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Description

The Yamaha RX11 is a classic drum machine that remains a favorite among musicians and producers for its authentic sound and intuitive design. Originally released in the 1980s, this piece of gear still holds its ground against modern counterparts. The RX11 offers 12-bit PCM sounds, delivering that sought-after vintage punch perfect for electronic, pop, and rock genres. With its robust build and user-friendly interface, the RX11 is both a reliable studio companion and a road-ready performer.

This drum machine boasts 29 preset sounds, including kicks, snares, hi-hats, and more, allowing for a wide range of rhythmic possibilities. Its programmable step sequencer is easy to navigate, making it a breeze to craft intricate beats. The RX11 also provides multiple output options for customizable sound routing and mixing. If you're looking to add a touch of retro flair to your tracks or gigs, the RX11's ability to store up to 100 patterns ensures you'll always have the right groove at your fingertips.

Key Features:

  • 12-bit PCM sound technology for authentic vintage tones
  • 29 preset drum sounds, including kicks, snares, and hi-hats
  • Programmable step sequencer for creating custom beat patterns
  • Multiple output options for flexible sound routing
  • Storage for up to 100 user-created patterns
  • Sturdy construction designed for both studio use and live performance

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model RX11 Digital Rhythm Programmer
Finish Black
Year 1984
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads 16 Pads
Polyphony 16 Voices

FAQs

Does the Yamaha RX11 drum machine support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Yamaha RX11 features both MIDI Input and MIDI Output, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible gear for synchronized playback and control.

How many pads and voices does the Yamaha RX11 have?

The Yamaha RX11 comes with 16 pads and offers 16-voice polyphony, enabling complex rhythm programming and simultaneous sound playback.

Can the Yamaha RX11 be used in a modern studio setup?

While the Yamaha RX11 is a vintage drum machine from 1984, its MIDI capabilities allow it to be integrated into modern setups with appropriate MIDI interfaces and converters.

What kind of sounds can I expect from the Yamaha RX11?

The Yamaha RX11 is a digital drum machine known for its classic 80s electronic drum sounds, which are suitable for retro, synthwave, and electronic music styles.

Is the Yamaha RX11 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha RX11 can be used for live performances, offering real-time control over its 16 pads and MIDI functionality for integration with other equipment.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Yamaha RX11 One of the best drum machines ever made

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX11   One of the best drum machines ever made by Espen Kraft

Yamaha RX11 One of the best drum machines ever made

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX11 Drum Machine by Synth Universe

Yamaha RX11 Drum Machine

Synth Universe

Synth Universe

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX11 - a few patterns by SynthMania

Yamaha RX11 - a few patterns

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX11 Digital Rhythm Programmer / Sound Check. by Quiege Hattle

Yamaha RX11 Digital Rhythm Programmer / Sound Check.

Quiege Hattle

Quiege Hattle

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA RX 11 by Keyboards - review - repair

YAMAHA RX 11

Keyboards - review - repair

Keyboards - review - repair

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RX11 Electro Patterns with Arturia MicroFreak by SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

Yamaha RX11 Electro Patterns with Arturia MicroFreak

SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

SUBTOKYOSHOP Music Gears

Reviews

PROS

  • Infectious rhythms perfect for dance floors

  • Affordable and user-friendly

  • Sync and crossfade capability for on-the-spot creation

  • Individual outputs for fine tuning and effects

  • Classic 80s drum samples recognizable in hits

  • Durable armored outer casing

  • Simple and effective groove machine

  • Not noisy, easily syncs with MTC

CONS

  • Limited sound variety

  • Tempo control via slider can be imprecise

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RX11.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that cleaning the contacts resolves multiple triggering in pads, though results can vary with some pads remaining problematic.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RX11 features accent levels but lacks detuning capabilities, unlike its RX7 counterpart.

    Source
  • The RX11 does not transmit programmed accents when driven by patterns from an RX15, only note data is sent.

    Source
  • The SR-16 includes a song mode for chaining patterns, a feature not commonly found in similarly-priced drum machines.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RX11 is praised for its mid-80s vibe, with a thick snare, tight bass drum, and distinctive claps, ideal for retro or industrial music.

    Source
  • The RX11 is ideal for instant synthpop, whereas the SR-16 provides more sound variety, though not all may be usable for certain styles.

    Source
  • Digitakt users have successfully loaded Yamaha RX11 samples, appreciating their punchy sound and using them in synthwave compositions alongside gear like the Roland SE-02.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • RX11 units are often found at low prices in pawn shops due to minor issues like zero instrument levels, offering great deals to savvy buyers.

    Source
  • RX11 drum machines are considered extremely affordable, with prices as low as €275, prompting enthusiasts to purchase them before prices rise.

    Source

User experience

  • Sequencing the RX11 can bypass issues like crackling pads, maintaining sound quality despite hardware wear.

    Source
  • Owners find both the RX11 and SR-16 easy to use, making them suitable for beginners exploring drum machines.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the RX11, the RX7 is noted for its ability to detune sounds, making it more versatile for industrial music.

