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Pricing and availability

Average Price: $29

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the vibrant world of retro beats with the Soundmaster SR-88, a masterful fusion of vintage charm and modern technology. This drum machine is a testament to the enduring allure of 80s analog groove, offering a palette of 5 iconic sounds that defined a musical era: Kick, Snare, Hi Hat 1, Hi Hat 2, and Cymbal. Each sound can be tailored to your liking, with options to pitch, pan, and mix them independently, allowing you to craft the perfect rhythm for your tracks.

The SR-88 is more than just a nostalgic nod; it's a creative powerhouse equipped with a Low Pass Filter featuring Zero Delay Feedback, providing a precise and dynamic control over your sound. The addition of Overdrive, Compressor, and Reverb effects ensures that your beats not only resonate but also captivate. Whether you're laying down a solid groove or experimenting with new sonic landscapes, the SR-88's intuitive sequencer makes pattern creation a breeze, with seamless MIDI drag-and-drop functionality to integrate with your DAW.

Ideal for both studio producers and live performers, the SR-88 is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between past and present, offering a unique blend of analog warmth and digital convenience. Its preset system, complete with a randomizer, invites endless exploration and creativity, whether you're crafting a new hit or remixing a classic.

Key Features:

  • 5 classic analog drum sounds: Kick, Snare, Hi Hat 1, Hi Hat 2, Cymbal
  • Low Pass Filter with Zero Delay Feedback
  • Overdrive, Compressor, and Reverb effects
  • Sequencer with MIDI drag-and-drop to DAW
  • 15 Factory Presets / 15 Factory Patterns
  • Preset system with randomizer
  • Compatible with Windows (VST2, VST3, AAX, CLAP) and Mac (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP)
THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Cheapo Boss DR55?? the Sound Master MEMORY RHYTHM SR88

Video thumbnail for Cheapo Boss DR55?? the Sound Master MEMORY RHYTHM SR88 by THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Cheapo Boss DR55?? the Sound Master MEMORY RHYTHM SR88

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

THIS MUSEUM IS (NOT) OBSOLETE

Video thumbnail for Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR-88 Analog Drum Machine by AreggerOrchestra

Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR-88 Analog Drum Machine

AreggerOrchestra

AreggerOrchestra

Video thumbnail for Sound Master SR-88 vintage analog drum machine repair MF#54 by markusfuller

Sound Master SR-88 vintage analog drum machine repair MF#54

markusfuller

markusfuller

Video thumbnail for Soundmaster sr 88 short demo by DavidH

Soundmaster sr 88 short demo

DavidH

DavidH

Video thumbnail for soundmaster sr-88 by playthatbeat

soundmaster sr-88

playthatbeat

playthatbeat

Video thumbnail for Soundmaster Stix ST-305 vs SR88 by lesingemonotone

Soundmaster Stix ST-305 vs SR88

lesingemonotone

lesingemonotone

Video thumbnail for Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR 88 – sound, operation, programming by the fsb

Sound Master Memory Rhythm SR 88 – sound, operation, programming

the fsb

the fsb

Video thumbnail for DR55 & SR88 Synced together by Lackan

DR55 & SR88 Synced together

Lackan

Lackan

Video thumbnail for Sound Master SR-88 demo Walkthru 28.2.2020 by Veli-Matti Rautio

Sound Master SR-88 demo Walkthru 28.2.2020

Veli-Matti Rautio

Veli-Matti Rautio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about soundmaster SR-88.

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing electrolytic capacitors and checking diodes can address some operational issues with the SR-88.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping out IC chips has been suggested to resolve specific dysfunctions encountered by users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A known issue is that the SR-88 only plays while the play button is held down, hindering pattern creation.

    Source
  • The SR-88 is fully programmable, making it versatile for creating custom patterns suited to gothic and dream pop styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report a persistent high-pitched noise emanating from the unit, indicating potential internal component issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users suggest the SR-88 aligns with vintage drum machines like the Drumulator, which was used by Cocteau Twins, offering a similar sonic character.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The soundmaster SR-88 can often be found within a budget-friendly range of $350 or less, appealing for those seeking affordable vintage options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • SR-88 is recommended for recreating the gothic/post-punk sound, akin to The Cure or dream pop influences like Beach House.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robin Guthrie uses soundmaster SR-88

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

In the first paragraph, line 13 of the Equipment Notes on Robin Guthrie's official website, he mentions using the Soundmaster SR-88 drum machine.

See how Sharooz uses soundmaster SR-88

Sharooz

...
Verified via YouTube

sharooz takes future music on a studio tour

See how Neil Arthur uses soundmaster SR-88

Neil Arthur

Singer, Keyboardist

Blancmange

...
Verified via kitmonsters.com

The SR-88 is pictured and discussed in this interview with Neil.

See how Terry Miles uses soundmaster SR-88

Terry Miles

Singer, Keyboardist

Go Kart Mozart

...
Verified via YouTube

Terry uses the SR-88 as his main drum machine during his livestream videos.

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 soundmaster SR-88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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Behringer Solina String Ensemble Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
E-mu SP-1200
E-mu SP-1200 Production & Groove
1
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1
DBX 160X
DBX 160X Effects Processors
1

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