Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $109

Budget/Beginner

$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

The Yamaha RX-5 is a powerhouse in the world of drum machines, designed for both studio perfectionists and live performance enthusiasts. Released during the digital revolution of the 1980s, this 16-bit PCM rhythm composer remains a favorite for its robust sound and versatility. With a wide array of pre-set drum samples, including kicks, snares, and toms, the RX-5 provides a rich palette for crafting dynamic beats. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate, while advanced features like velocity-sensitive pads and real-time control give you the ability to produce intricate rhythms with ease.

The RX-5 is lauded for its expandable memory, allowing you to customize and store additional sounds, which is a rarity among drum machines of its era. This feature, combined with its solid construction and reliable performance, makes it a staple in the gear bags of DJs and producers around the globe. Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or delivering electrifying performances on stage, the RX-5 ensures your beats are always on point.

Key Features:

  • 16-bit PCM sound engine for high-quality audio
  • 24 built-in drum sounds with the ability to expand via external ROM cards
  • Velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic beat creation
  • Real-time control for live performance adaptability
  • Expandable memory for storing custom sounds and patterns
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
  • Comprehensive editing features to fine-tune every aspect of your rhythms

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer
Finish Black
Year 1986
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Pads 24 Pads
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Yamaha RX5 drum machine?

The Yamaha RX5 offers a classic 80s digital sound with a variety of percussive voices, making it ideal for electronic, pop, and dance music genres. It features a distinctive, punchy tone that is characteristic of vintage drum machines.

How many sounds can the Yamaha RX5 play simultaneously?

The Yamaha RX5 has a polyphony of 16 voices, allowing it to play up to 16 different sounds at the same time, which is great for creating complex rhythmic patterns.

Does the Yamaha RX5 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the Yamaha RX5 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, enabling it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and synchronization.

How many pads does the Yamaha RX5 have for triggering sounds?

The Yamaha RX5 features 24 pads, providing a wide range of options for triggering its built-in sounds and creating dynamic drum patterns.

Is the Yamaha RX5 suitable for live performances?

With its robust build and reliable MIDI integration, the Yamaha RX5 is well-suited for live performances, offering versatile sound programming and real-time control over drum sequences.

zibbybone

zibbybone

Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine Demo by zibbybone

Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 demo (default voices) by SynthMania

Yamaha RX5 demo (default voices)

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 Live Demo by Zap Danger

Yamaha RX5 Live Demo

Zap Danger

Zap Danger

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 in 2020 ? by Musician Paradise

Yamaha RX5 in 2020 ?

Musician Paradise

Musician Paradise

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine - a detailed demo and tutorial by CatSynth TV

Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine - a detailed demo and tutorial

CatSynth TV

CatSynth TV

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine - my opinion by vintagestereos

Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine - my opinion

vintagestereos

vintagestereos

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX5 - Techno Jam ( Raw audio, no fx ) by Exsiderurgica

Yamaha RX5 - Techno Jam ( Raw audio, no fx )

Exsiderurgica

Exsiderurgica

Video thumbnail for The Yamaha RX5: The Ultimate 80s Drum Machine by Ian Dixon

The Yamaha RX5: The Ultimate 80s Drum Machine

Ian Dixon

Ian Dixon

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile with deep sound editing options

  • Iconic sounds recognized in late 80s tracks

  • Affordable with great value for vintage gear

  • Can emulate SP12 sounds using RX5USB Card

  • Individual outs and full MIDI support enhance connectivity

  • Stable performance, essential for live setups

  • Unique pitch shifting for creative tones

CONS

  • Plastic design and buttons feel fragile

  • Larger footprint than some competitors

  • Built-in drum sounds considered bland without modification

  • Hard plastic pads can be loud and annoying in live play

  • Some find it limiting despite expansions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RX-5.

Features and functionality

  • The RX5 includes individual outputs for each sound, allowing detailed external sound processing and manipulation.

    Source
  • The RX5 has MIDI in/out/through and supports internal, MIDI, tape, and external sync options, crucial for integrating with other gear without additional converters.

    Source
  • The RX5 lacks a low-pass filter but offers editable ADSR for each sound, which can still be creatively used for sound shaping.

    Source
  • Users describe the RX-5's 12-bit converters as key to its unique "crunchy" sound quality, contributing to its distinct sonic character compared to later models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The RX5USB Mk2 card enables custom sample loading, enhancing versatility with samples like 808/909 and E-MU Drumulator.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users often need to replace the internal battery and LCD as they tend to fade over time.

    Source
  • Users note that the RX5 can go out of sync over time if not explicitly synced, indicating a need for careful MIDI clock management.

    Source
  • Owners find button contact cleaning with isopropyl alcohol effective for restoring non-working buttons, improving overall functionality after years of use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its distinctive snare sounds, the RX5 was favored by Prince and used by Chromeo for select tracks.

    Source
  • The RX5's voice editing capabilities are highlighted as a standout feature, though less useful for non-industrial genres according to some users.

    Source
  • Individual outputs allow creative effects processing, such as using guitar pedals on select outputs to craft unique sound textures.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the 80s sequencer workflow as having a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with vintage gear.

