $479
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$601+
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Description
Meet the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks, a drum machine that has carved its own niche in the world of music production. With 13 pre-installed sounds ranging from kick to cymbals, this machine offers a rich palette of drum tones to experiment with. Its 13 trigger buttons and MIDI compatibility make it a versatile tool for any musician. The DrumTraks has a unique quirk, where the snare trigger is known to fire a few milliseconds late, providing a distinct timing feel that has been famously utilized by acclaimed artists like Tame Impala & Chromeo.
Key Features:
- 13 built-in drum sounds including kick, snare, toms, hi-hats, and cymbals
- 13 trigger buttons
- MIDI equipped
- Unique snare trigger timing
- Utilized by famous artists such as Tame Impala & Chromeo
Product specs
| Brand | Sequential |
| Model | DrumTraks 12-Voice Drum Machine |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1984 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Polyphony | 12 Voices |
FAQs
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What kind of connectivity options does the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks offer?
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The Sequential Circuits DrumTraks provides MIDI Input and Output, allowing it to be easily integrated with other MIDI-compatible gear for synchronized performance and recording setups.
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How many voices can the DrumTraks play simultaneously?
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The DrumTraks is capable of 12-voice polyphony, enabling it to play up to 12 different drum sounds at the same time for complex rhythmic patterns.
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Is the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the DrumTraks is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and reliable MIDI integration, making it a versatile choice for live electronic music setups.
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What is the sound character of the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks?
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The DrumTraks is known for its classic 1980s analog drum sounds, offering punchy and warm tones that are ideal for vintage and retro-inspired music production.
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Can I use the DrumTraks with modern DAWs?
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Yes, the DrumTraks can be used with modern DAWs through its MIDI connectivity, allowing you to sequence and control it with contemporary music production software.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS Vintage Drum Machine 1984 | HD DEMO
Reviews
PROS
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Can emulate sounds from legendary drum machines (LM1, LM2, DMX, 808)
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Customizable sound via EPROM chip swaps
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Intuitive and easy to program interface
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Offers great value compared to similar vintage drum machines
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Durable, high-quality build ("Sherman-built")
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Unique, crunchy sound quality that outperforms DAW samples
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Compatible with various musical genres
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Works well in combination with other synthesizers (e.g., Six-Trak, Prophet 600)
CONS
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Specific sounds may require external modification or purchasing EPROMs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sequential Circuits DrumTraks.
Features and functionality
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The DBX 165a compressor is key to achieving the crunchy, saturated punchiness found in Tame Impala's "Currents."
Source
Software and compatibility
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Past to Future's drum kits, including Tame Impala samples, require Kontakt and integrate well with DAWs like Ableton, FL Studio, and Logic.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Using a drum pad instead of programming can enhance the human feel of Past to Future drum samples for more realistic playback.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Samples from Tame Impala's "Currents" are recommended for achieving deep, punchy drum sounds similar to those on the album.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Beside Kevin there's a Sequential Circuits DrumTraks. Probably used in the studio and as the first part to the songwriting process.
Used on "Short Circuit", as stated in this May 1, 2001 Remix interview.
You've also broken away from the standard house music instrumentation. For example, you used Oberheim and Linn drum machines on several songs instead of the usual 808 and 909.
Bangalter: We used an Oberheim DMX and a Linn drum a lot. There is a Sequential Circuits Drum Tracks on “Short Circuit.” It's not like we're going against what other people are doing. We're just opening up the music to new ideas. The instrument itself is not as important as the way we use it. Instruments come with certain instructions in the manual, and many people can't look beyond those rules. People ask us why we like to use vocoders or electric keyboards from the '60s, but to us instruments are just tools. The idea is more important than the instrument. One of the cool things about the house music spirit is that it inspired musicians to use instruments for things they weren't designed to do.
"This is pretty much one of the most important pieces around here. I usually start all my demos with it. It's really fast to go to. Its MIDI sounds great. We've kept it on some songs, but it will be the starting point for everything basically. It's kind of a poor man's LinnDrum, I think. It's easier because it's MIDI, first of all. I guess the Linndrum you can retrofit to MIDI as well, but this one is a little more simple to work with. It can sound pretty much like a LinnDrum, you can make it sound like it. It's great! We start all of our stuff with it."
in this interview Mike Dean talks about how he began producing and his first gear
Orbital is listed as using the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks drum machine, as detailed in the equipment list from Hyperreal.
Album Usage
The Sequential Circuits DrumTraks 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 Sequential Circuits DrumTraks, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Sequential Circuits Drum Machines
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