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Average Price: $479

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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

What kind of connectivity options does the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks offer?

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.

How many voices can the DrumTraks play simultaneously?

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.

Is the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the sound character of the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks?

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.

Can I use the DrumTraks with modern DAWs?

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.

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS Vintage Drum Machine 1984 | HD DEMO

Video thumbnail for SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS Vintage Drum Machine 1984 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS Vintage Drum Machine 1984 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Drumtraks: Sequential's answer to the LinnDrum (includes FREE SAMPLES) by Alex Ball

Drumtraks: Sequential's answer to the LinnDrum (includes FREE SAMPLES)

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for A few Sequential Circuits Drumtraks patterns by SynthMania

A few Sequential Circuits Drumtraks patterns

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits DrumTraks Sound Demo (no talking) by Bonedo Synthesizers

Sequential Circuits DrumTraks Sound Demo (no talking)

Bonedo Synthesizers

Bonedo Synthesizers

Video thumbnail for SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS: A MIDI DRUM MACHINE that ROCKED THE 80S | DEMO AND HISTORY 🎛️🎚️ by Nostalgic Explorer

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS DRUMTRAKS: A MIDI DRUM MACHINE that ROCKED THE 80S | DEMO AND HISTORY 🎛️🎚️

Nostalgic Explorer

Nostalgic Explorer

Reviews

PROS

  • Can emulate sounds from legendary drum machines (LM1, LM2, DMX, 808)

  • Customizable sound via EPROM chip swaps

  • Intuitive and easy to program interface

  • Offers great value compared to similar vintage drum machines

  • Durable, high-quality build ("Sherman-built")

  • Unique, crunchy sound quality that outperforms DAW samples

  • Compatible with various musical genres

  • Works well in combination with other synthesizers (e.g., Six-Trak, Prophet 600)

CONS

  • 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

  • The DBX 165a compressor is key to achieving the crunchy, saturated punchiness found in Tame Impala's "Currents."

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • 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

  • 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

  • Samples from Tame Impala's "Currents" are recommended for achieving deep, punchy drum sounds similar to those on the album.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Past to Future's Tame Impala bundle was previously offered for €20, noted as a highly competitive price for its content.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sequential Circuits Drumtraks (EMM Mar 84)

muzines.co.uk

Sequential Circuits' Drumtraks stands out with its impressive programmability and sound quality, offering musicians the ability to tweak tempos, voice levels, and pitches, all at a competitive price point. While the interface can be cumbersome with its button-centric navigation and the tom sounds lack punch, the overall sound quality, especially the bass drum, receives high praise. The unique capability to swap in LinnDrum chips adds versatility, giving it a substantial edge over competitors. Despite minor drawbacks, this drum machine is a strong contender for musicians seeking both flexibility and quality in their digital percussion setup.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
blackfan

Oozes character

I love this drum box. You can get so much more out of this, and fit into more genres than you would imagine. Run those claps through a decent outboard delay, and it’s time to really get lost.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

Beside Kevin there's a Sequential Circuits DrumTraks. Probably used in the studio and as the first part to the songwriting process.

See how Daft Punk uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Archive

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.

See how Chromeo uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Chromeo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"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."

See how Moby uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via YouTube

is featured at 0:30 in the video

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Tapeop

in this interview Mike Dean talks about how he began producing and his first gear

See how Orbital uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via Hyperreal

Orbital is listed as using the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks drum machine, as detailed in the equipment list from Hyperreal.

See how Junkie XL uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:54 Junkie XL introduces his drums computer, which includes the DrumTraks

See how Com Truise uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Com Truise

Music Producer

...
Verified via XLR8R

Com Truise talks about the DrumTraks when asked about layering.

See how Jimmy Smith uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy Smith posts a photo of his DrumTraks to an Instagram story.

See how blood orange uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

blood orange

Singer, Music Producer

Blood Orange

...
Verified via YouTube

On Saint videoclip we can see that he uses the SQ DrumTraks.

See how Richard Barbieri uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Richard Barbieri

Keyboardist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via Richardbarbieri

Featured in the Gear List on Richard Barbieri's website.

See how Dam-Funk uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Dam-Funk

Music Producer

Master Blazter

...
Verified via YouTube

Cited at 1:10 in the presented video.

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.

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