    Source
  • The RX5 is notably larger than expected, comparable in size to a Minilogue XD and slightly smaller than a standard Hi-Fi component, impacting space considerations.

    Source
  • Despite initial complexity, some owners report mastering the RX-5's menu navigation quickly, finding it more intuitive than other vintage Yamaha gear like the EX-5.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users experience "crunchy" sounds, possibly indicating wear or damage needing repair, such as bent cartridge ports or broken volume sliders.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to its sibling, the RX-7, the RX-5 is noted for more pronounced punch and swing, enhancing its appeal for live use and recording.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha RX5 (SOS Apr 87)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha RX-5 impresses with an expansive 64-sound palette and robust editing capabilities, offering tremendous value for money. Its extensive voice modification options, including pitch and envelope controls, make it a versatile tool for creative percussion programming. However, its large size and somewhat unintuitive key assignment system can be daunting for new users. The inclusion of novelty sounds like sampled vocals might seem gimmicky, but the machine's core functionality remains compelling. The RX-5's innovative features, such as the Damp function for sound control and comprehensive MIDI implementation, solidify its status as a forward-thinking drum machine. Despite minor drawbacks like an external power supply, the RX-5 stands out as a powerful and flexible option for electronic percussionists.

positive

Yamaha RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer (1986) | Wolf Review

wolfarchitects.design

The Yamaha RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer is a beautifully crafted piece of retro gear, notable for its design elegance and construction quality. Despite being overshadowed by legends like the TR-808, the RX5 boasts unique features and sounds from its era. However, its noisy, less sensitive buttons and the risk of screen deterioration are notable drawbacks. With its underappreciated status, the RX5 remains affordable, making it a potential bargain for collectors. While not as groundbreaking today, its design excellence still resonates, suggesting a future appreciation in value for well-maintained units.

Yamaha RX5 (MT Apr 87)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha RX5 is a powerhouse of a drum machine, boasting an impressive range of high-quality sounds and unparalleled flexibility, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians despite its hefty price tag. The RX5 offers a vast array of voices and extensive editing capabilities, allowing users to personalize their sound with ease. Its intuitive programming and robust memory capacity set it apart from its predecessors. However, it lacks sampling capabilities, which limits its creative potential slightly. Overall, the RX5 stands as a compelling argument for drum machines, promising to reward dedicated users with its state-of-the-art features.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
paul_sepp

Legendary drum machine

Great drum machine. Really deep sound editing potential. All stock sounds sound really nice, didnt notice any issues. MIDI is also really a nice addition.

grit_neverlab

One of my fav's

I must be honest, if I hadn't developed sound cartridges for this unit (Retrokits RK-001) I would probably not use it that much (although the RX5's sounds are iconic too) but now I can play custom and 808s, 909s, 606s,... on this machine it has become a stable clock in my setup. Loads of pattern memory, 80s style editing but hey. Stable as a rock.

jimmarchi1

the stock RX5 sunds just kill, its like a Janet Jackson record.... or a skinny puppy record if you add some distortion

david_bonin

How did you develop sound cartridges? I'm interested in that.

E

Fun 80s drum machine

I love the snares and claps on this machine. The stock tambourine is one of my favorite tambourine samples that I use. It has discrete outs for each drum, which is really nice if you're doing more than grabbing one shot samples. Hard plastic pads get loud and clicky when playing things in live, which can be annoying, but it's a small price to pay.

jimmarchi1

Dude I love the RX5. Wish mine hadn't broken :-(

E

@jimmarchi1 let me know if you need any samples from it! I'd be more than happy to hook you up

k_g_b_

Um, read below?

The built-in sampled drum sounds themselves are pretty bland, but there are sufficient means of sculpting the sounds even beyond recognition. Pitch and amp envelopes and sample looping just to name a few, and when you pitch down the samples you get that deliciously gritty 80s industrial sound. Mmmmmm!

atonalmeasure

Nice crispy fast drum machine, good sounds

Stephen Morris from New order used to use these and thats why i bought one, i only ever used it for reverse cymbals.. true story ! nice sounding, but really quite limiting. Had all the expansion waveforms for it, but let it go.. Not forgotten, but not really missed.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Meat Beat Manifesto uses Yamaha RX-5

Meat Beat Manifesto

Music Producer

The Orb vs. Meat Beat Manifesto

...
Verified via Muzines

"Out of the studio and on to the stage, the emphasis falls on sampling. A fully-expanded Akai S1000 does most of the hard work (Dangers calls it "the brain") in conjunction with a pair of Octapads. Additionally there's a Korg M1, a Yamaha RX5 for certain drum duties, and a Roland MC500 MkII sequencer."