    Source
  • The Alesis SR-16 is noted for its 16-bit samples, offering more realistic and dynamic sounds compared to the 8-bit samples of the Yamaha RX11.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Digitakt's new song mode allows intuitive configuration of mute tracks, enhancing workflow when using RX11 samples in different song sections.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
battleandroid

Built like a tank, and drives like one too

This was my very first drum machine, in all its 80s glory. Though its sounds weren't exactly built to last, its armoured outer casing sure was - this is easily the most solid piece of gear in my studio.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Jolliffe uses Yamaha RX11

Steve Jolliffe

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

"I've always been a bit of a rebel, and I tend to do the opposite of what everybody else is doing. Recently I started using a Yamaha RX11 drum machine, then changed down to an RX15 because the difference wasn't all that great for the sort of music I was doing. It does help having an all-Yamaha setup with the RX15, DX7, TX7 and the QX7 sequencer, but the drum machine takes a back seat, being used more as a part of a sequence than as a drum backing. And of course the wind instruments are always there."

See how Larry Steinbachek uses Yamaha RX11

Larry Steinbachek

Keyboardist

Bronski Beat

...
Verified via Muzines

"We have a Yamaha RX11 drum machine but I'm a bit disappointed with that. For a start the memory is a bit limited, and because a drum machine is used like a sketchpad, it's very frustrating if you can't get enough bars into it. We use a LinnDrum with standard chips - our producer has some alternative sound chips too - and a Roland TR707 and 727 which are really good. They're amazing for the money, and we've just got an Octapad (Roland's MIDI drum pad set) which allows you to record drum patterns through MIDI onto the QX1."

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Yamaha RX11

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop is documented using the Yamaha RX11 drum machine in their diary, as referenced in the Whitefiles source.

See how Ian McNabb uses Yamaha RX11

Ian McNabb

Singer, Guitarist

The Wild Swans

...
Verified via Muzines

Ian McNabb talks in this interview about using a Yamaha RX11.

See how Colleen Green uses Yamaha RX11

Colleen Green

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:06 , Yamaha RX11 can be seen.

See how MIDERA uses Yamaha RX11

MIDERA

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

There is an RX11 clearly visible in this video.

See how Richard James Burgess uses Yamaha RX11

Richard James Burgess

Drummer, Composer

Landscape

...
Verified via Muzines

"For instance, on the Melba Moore album I used the Yamaha RX11 drum machine with the individual outputs, which is MIDIable. I would write the song pattern on the RX11 and then MIDI it up to something else. I was MIDIing to an Emulator II which had samples on it which you could tune. It's basically using it instead of a Fairlight except you're not restricted to using Fairlight samples or Emulator samples. You could mix the RX11 sounds with the Emulator sounds, or you could trigger the DX7 with the RX11, or even an analogue synth via MIDI."

See how Daniel Woodgate uses Yamaha RX11

Daniel Woodgate

Drummer

Madness

...
Verified via Muzines

Daniel Woodgate's equipment list, from the September 1985 issue of International Musician:

Fostex A8 Roland MSQ700 Yamaha DX7 Yamaha RX11 Seck 18/8/2 mixing desk Korg SDD1000 delays x 2 Yamaha R1000 reverbs x 2 Boss CEII chorus x 2 MXR Phase 100 Revox A77 Sony Walkman Professional Hitachi DE7 cassette deck A pair of headphones... Bose Studiocraft monitors Fostex Personal monitors Aphex Aural Exciter Yamaha 31 band stereo graphic EQ Ibanez 15 band graphic EQ ARP Quadra string synth Crumar Roadrunner piano

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Yamaha RX11

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 Feargal Sharkey uses Yamaha RX11

Feargal Sharkey

Singer, Composer

The Undertones

...
Verified via Muzines

I've been through all the Roland drum machines, you know, cheap and tacky. Now I've got the Yamaha RX11. The snare sounds on it are a bit naff, but one of the bass drum sounds can pass as a reasonable sound in the studio with a bit of compression and eq. On the album me and Dave would work out the basic pattern on the drum machine and then get Ulle or Martin Chambers to take that as a basis. But on A Good Heart, although Ulle plays on it, at one point there's a rim shot and a bit of shaker from the original drum pattern, so we do things like that for percussive effects."

See how Pompi Suradimansyah uses Yamaha RX11

Pompi Suradimansyah

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The drums come from a RX11 and the instruments are all DX7.

See how Devin Webster uses Yamaha RX11

Devin Webster

Drummer

N*E*R*D

...
Verified via Photo

Devin Webster has been identified using the Yamaha RX11 drum machine, as evidenced by a photo he shared on his Instagram account with the caption "Lil throw back for y'all." This post, dated December 09, 2017, showcases the artist with the mentioned gear, directly linking him to the Yamaha RX11.

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 RX11, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
6
Yamaha QX-1
Yamaha QX-1 Audio Sequencers
3
Fairlight CMI
Fairlight CMI Synthesizers
3
Yamaha TX816
Yamaha TX816 Modular Synthesizers
3
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator II Synthesizers
3
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
3
Roland Jupiter-8
Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizers
3
Casio CZ-5000
Casio CZ-5000 Synthesizers
3

Community setups

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Gear IQ 112

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Gear IQ 115

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