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Average Price: $366
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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
In this XLR8R TV episode, Jas Shaw of Simian Mobile Disco talks about their live rig and use of the Sequencial Circuits DrumTraks at 1:35, stating "This is an old drum machine that we've stuck on. Its not particularly a lot of sounds, what we like about it... It's very hands-on"
in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOIajhLyo0k we can clearly see Dabeull use the : Sequential Circuits Drumtraks at : 0:21
KIM WILDE
Fostex 250 4-track cassette Yamaha DX7 SCI Drum Traks
"The DX7 is very adaptable and doesn't sound too synthy, so it's a good basis to use. It's the main instrument I use — I've got an old guitar which I can't play but it can be an interesting accompaniment.
"My Fostex is adequate for things I want to do as demos, because I've also got my own recording studio, so I can enhance what I do later. I think the limitations of a 4-track are very constructive because they make you get to the essential ideas in a song.
"I use a Drum Traks for a drum machine — I wasn't keen on the original bass drum in that so I had it replaced with a Linn chip. It's heavier and thicker now, but still not stunning. I suppose I'm spoilt because I'm used to being in a studio where a bass drum sounds like a bass drum.
"The Fostex is dead easy — I had to overcome the technological barrier that most people have, but as soon as I got over that it was straightforward. I tend to put down a lot of vocals, and bouncing those together is easier than bouncing instruments together — the balance of instruments is easier to mess up, I find.
"Writing's quite a new thing for me, so the demos are for my own reference, to help me in the studio. And the machines will throw ideas at you — it's up to you whether you grab them or not.
"I wish they'd use ordinary terms more in the manuals for all this equipment. I find that I learn more from the machines by trial and error than I do from the instructions. It's not that they're beyond comprehension, they could just put things in a far more basic structure."
"In the early 90s, I acquired a Korg Monopoly, Oberheim SEM and a SC Prophet 600, a SC Tom and an SC Drumtraks."
"'We Came to Dance' led quickly into the triggered Emulator vocal line of 'White China', with Warren Cann pushing an SCI Drumtraks to its limit to recreate the tuned bass drum patterns of the recorded version, and thence 'One Small Day' with its astonishing vocal gymnastics."
"Using Andy's drum machine, which was a Sequential Circuits DrumTrax, we gave it a really clunking drum sound."
At 51:27 in the video titled "Studio Tour!" by Alex Ball on YouTube, a Sequential Circuits DrumTraks is visibly positioned on top of the rack in his studio.
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
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