See how Pat Mastelotto uses Yamaha RX-5

Pat Mastelotto

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Chalkhills

Mastelotto isn't shy with electronics. He used "a fair amount of samples" for composite snare sounds, including three alone for "King for a Day," played on a Roland Octopad, and the overtone of "a very ringy Ludwig similar to a tube-lug snare" sampled on an Akai S900. The drummer and his tech Paul Mitchell bent the samples with a warp function "to a note that sounded good" for each track. Tabourine-shaker, congas, tablas and other oriental percussion came from Casio FZ-1 samplers. A Yamaha RX5 drum machine crops up on the fade of "Hold Me My Daddy"; elsewhere Mastelotto used an MX8 MIDI patch bay to increase the velocity of a LinnDrum fed into a Yamaha QX2 program. An old Simmons SD55's kicks and snares are on "Chalkhills and Children" and "Poor Skeleton Steps Out." There's a Pearl SC-40 on "Cynical Days" -- "similar to a tambourine but more of a bongo" -- and "Garden of Earthly Delights," "for a low kick that bends up like a tabla." "Garden" also employs a Roland TR727 drum loop. And Mastelotto still uses sticks: Pro-Mark 5Bs or 909s, "butt-end."

See how Georgi Guryanov uses Yamaha RX-5

Georgi Guryanov

Bassist, Drummer

KINO

...
Verified via YouTube

Georgy Guryanov used a Yamaha RX-5 drum machine in the recordings of KINO's albums ‘A Star Called Sun’, the collection ‘Le dernier des héros’, and the last so-called ‘Black album’ Information about this on timecode 12:05

See how Ryo Okumoto uses Yamaha RX-5

Ryo Okumoto

Keyboardist

Spock's Beard

...
Verified via Spocksbeard

Showed up in a list of Ryo Okumoto’s gear on the Spock’s Beard official website.

See how FewJar uses Yamaha RX-5

FewJar

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in this video at 1:35.

See how Peter Howell uses Yamaha RX-5

Peter Howell

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Studio F: Procussion and old RX5 drum machine (for cliks) on same MIDI circuit. Peter says assign RX5 to top note and set Procussion to ignore top note. Then in Vision you set metronome to top key on ‘drum machine’ channel.

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Yamaha RX-5

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop is noted to have utilized the Yamaha RX-5 drum machine, as mentioned in the studio diary available on Whitefiles.

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Yamaha RX-5

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Finn Dalbeth uses Yamaha RX-5

Finn Dalbeth

...
Verified via Tumblr

This is Finn's RX5 drum machine, which is used in his new tracks and side projects

See how Grit uses Yamaha RX-5

Grit

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Artist Grit is shown using the Yamaha RX-5 drum machine in an Instagram post by inthegrit. The photo highlights its integration into Grit's studio setup, praised for its 80s charm, separate mixing channels, and versatile pattern capabilities.

See how Junior Campbell uses Yamaha RX-5

Junior Campbell

Guitarist, Music Producer

Marmalade

...
Verified via Twitter

Mike O’Donnell confirmed on Twitter that he and Junior Campbell used a Yamaha RX5 drum module when scoring Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends.

See how Carlo Maria Cordio uses Yamaha RX-5

Carlo Maria Cordio

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via |

STRUMENTI E VINTAGE KEYBOARDS Pianoforte YAMAHA C3 CONSERVATORY mezza coda (Disklavier) Piano elettrico FENDER RHODES 88 tasti Piano Digitale YAMAHA P-60 HAMMOND B3 – HAMMOND C3 – HAMMOND T-500 – LESLIE 122 – LESLIE 147 Basso elettrico GIBSON RIPPER Chitarra elettrica GRETSCH BATTERIA PEARL con rullante LUDWIG e piatti PAISTE e ZILDJIAN CONGAS – PERCUSSIONI di vario genere VINTAGE KEYBOARDS MINIMOOG KURZWEIL K250 KURZWEIL RMX 250 KORG M1 KORG Trinity ROLAND D50 Linear Synthesizer ROLAND D550 Linear Synthesizer YAMAHA DX7 FDII ENSONIQ SQ80 Analog Sinthesizer ROLAND D-110 ROLAND U-110 EMULATOR III EMULATOR III XP 2 EMULATOR IV E6400 OBERHEIM Matrix 1000 KAWAI K1m BOSS Drums Machine YAMAHA RX5 Drums Machine

(All from the website)

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 Yamaha RX-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
4
Korg M1
Korg M1 Synthesizers
4
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
3
Yamaha DX100
Yamaha DX100 Synthesizers
3
E-Mu Proteus 1
E-Mu Proteus 1 Sound Modules
3
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha TX81Z Sound Modules
3
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Moog Prodigy
Moog Prodigy Synthesizers
3
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
3

Community setups

Show yours
orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

deepsignalstudios

deepsignalstudios

Gear IQ 493

sikaflex_musica

sikaflex_musica

Gear IQ 80

wintersunproject

wintersunproject

Gear IQ 230

burntsystems

burntsystems

Gear IQ 124

3 alternative and related items for Yamaha RX-5, curated by the Equipboard community.

Korg DDD-5

 

cheaper alternative

Similar sounds of snares and kicks, simple to use as well.

Yamaha RX15

$55.18

similar sound cheaper alternative
Roland R8 MKII

$799.99

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

More Yamaha Drum Machines

Yamaha RY30

 

 
John Frusciante Autechre Bootsy Collins
9 artists using
Yamaha RY-10

 

 
Michael Münzing
1 artist using
Yamaha RX8

 

 
Scott Putesky Brian Warner
2 artists using
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

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides