Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $366

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Jas Shaw uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Jas Shaw

Music Producer

Simian Mobile Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

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"

See how Dabeull uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Dabeull

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOIajhLyo0k we can clearly see Dabeull use the : Sequential Circuits Drumtraks at : 0:21

See how Kim Wilde uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Kim Wilde

Singer

...
Verified via Muzines

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."

See how Steffi uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Steffi

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video she mentions all her gear and drum machines.

See how Sharooz uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Sharooz

...
Verified via YouTube

sharooz takes future music on a studio tour

See how Martial Canterel uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Martial Canterel

Singer, Keyboardist

Xeno And Oaklander

...
Verified via Electricity-club

"In the early 90s, I acquired a Korg Monopoly, Oberheim SEM and a SC Prophet 600, a SC Tom and an SC Drumtraks."

See how Warren Cann uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Warren Cann

Drummer

Ultravox

...
Verified via Muzines

"'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."

See how Andy Barker uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Andy Barker

Keyboardist, Music Producer

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"Using Andy's drum machine, which was a Sequential Circuits DrumTrax, we gave it a really clunking drum sound."

See how Alex Ball uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Alex Ball

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Alex Greenwald uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Alex Greenwald

Guitarist, Singer

Phantom Planet

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Instagram photo, Greenwald uses the Sequential DrumTraks.

See how Hoodboi uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Hoodboi

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Seen used in Hoodboi's Instagram story.

See how Rude 66 uses Sequential Circuits DrumTraks

Rude 66

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

"The Sequential Drumtraks. That one used to belong to Danny from Legowelt." mentioned at 0:42

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 yours
resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

monochrome

monochrome

Gear IQ 1064

deepsignalstudios

deepsignalstudios

Gear IQ 493

bryankielty

bryankielty

Gear IQ 86

More Sequential Circuits Drum Machines

Korg Volca Beats

$119.99 - $159.99

# 6

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Damon Albarn
53 artists using
Korg Volca Kick

$109.99 - $159.99

# 20

Rank

Damon Albarn emma essex Ela Minus
7 artists using
Behringer RD-9

$237.00 - $339.00

# 26

Rank

Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey goreshit Kerrie
7 artists using
Korg Volca Drum

$119.99 - $159.99

# 30

Rank

Ricky Jamaraz Xarakter Doviak
4 artists using
Akai XR20

$216.52 - $328.00

# 32

Rank

The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) Robert Hood Neon Vines
3 artists using
Behringer RD-6

$125.50 - $149.00

# 34

Rank

Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey carter c Joshua Bright
3 artists using
Nord Drum

$325.00 - $1,099.00

# 35

Rank

Alessandro Cortini Belief Detect Emika
5 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides