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Yamaha RX11

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$130.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (14)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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3 community setups

13 wishlisted

51 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$130.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $130

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Yamaha RX11 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

Yamaha RX11 One of the best drum machines ever made

Espen Kraft

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Reviews

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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

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

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The RX11 features accent levels but lacks detuning capabilities, unlike its RX7 counterpart.
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The RX11 does not transmit programmed accents when driven by patterns from an RX15, only note data is sent.
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The SR-16 includes a song mode for chaining patterns, a feature not commonly found in similarly-priced drum machines.
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Use cases and applications

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

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

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Sequencing the RX11 can bypass issues like crackling pads, maintaining sound quality despite hardware wear.
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Owners find both the RX11 and SR-16 easy to use, making them suitable for beginners exploring drum machines.
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Comparisons

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

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The Digitakt's new song mode allows intuitive configuration of mute tracks, enhancing workflow when using RX11 samples in different song sections.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

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battleandroid

over 9 years ago

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.